This document discusses drugs and their effects. It defines a drug as any chemical that affects the body's functioning. It notes that heroin, alcohol, ecstasy, caffeine and nicotine are all forms of drugs. Drugs must pass through the body and into the brain to change brain cell functioning by interfering with neurotransmitters. Drugs can make people less aware and alert, and can relieve pain, but can also cause sleepiness, convulsions, comas and even death. Hard drugs are physically addictive and easy to overdose on, while soft drugs are not physically addictive. Illegal drugs are classified as Class A, B or C depending on their penalties for possession and dealing. The document provides signs that someone

2. • A drug is any chemical you take that affects the
way your bodyworks
• Heroin, alcohol, ecstasy, caffeine and
nicotine are all forms of drugs
• A drug must be able to pass through your
body and into your brain, allowing brain cells
to be changed by interfering with the brains
chemical signals called neurotransmitters

3. • Drugs make you less aware and alert making you
feel carefree and can relieve pain
• They can make you; sleep, have convulsions (fits)
and even slip into a coma
• For example heroin causes psychological and
physical dependence which can lead onto comas
and even worse death, as you can choke on your
own vomit

4. Hard and soft drugs
• Hard drugs are physically addictive and may be easy to
overdose on
• Soft drugs are not physically addictive
HARD SOFT

5. Class: A, B & C
The different kinds of illegal drugs are split into 3classes: A, B & C. Each class
carries a different level of punishment for possession and dealing
Possession Dealing
Class A Ecstasy, LSD, heroin, Up to 7 years in Up to life in
cocaine, crack, magic prison or an prison or an
mushrooms unlimited fine or both unlimited fine
or both
Class B Amphetamines, Up to 5 years in Up to 14 years
Methylphenidate prison an unlimited in prison or an
(Ritalin),Pholcodine fine or both unlimited fine
or both
Class C Cannabis, tranquilizers, Up to 2 years in Up to 14 years
some painkillers, prison or an in prison or an
Gammahydroxybutyrate unlimited fine or unlimited fine
(GHB),Ketamine both. or both

6. • If someone is using drugs, you might notice changes in how the
person looks or acts. Here are some of the signs…
• become moody, negative, cranky, or worried all
the time
• ask to be left alone a lot
• have trouble concentrating
• lose or gain weight
• lose interest in their hobbies
• change friends
• get in fights
• But it is important that depression or something else could becausing
these changes

8. NEED HELP?
Western Australia
Alcohol and Drug Information
Service
(08) 9442 5000
1800 198 024 (rural WA only)
Parent Drug Information Service
(08) 9442 5050
1800 653 203 (rural WA only)
www.dao.health.wa.gov.au/