Stimulants – Medium to High Risk

Thanks for using our self-assessment tool; you have indicated that you are using stimulants at a medium-high level.

We know that using stimulants can have desirable short term effects like increased libido, confidence and energy levels and as you’re probably well aware; any stimulant use can have short term negative effects like dilated pupils, a dry or pasty mouth, a reduced appetite, excess sweating, reduced inhibitions, clenching/grinding of the jaw and teeth, heightened sensory awareness, nausea, reduction in appetite, increased heart rate and increased risk of dehydration.

Long term negative effects of using stimulants can include: a reduced appetite, extreme weight loss, restless sleep patterns, ongoing dental problems, difficulty concentrating, respiratory issues, muscle stiffness, anxiety and paranoia, depression, reduced kidney and liver function, an increased risk of stroke, drug dependency, memory loss and cognitive impairment. Beyond the physical impacts, high risk stimulant use can also lead to financial, work and social problems.

To reduce the risks and harms associated with stimulant use, the safest option is not to use it.

The good news is that if you stop using stimulants your general health, sleep and diet will improve and you reduce your risk of damaging your brain, developing high blood pressure and having heart problems.

If you would like to cut down your stimulant use check out our resources section , Touchbase (an LGBTI focused website for alcohol and other drug information and support) or the World Health Organisation self-help manual .

Maybe it’s time to get in touch with ACON’s Substance support team? Substance Support provides confidential and FREE short term counselling for LGBTI people and people living with HIV seeking support in relation to their use of alcohol and other drugs. Substance Support counsellors’ work from a harm reduction approach to assist clients to reach their goals to manage use, reduce or quit.

You can contact Substance Support here or on (02) 9206 2000. Counselling not your thing? You can also call the alcohol and drug information service (ADIS). ADIS is a 24 hour telephone based information , education, referral and support service call 9361 8000 in Sydney or 1800 422 599 (non-metro areas).

Or maybe it’s time to get in touch with S-Check?  Regardless of how often you use, using stimulants can have an impact on your health. Check out the S-Check service for a FREE health check-up. The S-Check clinic provides Bio-Psycho-Social assessments, information and referrals for people who use stimulants including crystal, base, ice, meth, cocaine or ecstasy.

The Stimulant Check-up is a comprehensive health check where people can explore the impacts of their stimulant use on their health and day to day functioning. The clinic is free of charge and available for people who use stimulants and who are not particularly seeking drug treatment and who have some concerns or questions around their use of substances.