It’s normal to want to go out and have fun. Drugs may be legal like alcohol, caffeine and tobacco, or illegal like cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine and heroin.
People use drugs to have fun, relax, gain confidence or as a form of escape.
The only safe level of alcohol and drug use is none at all, as there are always risks involved. But if you or your friends do choose to indulge, make sure you are prepared.
Thinking about how you will respond if you or your friends run into trouble will help you if things don’t go as planned.
It is also always important to keep in mind the effects of your partying on your work and other activities. Partying and late nights can take a toll on your energy levels and ability to concentrate the next day. This can lead to lapses in concentration that can affect your safety and health at work, especially if you have to work at heights, drive, operate machinery or equipment.
WorkSafe has worked with the Drug and Alcohol Office to provide you with information and simple ways to keep yourself and your mates safe.
For more information about drugs or specific information about a particular drug, visit drugaware.com.au
The law
The use, possession, manufacture or supply of illegal drugs carries heavy fines and/or prison sentences. If you are convicted of a drug offence you will have a criminal record which can lead to difficulties in getting a job, credit, or visas for overseas travel.
Remember: The possession of small amounts of cannabis is still an offence.
Drugs and work
The law says that you must keep yourself and others safe at work. If you are involved in an incident and are found to have drugs or alcohol in your system you have broken the law and your risk of being dismissed, prosecuted or even jailed increases.
Drug Driving
You’ve probably got the message about the dangers of drinking and driving or being in a car with someone who has been drinking, but taking drugs and driving can be just as dangerous.
For more information about the laws associated with Drug Driving, visit drugaware.com.au.
How long do drugs stay in your system?
- Amphetamines (ice, speed, whiz)
can be detected in blood from 4-8 hours after use, and in urine for up to 3-4 days after use. - Cannabis (mull, dope, pot)
can be detected in blood for up to 20-36 hours, but can be present in urine from 18 hours after use to 90 days after use. - Cocaine (coke, crack)
can be detected in blood from 40-90 minutes after use, and in urine for up to 1-2 days after use. - Ecstasy (eccies, E)
can be detected in blood from 4-8 hours after use, and in urine for up to 3-4 days after use. - Hallucinogens (trips, tabs)
can be detected in blood from 30 minutes after use to 2 days after use, and in urine from 1-5 days after use. - Heroin (smack, hammer)
can be detected in blood from 30 minutes – 3 hours after use, and in urine for up to 1-2 days after use. - Benzodiazepines (downers)
can be detected in blood from 1 - 100 hours after use, and in urine for up to 1 - 6 weeks after use.
For more information visit drugaware.com.au.
Testing
Random roadside saliva testing is part of the Western Australian Government’s strategy to reduce deaths and injuries on our roads.
Blood testing is often used to test for recent drug use eg. within a couple hours of use.
Urine testing is the most common method of testing as it detects drug use for a longer period of time and it is less invasive easier to administer and is more accurate.
Hair testing can provide a history of drug use as traces of drugs may accumulate in your hair. The length of the hair can determine how far back drugs may be traced back. It is the only reliable method that can be used to detect drug use beyond a couple of days or weeks.
Note: In some industries, like construction, mining, health, random drug tests are used, so be warned.
What about overdoses?
You could save a life.
If someone becomes unwell or collapses it is very important to treat it as an emergency and get help immediately. Don’t worry that you will get yourself or the person into trouble, call an ambulance immediately (dial 000) and don’t forget that you are helping. Later people will be thankful that you did.
REMEMBER: The ambulance officers are only interested in helping and police will not be contacted unless they feel threatened or if there is a death.
Do you or your mates need help?
It's not always easy to recognise that you or someone you know needs help with alcohol and other drug use. However, even if you're not sure, there are many services available to assist everyone.
The Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) is a free, confidential, non-judgemental service that provides access to someone to talk to about what you are experiencing.
The ADIS can be contacted 24hrs a day, seven days a week on (08) 9442 5000 or 1800 198 024 (free call for country callers).
Email: dao@health.wa.gov.au
Internet: www.dao.health.wa.gov.au
The Parent Drug Information Service (PDIS) is a 24-hour, confidential telephone service for parents and families in Western Australia. Located within ADIS, professional counsellors and trained parent volunteers offer support, information and referral to parents and families across WA.
Phone: (08) 9442 5050
Country Toll-free: 1800 653 203
If you would like more information about withdrawal services, clinics and other support services visit drugaware.com.au.
Read the WorkSafe Guidance Note on Alchohol and Other Drugs at the Workplace.