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General health information

Recreational drugs

Drugs affect the brain and body. Effects, risks and duration are unpredictable because of the substance, strength, combinations, health and contamination. This article covers prevention, recognising problems and first aid without instructions for use. Call Ambulance 912 for inability to wake someone, slow breathing, a seizure, chest pain, extreme overheating or other life-threatening signs after drug use.

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  • Drugs can have both wanted and unwanted effects. The outcome differs by person, situation, product and combination.
  • A pill or powder may contain a different substance or strength than expected. Appearance, smell or previous experience do not prove what is inside.
  • Combining opioids, alcohol, benzodiazepines, GHB or other depressants can suppress breathing and be fatal.
  • Stimulants may cause overheating, dangerous heart rhythm disturbances, a heart attack, stroke, seizures or severe psychosis.
  • For a possible overdose with reduced consciousness, abnormal breathing, a seizure or another threat to life: call 912, stay with the person, follow the operator, place an unconscious person who is breathing on their side and give nothing by mouth.
  • Help works best without shame or punishment. Dependence can improve with medical, psychological and social treatment.

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H
HeroinHeroin is a powerful opioid drug that affects the reward system and breathing. Use can quickly lead to dependence, overdose and serious harm, especially when combined with alcohol, benzodiazepines or other depressant substances. Help is available and treatment works. Call 912 immediately for signs of overdose. Only use naloxone if it is available, is intended for you or you know how to give it safely.
S
Suicidal thoughtsSuicidal thoughts can arise when pain, despair or problems seem unbearable. You do not have to carry this alone: tell someone you trust today and seek professional help. For immediate danger, call Ambulance 912; for urgent family-doctor care outside office hours, call HAP 9252.
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Mental health problems in adultsMental health problems can affect mood, anxiety, thinking, sleep, the body, relationships and functioning. A comprehensive assessment considers severity, duration, safety, substance use, physical causes and circumstances; treatment is chosen together.