Murals (2008) by PHANTAST - Graffiti - Cultural Music & Art Association inc. - 98 Milne St. Benleigh
PLEASURE OR PAIN? RECREATION OR RISK? HERO OR VILLAIN? '
ST. APOSTLE PAUL SAID : " WE SPEEK OF GOD'S SECRET WISDOM... 'NO EYE HAS SEEN, NO EAR HAS HEARD, NO MIND HAS CONCEIVED, WHAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM " (1 Corinthians 2:7).
A. INTRODUCTION. This guide explores the effects of drugs on health, sex and decision-making, as well as side-effects and drug interactions, including interactions with HIV treatments (Queensland positive people, QPP State Resource Centre, 21 Manilla St, East Brisbane, Qld 4169).
The legal aspects of drug use and additional facts about a range of drugs can be found in the Drug information Websites and Further Reading section of this resource: www.qpp.net.au
B. It's no secret that pleasure, relaxation, and mixing with friends and sexual partners are aspects of drug use that appeal to some people. Drugs can highten and change your experiences and impact on how you think, feel and interact with others. If you choose to use drugs, understand that their effects can creep up on you and alter the way you think, feel and act. The experience you have may not be the same as the one you wanted to have. Due to the addictive nature of many drugs, they can take over your life and diminish many of life's pleasures.
C. BUT DRUGS ARE PART OF MY LIFE! Some people say drugs have been part of some of the best times they have ever had, so how can you compare that with the risks of drugs and still have a balanced and healthy lifestyle? A balanced and healthy lifestyle is about every choice you make with regard to your health, wellbeing and enjoyment. Drugs can bring extremes of risk and extremes of pleasure. You can plan for a good time, and while you can't plan for a bad drug reaction, you can plan a safer approach to drug use.
Garry: "I've been HIV +ve for lots of years now, and I've used and injected drugs for just as long. I probably always will. I think I've managed to keep enjoying drugs 'cause I respect' the drugs I take. I learn about what they can do to you and stay mindful of this no matter how many times I use. I focus on using safely to get the enjoyment rather than risking bad effects to happen by being blase about things. I know my own limits, and if I don't like the effects, I don't take the drug. I've found, if you need more and more drugs to get the same hit or buzz each time you use, then it's time to take a break from them. Also, I protect others from any needles I use by disposing of them safely, and I don't share equipment. I have mates I can rely upon to look out for each other, which is important in case you have a strong reaction or drop. If it's serious, call an ambulance - they want to help you, not report your drug use, they are not the police".
Michael: "I've recovered from drug use now. Previously I've found that the minute I start using to avoid my problems, that's the very same time when recreational use turned into addiction"