PDP Resources: Drugs Education

List of alcohol and drug abuse and their health consequences

A Temple University psychology associate professor explains what happens when sedatives and stimulants collide in the body...published in Scientific American...

National and state data from patient reports and product sample testing show tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-containing e-cigarette, or vaping, products, particularly from informal sources like friends, family, or in-person or online dealers, are linked to most EVALI cases and play a major role in the outbreak...

While alcohol misuse can present health risks and cause careless behaviour in all age groups, it is even more dangerous for young people.

Drinking too much can harm your health. Excessive alcohol use led to approximately 88,000 deaths and 2.5 million years of potential life lost (YPLL) each year in the United States from 2006 – 2010, shortening the lives of those who died by an average of 30 years.

This blog explains Professor Susan Tapert of the University of California at San Diego MRI to scan the brains of teens who binge drink—defined as drinking 4 or 5 (or more) drinks in a couple of hours...

Alcoholic cardiomyopathy causes the heart muscle to stretch, thicken and stop contracting effectively—preventing your other organs from getting the blood they need.

Drinkaware has a range of programmes, training and support schemes to raise the awareness of alcohol in the workplace and keep young people safe in your venues...

Binge-drinking 'rewires a teenager's brain' leaving them more at risk of depression and alcoholism in later life...

The alcohol (ethanol) is rapidly absorbed into the blood through the mouth, throat and digestive tract. The blood alcohol concentration varies depending on absorbed amount, sex and body weight. A standard glass of alcohol usually contains between 10 and 12 g of pure alcohol (glass of wine, bar of beer, ...).

A leading expert in psychiatric medication has said the growing prescription of antidepressants to teenagers is doing more harm than good.

Caffeine is a psychoactive drug, meaning it alters mood, thinking and/or behaviour. With average consumption estimated to be 70mg per person per day (54% of this is from coffee, 43% from tea and 3% from other forms).

While caffeine produces a small rise in dopamine, it does not cause the large surge that unbalances the reward circuits in the brain and is necessary for an addiction...

Caffeine has that perk-up effect because it is a stimulant. It blocks a brain chemical, adenosine, which causes sleepiness...

Cannabis is primarily a depressant drug. Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. This chemical affects a person’s mood and perception. Marijuana, hashish and hashish oil come from the cannabis plant.

This article addresses the long and short term effects of cannabis...

Basically, the consumption of cannabis is illegal in Switzerland. Cannabis is best known today as a narcotic. It is available in various forms, including marijuana and hashish. It is illegal to possess or consume these drugs in Switzerland.

Codeine is part of a group of drugs known as opioids. If your use of Codeine is affecting your health, family, relationships, work, school, financial or other life situations.

Ecstasy is a derivative of the amphetamine group and has both stimulant and hallucinogenic properties. It is sometimes referred to as a psychedelic amphetamine.

Because Ecstasy/Molly/MDMA increases the activity of these chemicals, some users experience negative effects. They may become anxious and agitated, become sweaty, have chills, or feel faint or dizzy...

Nicotine is the substance contained in the tobacco leaf, which causes the psychoactive effect in the brain and dependence. The nicotine absorption and effect in the brain occurs in both products by inhalation within 10 to 20 seconds and is sought as a so-called nicotine hit by the smoking.

Videos and fact sheets on Tobacco, Nicotine, & E-Cigarettes from US National Institutes of Health...

Short-term data already point to vaping’s risks to the lungs and DNA. Now a mouse study shows that even brief exposure to e-cigarette vapors hurts blood vessels.

Steroids are a large group of compounds produced by the body of all animals, including humans. Athletes, body builders and some young people may use steroids illegally to improve their appearance or athletic performance. These are a group of drugs that include the male sex hormone testosterone and its synthetic alternatives.

European Food Safety Authority estimates that 30% of adults, 68% of adolescents, and 18% of children below 10 years consume energy drinks.

This blog addresses the danger of alcoholic energy drinks, like Four LOKO...

The "Facts and Figures" website has been thoroughly redesigned and updated. New infographics visualize key figures in the addiction area. You will also find statistical data presented as clear illustrations to illustrate the current situation in Switzerland and developments. All graphics are available for download .