FH-ADO-046 · ages 10-19

What Do Different Drugs Do to the Brain, Heart, Lungs and Body?

Substances, Peer Pressure & Safety

If something feels unsafe or urgent

You can always get help, whatever your age, without an account.

Different drugs harm in different ways, but the shared risks are overdose, unknown contents, addiction and losing control of your safety. There is no quality control in an illegal supply.

What's happening

Stimulants strain the heart and can cause seizures or overheating; depressants and opioids slow breathing and cause fatal overdose; hallucinogens can trigger lasting mental-health problems. Mixing anything with alcohol multiplies the danger.

Usually normal

Being curious, and being lied to about risks
Not knowing what is actually in a pill or powder

Get checked if

Unconsciousness, slow or stopped breathing, seizure, chest pain, very high temperature — call 10177 immediately and stay with them
Needing more to get the same effect
Using alone

Your next step

Learn the emergency response now — recovery position, call 10177, never leave someone alone, tell paramedics exactly what was taken (no one gets arrested for saving a life) — and call SANCA on 086 147 2622 if you or a friend needs help.

Printable packs

My Friend Needs Help: Listen, Link, Do Not Carry It Alone