ADF MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING
NEW AND EMERGING DRUGS AND
DANGEROUS BEHAVIOURS
JOINT HEALTH COMMAND
VICE CHIEF OF THE DEFENCE FORCE
What are NEDs?
Synthetic drugs are drugs that that have been made with man-made
chemicals to mimic the properties and effects of more established and
known drugs like LSD, cocaine and cannabis. NEDs are made to avoid
the restrictions that are imposed on other illicit drugs. Manufacturers are
constantly changing the chemicals in these drugs in an attempt to stay
ahead of the law.
As soon as the new drug is identified by the authorities, it is made
illegal. It is for this reason that they are often marketed as ‘legal highs’.
Other “street” names include herbal highs, party pills, herbal ecstasy
or bath salts. The legal status of NEDs is highly complex. Given
that the ADF definition of illegal substances is taken directly from the
Customs Act definitions, NEDs are considered to be in contravention
of DI(G) 15-5 Management of the Use or Involvement with Prohibited
Substances in the Australian Defence Force as they are criminalized in
the civilian legal system.
Dangerous Behaviours
Mixing Drugs
Using any drug involves risk and taking more or mixing drugs increases the changes
of problems arising. The effects of drugs are determined by a combination of factors
including the type and quantity of the drug, the frequency of taking the drug, your
own expectations and your health. Mixing Drugs have a significant influence on
the effects the different drugs may have and also increases the risk due to the
interactions. For example, if you mix two drugs that are stimulants (speed up activity
in the central nervous system), you are at a greater risk of putting a great deal of
pressure on your heart and a cardiac arrest is a possibility.
Alcohol and Energy Drinks
In recent times there has been a rise in popularity of mixing highly caffeinated
energy with alcohol. There are significant health and social risk factors in addition
to the health risk factors posed by energy drinks alone. Recent research found
drinking alcohol mixed with caffeine placed consumers at a much greater risk of
sexual abuse, alcohol poisoning, drink-driving or riding with a drink-driver, physical
injuries and requiring medical treatment. It also showed patrons were three times
more likely to leave the bar highly drunk and four times more likely to drink-drive
than those who drank alcohol alone.
Research indicates people tend to drink more heavily and become drunker when
mixing energy drinks and alcohol, compared to when they only consumed alcohol.
When mixing these drinks the sedative effective of the alcohol is cancelled by the
caffeine and other stimulants in energy drinks (such as taurine). Sedation or tiredness
is normally a cue to stop drinking at the end of an evening but mixing alcohol and
energy drinks delays this cue. This leads to consuming higher levels of alcohol and
resulting in people being ‘wide awake drunk’ after a night out.
Drink Spiking
This is the practice of adding alcohol or other drugs into a person’s drink without
their knowledge or consent. Both alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks can be spiked.
Media discussion about drink spiking often mentions strong sedatives such as
Rohypnol as the substance that are used to spike drinks. In fact, alcohol is the most
commonly used drug to spike drinks. In a recent Australian study by the Australian
Drug Foundation, more than half of all drink spiking cases had a blood alcohol
concentration much higher than expected given the number of drinks reportedly
consumed. Drink spiking can lead to assault, robbery, sexual assault, and adverse
health effects from consumption of the spiking agent. If you suspect you have been
the victim of drink spiking, it is important to seek medical assistance and report it to
authorities as soon as practicable.
Dangers of NEDs
Labeling of these products can be deceptive, with some described as ‘research
chemicals’, ‘plant foods’ or ‘bath salts’. The dangers of NEDs lie mainly in the untested
nature of the substances and the ever-changing variation of chemicals. This is only
done in order to avoid criminalization. Given how rapidly these drugs emerge and
change, it is difficult to know their effects. They do not come with recommended
dosages, are untested, and unregulated which implies a high potential for health
dangers. These drugs have been linked with a significant number of deaths.
NEDs and the ADF
The ADF has a zero tolerance policy on the use of illicit drugs by its members. This
means that any member found to be using illicit drugs will be required to ‘show cause’
why they should be permitted to remain in the ADF. The ADF conducts random
drug testing of ADF members. Some of the illicit drugs, including New and Emerging
Drugs, remain detectable in urine for some time after use, so a person could return a
positive test result even days after they have used a drug.
Where to seek help
Other Resources
Your chain of command is a primary
resource that can provide advice, referral
and support. You can also contact your
local on base Health Centre, Mental Health
Professional, Chaplain or the Duty Officer/
Officer of the Day for immediate assistance
and referrals.
The ADF Health and Wellbeing Portal
www.defence.gov.au/health/healthportal/
The ADF Mental Health All Hours Support
Line (ASL) is a confidential telephone service
for ADF members and their families available
24/7 on 1800 628 036 or if calling from
overseas +61 2 9425 3878.
If you are away from base, or for out-of-hours
assistance, you can call 1800 IMSICK to
locate the nearest support.
Chaplains are connected to all units in
Australia and can provide support and
appropriate referrals.
Defence Family Helpline (1800 624 608)
The Defence Family Helpline is your first point
of call for support, information and connection
with your community. The Helpline is available
24/7 for ADF members and their families,
and is staffed by qualified human services
professionals including social workers and
psychologists.
You can also email the Helpline on
[email protected] and
receive a response within 24 hours.
Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling
Service (VVCS). This 24 hour service is
available to veterans of all deployments and
their families on 1800 011 046.
The ADF Health and Wellbeing Portal
www.defence.gov.au/health/healthportal/
DPS NOV009-13
The Portal is an online health information
resource tool for all current and ex-serving
ADF Members and their families.