-
Caffeine
Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant found in certain plants. It acts on the brain and nervous system. Small doses may make you feel more awake and focused, but higher amounts can make you feel anxious and jittery. Your heart rate will increase and you may have difficulty sleeping. Coffee, tea, cocoa, cola soft drinks […]
-
Sensible Drinking
It’s all very well to talk about sensible drinking, what does it mean when someone talks about a standard drink? It’s confusing because a standard drink can come in all shapes and sizes, but all standard drinks contain about 10 grams of alcohol. The drinks are different sizes because some are stronger than others. But […]
-
High Stakes (Gambling)
We all enjoy a bit of a flutter once in a while. But for some people, gambling is a debilitating addiction. Approximately two per cent of all Australians, or 330,000 people, have a gambling problem. Problem gambling destroys careers and relationships, breaks up families and often leaves the gambler with insurmountable debts that they ultimately […]
-
Barbiturates
Barbiturates are a form of depressants known as downers. They are taken in pill form and affect the central nervous system by slowing down the mind and body. Barbiturates are not only highly addictive – they can also have damaging short- and long- term effects. Short-term effects range from a feeling of sleepiness and relaxation […]
-
All About Gout (Foot Health)
Despite the fact that many have never heard of it, gout is one of the world’s oldest-known diseases. Soccer fans would have read about Socceroos’ star Harry Kewell being stuck down with a case of gout during the recent World Cup, leading him to miss out on Australia’s second round match against Italy, which saw […]
-
Petrol Sniffing
Petrol sniffing has had a devastating impact in some communities. Apart from the effects it has on young people’s health, it has also led to increased violence, juvenile crime, property damage, poor school performance and family and social disruption. Sniffing petrol creates health problems because the led found in some petrol accumulates in the body. […]
-
On Track – Drugs in Sport
One swimmer was caught with human growth hormone in her luggage and four others failed drug tests
-
SMOKING – Every Cigarette is doing you damage
When you smoke you are doing damage to your entire body
Read previous Drug & Alcohol stories from our archives: