Glossary

2C-B (4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamine) is a psychedelic drug. This means it , it can affect all the senses, alteringand alter a person’s thinking, sense of time and emotions. Psychedelics can cause a person to hallucinate, and see and hear things that feel real, but are often not there or distortedseeing or hearing things that do not exist or are distorted.¹

Abstinence

Refraining from drug use; having no drugs in your system.

Addiction

Medical term used to describe a condition where someone continues to engage in a behaviour despite experiencing negative consequences.² When someone is experiencing addiction to a drug, they may experience both physical and psychological forms of addiction.³ Physical dependence occurs when a person’s body adapts to drug use and functioning with a drug in their system. Psychological dependence is characterised by feeling the need to use a drug to function.

Adulterant

Adulterants are other substances found in illicit drugs. They are used to bulk or dilute the drug, complement or enhance the drug, or facilitate the administration.⁴

Agonist

A substance that initiates a physiological response when combined with a receptor in the brain.⁵ Examples of agonists include opiates and nicotine.

See also Antagonist.

AIDS

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by a Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), a blood-borne virus which attacks and weakens the body's immune system, making it a target for infections and diseases.⁶

See also HIV.

Alcohol

A liquid produced by fermentation, which is the action of yeast on liquids containing sugars and starches. A depressant drug that slows down activity in the central nervous system.

Alcohol addiction

See alcoholism

Alcohol policy

The laws and regulations implemented by governments to manage the supply, distribution and consumption of alcoholic beverages.⁷

Alcoholism

A clinical syndrome characterised by very heavy alcohol consumption and continued drinking despite severe negative social and physical consequences.⁸

See also Drug dependence.

Alternative treatments

Also called alternative medicine, alternative therapies or complementary medicine. A variety of therapeutic or preventive health care practices that do not follow accepted medical methods and may not have a scientific explanation for their effectiveness. Examples include acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic and naturopathy.

Amphetamine

A synthetic stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system and speeds up the messages going from the brain to the body.⁹ Also known as "speed".

Amyl nitrate

Sold by prescription in tablet form and taken under the tongue as a heart medication. These are not used recreationally and are not "poppers".¹⁰ See amyl nitrite for comparison.

Amyl nitrite

A substance belonging to a group of chemicals called "alkyl nitrites", sometimes used as an inhalant drug referred to as "poppers".¹¹ Inhalants produce a depressant effect. See amyl nitrate for comparison.

Anabolic steroids

Synthetic substance derived from the male hormone, testosterone. Assist in the growth and repair of muscle.¹² Some anabolic steroids are used to treat medical conditions and are sometimes used to enhance athletic performance and appearance.¹³

See also Performance and image enhancing drug.

Analgesics

Painkilling drugs.

Analogue

A drug with a physical structure related to that of another drug. Although they have similar physical properties, analogues can have very different chemical and biological properties,⁴ and so can have different effects when taken.

Antagonist

A substance that blocks the effects of another drug by binding with the receptor site for that drug in the brain; for example, naltrexone is an antagonist for opioids.⁵

See also Agonist.

Antidepressant

A psychoactive drug used to treat depression and depressive disorders, for example, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Common brand names are Prozac® and Zoloft®.¹⁴

Anxiety disorders

Disorders characterised by persistent and unpleasant feelings of fear or apprehension that significantly interfere with daily life. Examples of anxiety disorders include generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, agoraphobia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).¹⁵

AOD

An acronym of alcohol and other drugs.

Aspirin

An over-the-counter drug which can be used for managing pain, and to reduce fever or inflammation.

Assessment

Specific evaluation methods and tests used in screening, identification, diagnosis and determining suitability for treatment.

ATS

An acronym for ‘amphetamine-type substances.’ A group of drugs related to the chemical compound amphetamine, which are made in laboratories by mixing different chemical substances. These include amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA, MDA and PMA.

AUDIT

An acronym for Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. The AUDIT is a 10-question test developed by the World Health Organization to determine if a person's alcohol consumption may be harmful.¹⁶

Ayahuasca

Ayahuasca is a plant-based psychedelic. It affects all the senses, altering a person's thinking, emotions, sense of time, and causes hallucinations.¹⁷

Benzodiazepines

Sedatives that affect the central nervous system by slowing down the body physically, mentally and emotionally. Prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety, sleeping problems, epilepsy, alcohol withdrawal, and muscle spasms.¹⁸ Some people use benzodiazepines illegally to get high or to help with the ‘come down’ effects of stimulants such as amphetamines or cocaine. Long-term use of benzodiazepines can lead to dependence, because people develop a tolerance to their effects.

Betel nut

Also known as Areca nut is the seed of Areca palm. It is a stimulant similar to nicotine and is chewed in a similar manner to chewing tobacco.¹⁹

Binge

An episode of intense (concentrated) drug use over a short period of time or continuously over a number of days or weeks, usually with the intent of becoming intoxicated.

See also binge drinking.

Binge drinking

A colloquial term for the excessive consumption of alcohol over a short period of time with the intended effect of becoming intoxicated.²⁰ There is no scientific term for binge drinking, as the amount of alcohol consumed before intoxication varies depending on the consumer’s age, sex, body mass and prior experience with alcohol. However, the Australian guidelines recommend that adults do not consume more than 4 standard drinks on any one day and no more than 10 standard drinks a week , in order to reduce the risk of harm from alcohol.²¹

See also: binge

Bipolar disorders

Mental health disorders characterised by recurring and extreme fluctuations in mood, from depression and sadness, to elation and excitement (usually called ‘manic episodes’). There are several types of bipolar disorder.²²

Blood alcohol content

Measure of the amount of alcohol in a person's blood. Generally, the more alcohol a person drinks, the higher their blood alcohol content (BAC).²³ A BAC of 0.05% (point 0 five) means that there is 0.05g of alcohol in every 100ml of blood. This is the legal limit for driving in Australia.²⁴ To avoid a driving under the influence conviction your BAC must be under 0.05%.

See also Alcohol.

Blood borne virus

A virus that is carried in the blood. Blood borne viruses (BBVs) can be transmitted via activities that may involve blood transmission from one person to another, for example during sexual contact or through sharing drug injecting equipment. BBVs include hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.

Bong

A type of water pipe used for smoking cannabis.

See also Cannabis.

Brief intervention

A treatment strategy involving short, structured therapy, which primarily aims to assist an individual to stop or reduce their drug use.

Buprenorphine

A synthetic prescription medication that is used as a replacement in the treatment of heroin and methadone dependence. Assists in managing withdrawal symptoms, providing some stability for people who are looking to reduce the harms associated with heroin or methadone dependence.

It has been used for the short-term treatment of moderate to severe pain. Withdrawal from buprenorphine is milder and the overdose risk is lower than with other opioid agonists.

There are four formulations of buprenorphine available in Australia including a sublingual (placed under the tongue) film, sublingual tablets, a modified release formulation given by subcutaneous injection (injection into the fatty tissue between the skin and muscle) once a week or once a month. It is also available as an extended-release formulation given by subcutaneous injection monthly.²⁵

Butane hash oil

Butane hash oil is a method of administering/ingesting cannabis that involves the inhalation of highly concentrated tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of cannabis that can make you feel high. The concentrated form is produced through a chemical process using butane oil. Butane is used to extract the oils from the cannabis.²⁶

Caffeine

A stimulant that acts on the central nervous system to speed up the messages to and from the brain. It is a substance found in the leaves, seeds or fruit of a number of plant species, such as coffee and tea plants.²⁷

Cannabidiol

Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, is one of more than 100 cannabinoids (chemical substances) found in the cannabis plant. People taking CBD have reported relief from a variety of conditions, including pain.^{28, 29}

Cannabinoid

Cannabinoid refers to every chemical substance, regardless of structure or origin, that joins the cannabinoid receptors of the body and brain and that have similar effects to those produced by the Cannabis Sativa plant. The three types of cannabinoids that people use are non-medical, medicinal and synthetic.³⁰

Cannabis

A cannabinoid drug that comes from the hemp plant, cannabis sativa. When taken at high doses it can have hallucinogenic properties. Marijuana, hashish and hashish oil come from this plant. The psychoactive ingredient in cannabis is THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol).^{31, 32, 33}

Chroming

The practice of inhaling vapours from volatile substances in order to get high. There are multiple modes of administration for inhaling vapours. ³⁴

See also Inhalant.

Cocaine

A powerful central nervous system stimulant that typically causes a sense of euphoria. Most commonly comes in the form of a white, odourless powder called "cocaine hydrochloride".

Codeine

Extracted from morphine and sold via prescription to treat mild to moderate pain.

See also Morphine.

Cognitive behavioural therapy

Short-term psychotherapy that seeks to replace poor or counterproductive coping skills with positive skills.³⁵ Has direct relevance to drug dependence treatment as it claims to identify and neutralise triggers for relapse. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the favoured treatment method in the drug treatment field.

See also Treatment.

Come-down

The gradual wearing off of the effects of a drug after a ‘high’.

Community mobilisation

Process of engaging community members to identify priorities, resources, needs and solutions in such a way as to promote representative participation, good governance, accountability and change.

Comorbidity

See dual diagnosis.

Cone

The section of a bong or pipe into which cannabis is packed.

See also Bong, Cannabis.

Controlled substance

A substance that is subject to government controls on its manufacture, sale or distribution - such as alcohol or tobacco^.36

Counselling

Counselling services incorporate face-to-face, online and telephone services for individuals and, in some instances, their families. Counselling can range from a brief intervention, single session or day program to extended periods of one-to-one engagement or group work.³⁷

Court diversion

An initiative to divert some people who use drugs away from courts and the criminal justice system into treatment or education programs.³⁸

Crack

A form of cocaine, crack is in the form of crystals that range in colour from white or cream to transparent with a pink or yellow hue and is smoked. Crack may contain impurities.

See also Cocaine.

Crash

The ‘down’ that typically follows a period of concentrated use of a stimulant drug, such as amphetamine or cocaine, over a period of several days. The ‘crash’ begins when use is discontinued.

See also Come-down.

Craving

Drug craving is defined as an urge or strong desire to keep taking the drug.³⁹

Crystal meth

A slang name for crystalline methamphetamine.

See also Ice and Methamphetamine.

Cut

To adulterate or dilute drugs with other substances.

Dabs/dabbing

Dabs or dabbing are slang names for the use of concentrated butane hash oil (or BHO).²⁶

Decriminalisation

Drug policy where possession of a drug for personal use is treated as a misdemeanour rather than a criminal offence. Often applied to substances considered to be less likely to cause dependence.

Delusion

A delusion is a psychotic symptom of particular types of mental illness, such as schizophrenia. A delusion is a firmly held belief not held by others. Delusional disorders can be experienced in different forms, including persecutory, grandiose or somatic delusions.⁴⁰

Demand reduction

Policies or programs that aim to reduce consumer demand for controlled substances.

See also Harm minimisation, Harm reduction and Supply reduction.

Depressant

A category of drugs that slow messages between the brain and body, affecting concentration, coordination and responsiveness.⁴¹ Depressant drugs can also cause drowsiness and slowed breathing and heart rate. Depressant drugs include alcohol, benzodiazepines, GHB and Kava.

Depressive disorders

A group of illnesses characterised by a depressed mood, low self-esteem and a reduced interest or pleasure in regular activities, over a prolonged period of time, which affects a person's everyday life.

Designer drug

Designer drugs are synthetic analogues of illicit drugs, developed to circumvent drug laws. Also known as New Psychoactive Substances (NPS).

Detoxification

The process of removing drugs from the body by allowing them to metabolise over time.⁴² Often the initial stage of drug treatment. Also referred to as withdrawal.

Dexamphetamine

Dexamphetamine is medication prescribed for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (a sleep disorder). It is classified as a stimulant drug, which means it speeds up the messages travelling between the brain and body.⁴³

See also Treatment.

Dissociative

Dissociatives (also referred to as 'dissociative anaesthetics') are a class of psychedelic drug. This class of drug is characterised by distorted sensory perceptions and feelings of disconnection or detachment from the environment and self.⁴⁴

DMT

DMT (Dimethyltryptamine) is a very strong psychedelic found in a number of animals and plants. It is structurally similar to psilocybin (magic mushrooms) and is known to produce short-acting and intense visual hallucinations.¹

Dopamine

A natural chemical produced by brain cells. Specific drugs may block the effects of dopamine, act like dopamine at specific receptor sites or increase the availability of dopamine.

Dose

Dose is the quantity of a drug which is required to produce the desired response in the individual. Dose measurements are used with prescribed medications, as well as the non-prescribed use of medications and illicit drugs, both in medicine and for abuse and illicit use.⁴⁵

Drink spiking

The practice of adding alcohol or another substance to a drink without the knowledge of the person who will be consuming it.⁴⁶ The effects depend on the type and quantity of the additive used and can include vomiting, loss of consciousness, respiratory difficulties and loss of control. Drink spiking is illegal in Australia.

Drug

Any substance taken to change the way the body and/or mind function(s).

Drug checking

Drug checking is a harm reduction strategy that allows a person who is already in possession of a drug to get it tested to find out what the substance actually contains.⁴⁷ Also called pill testing.

Drug court

Drug Ccourt is a specialist court that provides an alternative to prison and focuses on treatment of substance use and related offending. To be eligible for Drug Court, the person needs to have a drug dependence and been charged with an eligible offence. For further details on eligibility and referral criteria check with your local jurisdictionprison for eligible participants with drug dependence that have committed certain crimes.⁴⁸

Drug dependence

Occurs when a drug is central to a person's life, they have trouble cutting down their use and experience symptoms of withdrawal when trying to cut down. Can be physical or psychological, or both. When a person's body has adapted to a drug and is used to functioning with the drug present, the person is said to be physically dependent upon that drug. When a person feels compelled to use a drug in order to function effectively or to achieve emotional satisfaction, the person is said to be psychologically dependent upon that drug.

See also Addiction.

Drug diversion

Diversion of people who use drugs from the criminal justice system into drug treatment.

See also Court diversion, Treatment.

Drug induced psychosis

A form of psychosis that is brought on by the use of alcohol or other drugs, with the most common symptoms being hallucinations, disorientation and memory problems. Psychosis is where someone loses touch with reality and might have trouble telling the difference between what is real and what isn’t. Drug induced psychosis is usually short-lived but can be triggered if the same drug is used in the future. In people who are predisposed to psychosis, longer term effects may occur with the use of particular drugs.⁴⁹ Substances that may induce psychotic symptoms in some people can include alcohol, amphetamines (such as crystal methamphetamine), hallucinogens (such as LSD and psilocybin), cannabis, cocaine and ketamine.

Drug prevention

Programs, services or other measures designed to prevent and reduce the harms associated with drug use. There are three levels of drug prevention: primary prevention (preventing uptake of drug use), secondary prevention (preventing problematic and/or increased drug use) and tertiary prevention (reducing use and harms associated with drug use).

Drug testing

The analysis of breath, body fluids (such as blood, urine or saliva), hair or other tissue for the presence of one or more psychoactive substances. Testing may be used to detect the use of substances not permitted while driving, in the workplace, or in competitive sports.

Drug use

Where someone uses alcohol or other drugs, whether they are illicit, prescribed, pharmaceutical (whether they are used according to instructions or not), with the intention to experience the effects of the drug or treat a medical condition.

DSM

An acronym for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, developed by the American Psychiatric Association. It is used in medical and treatment settings to define mental health conditions, including disorders associated with drug dependence and use.

Dual diagnosis

Refers to a person diagnosed as having a dependency or substance use disorder in addition to some other diagnosis, usually mental illness, for example depression or schizophrenia.⁵⁰ Also known as comorbidity.

Early intervention

A proactive therapeutic strategy that combines early detection of hazardous or harmful behaviour (such as substance use) and treatment of those involved. Treatment is offered or provided before the person might present of their own preference and in many cases before they are aware that their behaviour might cause problems.

See also Treatment.

Electronic cigarette

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are devices used to heat liquids that produce a vapour, which is then inhaled – mimicking the act of smoking.⁵¹ Also called vaping.

Ecstasy

Ecstasy is a slang term for a range of drugs that are similar in structure to the synthetic stimulant MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine). The chemical structure of MDMA is related to stimulants (amphetamines) and some hallucinogens. Drugs sold as "ecstasy" may contain a range of drugs such as amphetamine, amphetamine derivatives, caffeine, aspirin, paracetamol, ketamine, in addition to, or in place of MDMA.

See also MDMA.

Empathogen

Empathogens increase an individual’s feeling of empathy and benevolence towards others and increase feelings of being socially accepted by and connected to others. They can increase friendliness and playfulness, but can also cause mood swings, dehydration and feelings of sadness and/or anxiety. Empathogens are sometimes referred to as entactogens. MDMA is an empathogen.⁵²

Ethylone

Ethylone is a synthetic cathinone, a category of drugs related to the naturally occurring khat plant. Reported effects include empathy and benevolence.⁵³

Euphoria

Sense of elation and commonly sought by people who use drugs.

Evaluation research

Evaluation research is research undertaken to see whether a program or activity is meeting or has met the objectives set for it.

Experimental drug use

Experimental drug use is when a person tries a drug once or irregularly or in the short-term, motivated by curiosity or a desire to experience something new.⁵⁴

Fentanyl

Fentanyl is an opioid. It’s about 80 to 100 times stronger than morphine. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is used for acute or chronic pain but it is also used in illicit drugs such as heroin, usually to increase potency.⁵⁵

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

An umbrella term used to describe a range of birth defects and child developmental disorders that may occur from exposure of the foetus to alcohol.⁵⁶ Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) includes fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).

Flashback

The recurrence of a hallucinogenic experience without recent use of a hallucinogen.

See also Hallucinogen.

Freebase

Slang term for the base form of cocaine, as opposed to the salt form of cocaine hydrochloride. It is extracted from cocaine.

See also Cocaine.

GHB

Gammahydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a drug that has a depressant effect on the brain and central nervous system. It was originally developed as an anaesthetic but was withdrawn due to unwanted side effects. GHB is used as a ‘party drug’.⁵⁷

Habit-forming

A drug tending to cause physiological or physical dependence.

Half-life

The duration of action of a drug is known as its half-life. This is the period of time required for the concentration or amount of drug in the body to be reduced by one-half.

Hallucinogen

See psychedelics

Harm minimisation

A group of strategies designed to prevent, reduce or minimise the harms to the individual and the community relating to drug use. These strategies do not necessarily aim to stop drug use. Harm minimisation operates through three approaches: demand reduction, harm reduction and supply reduction.⁵⁸

See also Demand reduction, Harm reduction and Supply reduction.

Harm reduction

Aims to reduce the impact of drug-related harm within society, at an individual and community level.⁵⁹ It includes reducing the physical and social harms associated with drug use, encompassing the prevention of disease, death, incarceration and isolation, without necessarily reducing the underlying drug use.
See also Demand reduction, Harm minimisation and Supply reduction.

Harmful use

A pattern of psychoactive substance use that is causing damage to health.

Hash oil

A thick, oily liquid extracted from the cannabis plant using a solvent, such as acetone or methanol. Hash oil usually has a very high THC concentration. Also known as butane hash oil.

See also Cannabis.

Hashish

A type of cannabis that comes from the resin of the plant. The resin is dried and pressed into a solid lump. Hash is added to tobacco and smoked or baked and eaten in foods.

See also Cannabis.

Health promotion

Process involving social and environmental interventions aimed at enabling better control over and improvement in people's health.

Hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver caused by viruses A, B, C, D and E. Some forms of viral hepatitis can be transmitted via shared injecting equipment.

Heroin

Part of a group of drugs called opiates, which are derived from the opium poppy. Opiates affect the brain by slowing down the activity of the central nervous system and messages going to and from the brain.

See also Opiate.

HIV

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the blood borne virus that causes AIDS. HIV can be contracted by having vaginal or anal intercourse without using a condom or by sharing injecting equipment with a person living with HIV. Transmission can be prevented by practising safe sex (such as using condoms or dams), using antiretroviral drugs such as pre-exposure prophylaxis, and not sharing needles or injecting equipment.^{60, 61}

See also AIDS.

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a pharmaceutical drug that is classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Ibuprofen is used to treat conditions such as mild to moderate pain and fever.⁴³

Ice

Slang name for crystal methamphetamine. It is a powerful, synthetic stimulant drug that is more potent than other forms of amphetamines. It has a higher purity than the powder form of methamphetamine (speed).⁶²

See also Methamphetamine.

Illicit drug

An illegal drug.

See also Licit drug.

Inhalants

A range of products, which when inhaled, may cause a person to feel intoxicated or "high". Common inhalants may include nitrous oxide, aerosol spray and chrome-based paint.

Injecting equipment

Term used to describe the typical items that are used to inject illicit drugs such as heroin. Can includes needles and syringes, spoons, filters, swabs, water and tourniquets.

Intoxication

A condition characterised by behavioural and/or physical changes, often including diminished mental and physical capacity; as a result of the consumption of alcohol or other drugs.

Intravenous

Within a vein.

Kava

A depressant drug, obtained from the roots of the shrub Piper methysticum. It usually appears as a drink widely used in the South Pacific both ceremonially and socially. It produces mild euphoria and sedation.

Ketamine

A hallucinogenic dissociative anaesthetic that is used in surgery and veterinary medicine. It causes amnesia (memory loss) and analgesia (pain-relief). Low doses produce stimulant effects; medium to high doses produce possible out-of-body or near-death experiences.

Khat

A stimulant derived from the leaves and buds of an East African plant, Catha edulis, which are chewed or brewed as a beverage. The active components of khat are cathinone and cathine.

Kronic

A brand of synthetic cannabis.

See also Synthetic cannabis.

Legal high

A general term for substances designed to mimic or produce similar effects to common illicit drugs, such as cocaine, ecstasy and cannabis. They may also be known as NEDs (new and emerging drugs) or NPSs (new psychoactive substances).

Legalisation

The process of making something legal that was previously criminalised.

See also Decriminalisation.

Licit drug

A legal drug.

See also Illicit drug.

Liquid ecstasy

Another name for GHB.

LSD

Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a psychedelic drug, which is synthesised from ergot, a fungus that grows on rye and other grains. It may appear as a liquid, capsule, or solution dried onto blotting paper. Small doses may cause mild distortions in perception and mood.

Lived and living experience

Lived or living experience refers to a person with personal experience of alcohol and other drug use and/or dependence. This experience can be in the past or present and is often a key component of peer support work.

People with lived or living experience with alcohol and other drugs have valuable knowledge to share with information and support services, and can relate to the feelings of others in using services.⁶³

Magic mushrooms

Fungi that contain psychedelic substances, such as the hallucinogen psilocybin.

Marijuana

The dried greenish leaves or flowers of the plant Cannabis sativa. The most common form of cannabis. Smoked in hand-rolled cigarettes (joints) or in a pipe (a bong).

See also Cannabis.

MDA

Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) is an amphetamine similar to ecstasy. It is more hallucinogenic than MDMA and its effects may last longer.

MDMA

Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), also known as "ecstasy", is a synthetic stimulant that has hallucinogenic properties.

Medical cannabis

The use of cannabis or cannabinoids to treat disease or alleviate symptoms of a medical condition such as epilepsy or pain associated with cancer treatment or terminal illness. Cannabis can be prescribed in a number of forms and administered in a variety of ways. It can be a plant derived product that is vapourised. Other forms available include liquids. oils or tinctures and gels for topical application to the skin.^{64, 65, 66}
See also cannabis.

Medically supervised injecting rooms

Medically supervised injecting rooms (MSIR) are health settings where people can inject drugs under supervision of medical and health professionals. They provide onsite healthcare and immediate medical care if an overdose occurs.

These centres also provide access and referral to other health and social services such as housing, alcohol and other drug treatment, legal, family violence, and mental health support.

These centres are also known as overdose prevention centres and supervised injecting facilities/centres.⁶⁷

Mental health

A mental state of wellbeing in which a person can cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, and contribute to their community.^{68, 69}

Mental illness

A clinically diagnosable cognitive, emotional or behavioural disorder that interferes with the way a person thinks, feels and behaves.⁷⁰ Examples of mental illness include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders and schizophrenia.

Mephedrone

A powerful stimulant drug which affects mood, it is also known as 'miaow miaow', 4-methylmethcathinone or 4-MMC. It is a synthetic derivative of cathinone, a psychoactive component in khat. It may increase energy and talkativeness and feelings of empathy. Mephedrone usually comes in powder form and is inhaled or taken orally.⁷¹

Mescaline

Mescaline is a naturally occurring psychedelic, often found in the Peyote cactus and San Pedro cactus.

Psychedelics can cause a person to hallucinate, and see and hear things that feel real, but are often not there or distorted. This means it can affect all the senses, and alter a person’s thinking, sense of time and emotions.^{1, 72}

Methadone

A synthetic opiate often used to treat heroin dependence. When given in an adequate dose to opioid dependent individuals, methadone tends to reduce the desire to use heroin and other opiates, eliminates opioid withdrawal, and blocks the euphoric effects of opioid drugs.⁷³

See also Heroin, Opiate.

Methamphetamine

A stimulant drug, also called speed or amphetamine. Most commonly found as a colourless crystalline solid, sold under a variety of names, such as crystal meth, crystal or "ice".

See also Amphetamine, Ice.

Methoxetamine

Methoxetamine (MXE) is a dissociative drug, which can cause people to feel separated or detached from their body or physical environment.⁴⁴

Minimum Unit Price

A minimum unit price, also known as a ‘floor price’, sets the minimum price a ‘unit’ (standard drink) of alcohol can be sold for. An Australian standard drink contains 10g of alcohol.

Minimum unit pricing is measure with the aim to reduce alcohol-related harm.

MMT

An acronym for Methadone Maintenance Therapy or Methadone Maintenance Treatment. Methadone maintenance treatment is a treatment option for opioid-dependence. The goals of maintenance therapy are to eliminate or reduce use of a particular substance such as heroin, especially if it's illegal, or to reduce harm from a particular method of use, such as injecting drug use

Morphine

Major sedative and pain-relieving drug produced from opium.

See also Opium.

Motivational interviewing

A counselling and assessment technique. It uses a non-confrontational approach to elicit and reinforce someone’s own positive and self-motivated statements, problem solving, and desire or capacity for behaviour change. It may be used in alcohol and other drug counselling. ⁷⁴

Naloxone

Naloxone (also known as Narcan®, Prenoxad® and Nyxoid®) is an opioid antagonist that is effective in reversing opioid overdose. It is available as an intramuscular injection or intranasal spray. Naloxone has no potential for recreational or non-prescription use, as it has no psychoactive effect, and no effect in the absence of opioids. ⁷⁵
See also Antagonist.

Naltrexone

A prescription drug that antagonises the effects of opioid drugs. It is prescribed to help people maintain abstinence after they have withdrawn (detoxified) from heroin or other opioids. Naltrexone is also used in the management of, or abstaining from alcohol, after withdrawal symptoms have reduced.^{76, 77}

See also Antagonist, Opioid.

Narcotic drug

A chemical agent that can induce stupor, coma, or reduce pain. The term usually refers to opiates or opioids, which are sometimes referred to as narcotic analgesics.

NBOMes

NBOMes (N-methoxybenzyl) are synthetic psychedelics. There are several different NBOMes, including 25B-NBOMe and 25C-NBOMe. While they belong to the same drug type, their chemical structures have differences.⁷⁸

Needle exchange

Supply of needles to people who inject drugs as a harm reduction measure. Needle and syringe exchange programs aim to reduce the transmission of blood-borne viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis by the repeated use and sharing of needles.

New psychoactive substances

New psychoactive substances (NPS) are a range of drugs that have been designed to mimic established illicit drugs, such as cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy and LSD, in order to avoid laws restricting the production and distribution of existing illicit substances.

Nicotine

The main psychoactive substance in tobacco. People who use tobacco can develop a tolerance and become physically dependent on nicotine. Nicotine is a stimulant drug and is usually found in products like cigarettes, cigars, electronic cigarettes and chewing tobacco.⁷⁹

Nitazenes

Nitazenes are strong synthetic opioids. Opioids include any drug that acts on opioid receptors in the brain, and any natural or synthetic drugs that are derived from, or related to, the opium poppy.

Nitazenes are a potent opioid and can cause overdose and death. Naloxone can be administered in the event of an opioid overdose.^{80, 81}

Nitrous oxide

Nitrous oxide is a colourless gas that is commonly used for sedation and pain relief, but is also used by people to feel intoxicated or high.⁸² Also called ‘nangs’.

Non-medical use

When someone takes a pharmaceutical drug differently to how it’s been prescribed by a doctor. This may occur when someone has developed a tolerance or dependence to a drug and decides to take more to feel the same effect, or when someone shares their medication such as benzodiazepines or opioids with someone else.

Non-residential services

Non-residential services are community based. This means that you are not required to live in a facility or hospital for the duration of your treatment. Non-residential services are delivered through catchments where you are referred to services in your local area. Examples of non-residential services include counselling, non-residential withdrawal and therapeutic day rehabilitation.

Nootropics

Nootropic also known as ‘cognitive enhancers’ are drugs that some people use in an attempt to improve memory, increase mental alertness and concentration as well as boost energy levels and wakefulness.⁴³

NSP

An acronym for needle and syringe program. A public health measure, consistent with the principles of harm minimisation, to reduce the spread of infections, such as HIV and hepatitis C, among people who inject drugs. NSPs provide sterile injecting equipment, education on reducing drug use, health information, and referral to drug treatment, medical care, legal and social services. Programs do not supply drugs or allow people to inject drugs on the premises.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

An anxiety disorder characterised by unwanted and excessive recurring thoughts, urges or images (obsessions) or repetitive behaviours (compulsions) that interfere with daily life.⁸

Opiates

Opiates are a subset of opioids, which are naturally derived from the opium poppy plant, rather than synthetic substances. They have the ability to induce analgesia, euphoria, and, in higher doses, stupor, coma, and respiratory depression.⁸³ The term opiate excludes synthetic opioids such as heroin and methadone.

Opioid

Opioids include any drug that acts on opioid receptors in the brain, and any natural or synthetic drugs that are derived from or related to the opium poppy. Opioid substances have the capacity to relieve pain and produce a sense of well-being (euphoria). Heroin, methadone, codeine, morphine and opium are opioids.⁸⁴

Opium

The coagulated juice of the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). Contains a number of alkaloids, such as morphine, codeine, and papaverine.

Outreach

Engagement with individuals or groups not effectively reached through existing services or traditional health education channels, with the overall aim of improving health and reducing risk or harm.

Over-the-counter drug

Drug that can be sold or administered without a prescription.

Overdose

A toxic or lethal amount of a drug, exceeding the body's ability to cope with the drug. Results in acute adverse physical or psychological effects, including stupor, coma, respiratory depression or death. Many drugs can cause an overdose, including prescription medication.⁸⁵

Oxycodone

A prescription-only opioid painkilling drug used to treat moderate to severe pain. ^{86, 87}

Panic disorder

A disorder characterised by unpredictable but recurring attacks of intense fear or discomfort (panic).⁸

Paracetamol

Paracetamol is a pharmaceutical drug, which is used to treat a number of conditions including mild pain and fever.⁴³

PCP

Phencyclidine (PCP) is a drug that has both hallucinogenic and dissociative properties. The dissociative effects of PCP leaves users feeling removed from their body and their environment. This effect produces a trance-like state. It also has strong anaesthetic effects, which produces amnesia (memory loss) and analgesia (pain-relief). Also known as "angel dust".⁸⁸

Peer education

Educational programs that utilise skilled facilitators with lived experience of the issues or subject matter that they are providing training on, such as alcohol or other drug use, or mental illness.

Peer support

A system of giving and receiving help or support from people with lived experience that focuses on developing communication skills, self-confidence and self-esteem. Also known as mutual aid.

Performance and image enhancing drug

A drug, such as an anabolic steroid, growth hormone, reproductive hormone or peptide, that can increase muscle strength, increase endurance, and influence body shape.¹²
See also Steroid.

Pharmaceutical drug

Legal, over the counter or prescription drugs available through a pharmacy for the purposes of treating medical conditions.
See also Over-the-counter drug.

Pharmacotherapy

‘Pharmacotherapy’ is the term used to describe the use of medication (such as methadone, buprenorphine) to assist in the treatment of opioid dependence.⁸⁹ Pharmacotherapy does not provide a ‘high’ in the way that the drug of dependence may have, rather it works to block the effects of withdrawal or the effects of the drug on the brain. This assists someone wanting to reduce or stop their use of a drug of dependence.

Pill testing

Pill testing is a harm reduction strategy that allows a person who is already in possession of a drug to get it tested to find out what the substance actually contains.

See Drug checking.⁴⁷

PMA

Paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA or PMMA) is a particularly toxic substance from the amphetamine family, often sold as ecstasy.

See also Amphetamine.⁷²

Poly drug use

Using two or more drugs at the same time. Can involve drugs with opposing effects, which may have negative effects depending on the drugs being taken.

Potency

The strength or effectiveness of a drug.

Precursors

Precursors is a general term for chemicals that are used to produce some illicit drugs such as methamphetamine. There are a number of laws that control precursors.⁹⁰

Prevention

Prevention refers to measures that stop or delay the uptake of alcohol or drug use and protect against progression to more frequent or regular use amongst at risk populations.

Protective factor

A protective factor refers to anything that prevents or reduces vulnerability for the development of negative or undesirable health outcomes, including injury, disease and substance dependency that has negative impacts on someone’s life.

Psychedelics

A class of psychoactive substances that produce changes in perception, mood and cognitive processes.⁹¹ Psychedelics affect all the senses, altering a person’s thinking, sense of time and emotions. They can also cause a person to hallucinate—seeing or hearing things that do not exist or are distorted. Some common psychedelics are LSD, peyote and psylocibin mushrooms.⁹¹
See also Psychoactive substance.

Psychoactive substance

A drug that affects a person's central nervous system. Psychoactive substances alter brain activity, and can change the way a person thinks, feels or behaves. Includes legal and pharmaceutical drugs.

Psychosis

Any psychological condition distinguished by a loss of contact with reality. Prominent hallucinations and delusions may be associated with psychosis.⁸

Psychostimulant

A drug that affects the central nervous system and can produce euphoria, a sense of wellbeing, wakefulness and alertness. Prolonged use or high levels of use can cause behavioural disturbances.

PWID

An acronym for ‘person who injects drugs’.

RBT (random breath test/ roadside breath test)

An acronym for random breath test or roadside breath test.

Drivers may be stopped at any point along any road by a police officer for an RBT to test for the presence of alcohol or other drugs in a person’s system. The aim of RBT is to measure if you are impaired by alcohol at the time of driving.

Drivers will be asked to use a hand-held device that measures Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). The test takes around 1 minute to get a result. You must be below 0.05% BAC to drive in Australia, but this could be less depending on your license.

Random roadside drug testing

Drivers may be stopped at any point along any road by a police officer to test their saliva for traces of illicit (illegal) drugs in their system.

The tests aim to determine whether there are drugs in your system, not just impairment at the time of driving. This means you can test positive, even if you consumed drugs days ago.

In a random roadside drug test, drivers are asked to place a small absorbent pad under the tongue for a few seconds, and the saliva sample is analysed roadside which takes about 3 minutes. Further tests may occur if the test is positive.

Real Time Prescription Monitoring

Real Time Prescription Monitoring is a digital system that collects and reports information on prescribing and dispensing controlled medication. Real time information can be provided to doctors and pharmacists during a consultationReal Time Prescription Monitoring is computer software that allows prescription records for some high-risk medicines to be transmitted in real-time to a centralised database which can then be accessed by doctors and pharmacists during a consultation.⁹²

Receptor

Cell in the brain that is sensitive to a particular substance or drug. For example, the effects of heroin are experienced when the drug attaches itself to the opioid receptor in the brain.

Recovery

Recovery is the process of improved physical, psychological, and social well-being and health after a period of drug dependence.

Relapse

A recurrence of drug use after a period of abstinence or stability in treatment. Relapse is common among people who have a dependence on drugs when they are attempting to stop drug use.

See also Drug dependence, Treatment.

Residential treatment

Live-in rehabilitation or detoxification care, or a combination of both. Residential rehabilitation care varies depending on the service but does not usually provide withdrawal medication. Residential detoxification involves a short stay in a community residential drug withdrawal unit or hospital where clinical staff provide 24-hour support.

Risk reduction

Policies or programs (including treatment) that focus on reducing the risk of harms associated with drug use.

See also Harm reduction, Harm minimisation.

Rohypnol

A powerful benzodiazepine that induces sleep.
See also Benzodiazepine.

Routes of administration

The way a substance is introduced into the body, such as oral ingestion, intravenous, inhalation, smoking, absorption through the skin, gums, rectum or genitalia.⁹³

Rush

An immediate, intense, pleasurable effect that follows injection of certain substances (e.g. heroin, amphetamine, cocaine).

Schizophrenia

A mental illness characterised by psychotic symptoms (delusions, hallucinations), as well thinking difficulties and reduced motivation and emotional expression.⁸

Screening

Testing a person for the purposes of diagnosis or to determine their use of drugs.

Sedative

Depressant drug that acts on the central nervous system to reduce anxiety and cause calmness and sleep.

Self-help group

A voluntary group dedicated to recovery from drug dependence through mutual support and people helping each other. For example, Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that has a prominent role in sleep regulation and mood. It is affected by a number of psychoactive substances. Its synaptic concentration is increased by stimulants, for example, ecstasy (MDMA) and its release is inhibited by opioid receptors.
See also Opioid, Receptor.

Snorting

Ingesting powdered drugs through the nose.

Sobering Up Centres

A sobering up centre is a health-based response to public intoxication, where people who are intoxicated can go to sober up safely under care and supervision.

These centres often provide beds, food, water, clothes, showering and laundry facilities.

Sobering up centres can help keep people safer, provide an alternative to be taken into police custody for public intoxication offences, and connection to wraparound health and social support services.

Solvent

A volatile substance, such as petrol, glue and aerosols. May be used as an inhalant drug.
See also Inhalant.

Speed

Slang term for amphetamine or methamphetamine.

Speedball

A speedball is a mixture of a stimulant and depressant/opioid. Usually cocaine and heroin taken together.

Stages of change

Model developed by Prochaska and DiClemente to describe the stages involved in changing a behaviour or problem.⁹⁴

Standard drink

A drink that contains 10 grams of ethanol (pure alcohol).
See also Alcohol.

Steroid

One of a group of naturally occurring or synthetic hormones that affect the chemical processes in the body, growth and sexual and other physiological functions. Anabolic steroids are used illicitly by people with the aim of increasing strength and athletic performance.⁹⁵

Stigma

Negative perceptions or assumptions commonly associated with drug use.

Stimulant

A drug that acts to stimulate certain chemicals in the brain. Stimulants increase alertness, heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate. Examples of stimulants include caffeine, amphetamines and nicotine.

Substance use disorders

A diagnosable medical condition characterised by a group of cognitive, behavioural and physiological symptoms that indicate continued use of a drug despite significant problems.⁸

Supply reduction

Policies or programs, usually involving law enforcement agencies, designed to reduce the manufacture and/or distribution of illicit drugs.⁹⁶
See also Demand reduction, Harm minimisation and Harm reduction.

Synthetic cannabis

Manufactured chemicals that aim to mimic the effects of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in cannabis. Synthetic cannabinoids are usually sold combined with herbs. Brands of synthetic cannabis include Spice and Kronic.

Synthetic cathinones

Synthetic cathinones are a category of stimulant drugs which are related to the naturally occurring khat plant. The effects of synthetic cathinones are similar to amphetamines. Common synthetic cathinones include Mephedrone and Methylone.⁹⁷

Synthetic drugs

See: new psychoactive substances.

THC

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive agent in cannabis.
See also Cannabis.

Therapeutic community

A residential environment where a person with a drug-related problem undergoes rehabilitation through abstinence and community participation.⁹⁸ Therapeutic communities are often specifically designed for people who are dependent on drugs; they operate under strict rules, are run mainly by people who have recovered from dependence and are often geographically isolated.
See also Drug dependence.

Therapeutic day rehabilitation

Therapeutic day rehabilitation is a non-residential treatment option that offers an intensive structured program over a period of weeks. It includes both counselling and a range of other elements designed to build life skills and promote general wellbeing, such as financial management and nutrition.³⁷

Tobacco

Any preparation of the dried leaves of Nicotiana tabacum or Nicotiana rustica. The main psychoactive ingredient is nicotine.
See also Nicotine.

Tolerance

Where a person's body becomes used to a drug being present and more of the drug is needed to cause the same effect felt previously with smaller amounts.
See also Drug dependence.

Tranquilliser

A prescription-only medicine used in the treatment of anxiety. Common tranquillisers include Valium®, Mogadon®, Temazepam® and Xanax®.

Twelve-step program

A widely used method of treatment, originally implemented by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in the 1930s. The 12 steps are to be approached sequentially as a way to stop the dependent use of alcohol or other drugs.

Urinalysis

Testing of urine for the presence of drugs or drug metabolites.

Vaping

Vaping refers to the use of an electronic device (e-cigarette) to heat liquids that produce a vapour, which is then inhaled – mimicking the act of smoking.⁵¹

See also E-cigarette.

Volatile substance

A substance that vaporizes at ambient temperatures. Some volatile substances are inhaled for psychoactive effects (also called inhalants).
See also Inhalants.

Withdrawal

Stopping or reducing heavy or lengthy drug use. Usually accompanied by a set of symptoms ranging from mild to severe, which depend on the person and the drug they are withdrawing from.

Zero tolerance

A term commonly associated with strict policing measures, based on the belief that activities associated with illegal drugs should not be tolerated at any level. This approach emphasises the law as the main method of dealing with drugs and drug issues, rather than a public health approach.

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