Fact Sheets

New (and emerging) Psychoactive Substances (NPS)

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Fact Sheets

There are multiple terms in use globally that refer broadly to new, novel or emerging drugs.

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Alcohol and young people

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Fact Sheets

Alcohol use is common among young people, with one-third of Australians between the age of 12 and 17 reporting recent drinking and about 4% regularly engaging in risky drinking behaviour.

Alcohol

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Fact Sheets

Alcohol is an intoxicating substance made from fermented starches. It is the most widely used psychoactive, or mood-changing, recreational drug in Australia.

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Benzodiazepines

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Fact Sheets

Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed medications, accounting for around one in every 20 prescriptions written by GPs in Australia.

Buprenorphine

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Fact Sheets

Buprenorphine is a prescription drug that is used to treat opioid dependence.

Cocaine

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Fact Sheets

Cocaine is a short-acting stimulant and takes effect by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine.

Codeine

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Fact Sheets

Codeine is an ingredient contained in a number of prescription and over the counter pain medicines.

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Ecstasy

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Fact Sheets

‘Ecstasy’ is the street term commonly used for tablets containing MDMA, or 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine. It possesses both stimulant and hallucinogenic properties.