
DRUG USE
“People use drugs for many different reasons and drugs affect the way we think, feel and see things around us. They can affect our body and mind and weaken our spirit”
Depressants – these drugs slow your body and your mind down, these drugs include alcohol, heroin, benzo’s and Yukiri (gunja).
Stimulants – these drugs speed up your thoughts and thinking and your heart and body. These drugs include ICE (Yabu), energy drinks like V and redbull, nicotine (found in tobacco), coffee, ecstasy and cocaine.
Hallucinogens – these drugs can make you see or hear things that are not there, These drugs can be dangerous and people may feel very strange on them, these drugs include magic mushrooms and acid.
Some people mix drugs like use Yabu and drink alcohol, or smoke Gunja and use Yabu. Mixing drugs is dangerous and can make you feel very sick or have a problem with your heart and breathing.
ALL drugs are dangerous and can even lead to death!
Signs of a problem
- Do you find you need to use more of the drug to get the same effect?
- Do you start looking for the drug most days and get upset, angry or sick if you don’t have it?
You could be ‘dependent’ or addicted to the drug and you may need some help.
Drugs can affect not only yourself and your health but also affect your families and children.
Drugs can also affect you financially – all your money is being spent on drugs, and you might lose your job or have no money for Mirrka or power card. Your relationship could suffer, fighting with your partner a lot, and you may be feeling angry or arguing with family and community.
If you think drugs may be affecting your life and you are wanting to cut back and or stop, there is help. Talk to your local alcohol and drug worker or a nurse or doctor who will put you in touch with someone who can help.
- If you are using needles – Do not ever share your needle with anybody else and do not use anyone else’s needle – even if you don’t have another needle. You can catch a Blood Borne Virus (like Hepatitis C or HIV which can make you very pika!).
Its important not to draw back from spoons others have used because this can still pass on blood borne virus infections.
Use clean equipment every shot!
(Peer Based Harm Reduction WA – www.harmreduction.org.au for further information)
- Don’t mix your drugs.
- Change your bong water regularly to avoid chest infections and other nasty bacteria.
- Try to not use tobacco in your spin or mix, it increases the amount of tar in your lungs and causes dependance on nicotine (makes you need tjikirrpa).
- If you are pregnant the safest option is to not smoke Gunja this isn’t healthy for the baby and could affect the baby’s development. If we use drugs when pregnant the baby does to!
- If you are worried about someone having a bad experience from drugs don’t leave them alone. Try to keep them calm, give them fresh air and away from too many people, and get help if needed. Talking to a Ngangkari or Pastor may also help.
Alcohol and Drug Worker (Ngaanyatjarra Health Service) 0429 947 547
The Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) ph: 1800 198 024
Parent Drug Information Service (PDIS) ph: 1800 653 203
The Meth (YABU) Helpline Ph: 1800 874 878