Uppers, downers and psychedelics

Generally, non-medical substances are categorised in one of three ways. Drugs that depress the nervous system, drugs that stimulate the nervous system and drugs that alter perceptual function. Some drugs may also have a medical function. For example, opiates suppress pain and cannabis is associated with a number of therapeutic benefits. This session will explore the use, risks and harms of a number of legal and illegal drugs and in some cases describe interventions to reduce harm.