Drugs and the law
The purchase of cigarettes and alcohol is legal for people over the age of 18. However, if you look younger than 25 you will still be asked to show proof of your age (with a driver’s licence, student identification (ID) card or similar). This practice protects the shop owner, as there are heavy penalties for selling or serving cigarettes and alcohol to people under 18 years.
Buying, selling, possessing or using all other drugs, including marijuana, amphetamines and opiates, is against the law. If you are caught you will face severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment and even deportation.
Read more about drug-related issues at www.drugs.health.gov.au
Smoking
Although smoking is permitted in Australia, it is not recommended. The long-term effects of smoking are well documented: cancer, heart disease, blood clots, respiratory infections and stroke. In the short term, you will suffer from bad breath and smelly hair and clothes, stained fingers and teeth, reduced physical fitness, and a severe cough.
Smoking is also linked to depression. And if none of that puts you off, consider the financial cost. High taxes are placed on cigarettes, making the smoking habit expensive.
Remember that smoking tobacco is prohibited in a growing number of public places in Australia, including shopping centres, restaurants and on public transport. It is also prohibited in most government offices, health clinics, and workplaces. Non-smoking areas are often, but not always, indicated with a 'no smoking' sign. In Australia there are also a number of laws regulating and restricting the advertising, promotion and packaging of tobacco products.
For more information, visit the QUITLINE website at www.quitnow.info.au or call 131 848.
Alcohol
Australia has a bit of a reputation for being a country that enjoys alcohol. There’s nothing wrong with having a few drinks to unwind or celebrate, but binge drinking (drinking excessively to inebriation) should be avoided. Aside from giving you a hangover (headache, tiredness, nausea and vomiting), it makes you more susceptible to injury and assault, and can have an impact on your physical and mental health.
The use of standard drinks can help people to monitor their alcohol consumption and exercise control over how much they drink.
Different types of alcoholic drinks contain different amounts of pure alcohol. A standard drink is defined as one that contains 10 grams of pure alcohol.
These are all equal to approximately one standard drink:
A middy of beer (285ml) = a nip (30ml) of spirits = a small glass (100ml) of wine = a small glass (60ml) of fortified wine such as sherry.
If you are going to drink alcohol, don’t drive. Driving with a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit is dangerous to others as well as yourself and severe penalties apply. There are a number of factors that will affect your blood-alcohol concentration including body size, whether you have eaten recently, and body fat. For more information about alcohol and how it can affect you, visit the Australian Drug Foundation website at www.druginfo.adf.org.au
Please keep in mind:
- Some hotels don't serve standard drinks – they might be bigger. Large wine glasses can hold two standard drinks or even more;
- Drinks served at home often contain more alcohol than a standard drink;
- Cocktails can contain as many as five or six standard drinks, depending on the recipe; and
- Pre mixed bottled drinks often contain more alcohol than a standard drink.
Of course, you may choose to go to events and gatherings where alcohol will be served but not drink any alcoholic drinks. This is fine, and you have every right to drink water, juices or soft drinks (i.e. sodas, pop).
Whether you are drinking alcohol or not, keep your drink close to you and watch it at all times. If you must put your drink down – for example, to go to the bathroom – leave it with a trusted friend to look after. Drink spiking (putting extra alcohol or other drugs into a person’s drink without their knowledge) is an unfortunate risk to people who are out trying to have a good time. Drink spiking can happen to anyone: male or female, young or old whether they are drinking alcohol or not. Never accept an open container of drink if you did not see it being poured. If you suspect you or your friends have had a drink spiked, call emergency on 000 immediately to report it and get help.
Read more about alcohol-related issues at www.alcohol.gov.au
Gambling
Most people can enjoy gambling from time to time. However, it can become a problem and affect your health if you spend more time or money than you can afford on it, or if it is has a negative impact on your relationships with other people.
If gambling is a problem for you, call Gamblers Anonymous for free assistance and support on (02) 9628 5065.
Relationships Australia also offers a free 24 hour anonymous counselling referral service. You can access their Help Line on 1800 156 789. An information pack for people affected by problem gambling can be downloaded from www.relationships.com.au/resources