A .. B .. C .. D .. E .. F .. G .. H .. I .. J .. K .. L .. M .. N
O .. P .. Q .. R .. S .. T .. U .. V .. W .. X .. Y .. Z
A
Abstinence
Not using or refraining from using a drug; being drug-free.
Abuse
Consumption of a substance despite persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of the substance.
Addiction
Physical or psychological dependence on a drug. The term drug dependent is preferred.
Adverse drug reaction
Harmful, unintended or unwanted consequences of taking a drug. For example, the experience of psychotic symptoms after taking cannabis by someone already predisposed towards schizophrenia.
Agonist
A drug that mimics naturally occurring chemicals that stimulate receptors in the brain and central nervous system.
AIDS
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is caused by a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which attacks and weakens the body's immune system, making it a target for infections and diseases.
A liquid produced by fermentation, which is the action of yeast on liquids containing sugars and starches. A depressant drug that slows down activity in the central nervous system.
Alcoholism
A clinical syndrome characterised by very heavy alcohol consumption and continued drinking despite severe negative social and physical consequences.
Amotivational syndrome
Thought to be associated with substance use (especially of cannabis). Symptoms include apathy, loss of effectiveness, diminished capacity to carry out complex or long-term plans, low tolerance for frustration, impaired concentration and difficulty in following routines.
A synthetic stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system and speeds up the messages going between the brain and the body. Also known as "speed".
Amyl nitrate
Sold in tablet form and administered sublingually as a heart medication. These are not used recreationally and are not "poppers".
Amyl nitrite
A substance belonging to a group of chemicals called "alkyl nitrites", sometimes used as an inhalant drug referred to as "poppers". Inhalants produce a depressant effect. See amyl nitrate for comparison.
Antagonist
A substance that blocks the effects of another drug by binding with the receptor site for that drug in the brain; for example, naltrexone is an antagonist for opioids.
Antidepressant
A drug used to treat depression, for example, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac and Zoloft.
Anxiolytic
Any drug or therapy used in the treatment of anxiety disorders that works on the central nervous system to relieve the symptoms of anxiety.
Assessment
Specific methods, instruments and tests used in screening, identification and diagnosis of individuals for alcohol and other drug use or abuse.
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B
Barbiturate
A depressant derived from barbituric acid; for example, amobarbital, pentobarbital, phenobarbital and secobarbital. Used as anti-epileptics, anaesthetics, sedatives, hypnotics, and less commonly, as anti-anxiety drugs. Increasing dosage produces progressive central nervous system depression, ranging from mild sedation to anaesthesia.
Base
Another term for methamphetamine.
Minor tranquillisers that affect the central nervous system by slowing down the body physically, mentally and emotionally. Prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety, sleeping problems, epilepsy, alcohol withdrawal and muscle spasms.
Betel nut
Also known as Areca nut, is a stimulant similar to nicotine. Areca nut is usually sliced into thin strips, rolled in a betel leaf and chewed.
Binge
An episode of intense (concentrated) or excessive alcohol or other drug use over a short period of time or continuously over a number of days or weeks with the intention of becoming intoxicated.
Blood alcohol concentration (BAC)
A measure of the amount of alcohol in a person's blood. Generally, the more alcohol a person drinks the higher their BAC.
Blotter
Paper on which LSD has been absorbed.
Bong
A type of water pipe used for smoking cannabis.
Brief intervention
A minimal interaction with a medical or mental health professional, ranging in duration from several minutes to several sessions. This term is used primarily in the context of treatment for substance use problems.
A synthetic agonist/antagonist that can be used in substitution treatment for heroin dependence. It has been used for the short-term treatment of moderate to severe pain. Withdrawal from buprenorphine is milder and the overdose risk is lower than with other opioid agonists.
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C
A stimulant that acts on the central nervous system to speed up the messages to and from the brain. It is a substance found in the leaves, seeds or fruit of a number of plant species, such as coffee and tea plants.
A depressant and a hallucinogen (if taken in high doses) that comes from the hemp plant Cannabis sativa. Marijuana, hashish and hashish oil come from this plant. The active chemical in cannabis is THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol).
Central nervous system (CNS)
The brain and the spinal cord. The main "processing centre" for the whole nervous system. The CNS controls all the workings of the body.
Chroming
The practice of inhaling vapours from volatile substances. Other modes of administration are huffing (saturated material is held against the mouth or nose) and bagging (vapours inhaled from a plastic or paper bag held over the nose or mouth).
A powerful central nervous system stimulant used to produce euphoria. Most commonly comes in the form of a white, odourless powder called "cocaine hydrochloride". The powder is extracted from the leaves of the coca bush.
Coca leaves
The leaves of the coca bush Erythroxylon coca that are traditionally chewed or sucked in Andean cultures.
Coca paste
Coca paste is the product of the first step in the process of extracting cocaine from coca leaves.
Codeine
Extracted from morphine and sold commercially to treat mild to moderate pain.
Come-down
To experience the gradual wearing off of the effects of a drug after experiencing a "high".
Interventions that encourage a community to develop collective ownership and control over health-related choices and activities.
Comorbidity
See dual diagnosis.
Cone
A device into which cannabis is packed, used together with a bong.
Controlled substance
A term that refers to a psychoactive substance whose availability is forbidden under the international drug control treaties or limited to medical and pharmaceutical channels.
Court diversion
A program of treatment, re-education or community service for individuals referred from criminal courts (criminal diversion) after being charged with driving under the influence of alcohol (drink-driver diversion) or another drug, with the sale or use of drugs (drug diversion), or with another crime.
Crack
A pure form of cocaine obtained by heating cocaine salt combined with baking soda (freebasing) and sold in the form of small crystals or rocks.
Crash
The "down" that typically follows a period of concentrated use of a stimulant drug, such as amphetamine or cocaine, over a period of several days. The "crash" begins when use is discontinued and the immediate effects start to wear off.
Cut
To adulterate or dilute drugs with other substances.
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D
Decriminalisation
Drug policy whereby possession of a drug for personal use is treated as a misdemeanour rather than a criminal offence. Often applied to substances considered to be less likely to cause dependence.
Demand reduction
The aim of reducing consumer demand for controlled substances.
Dependence
Occurs when a drug is central to a person's life, they have trouble cutting down their use and experience symptoms of withdrawal when trying to cut down. Can be physical or psychological, or both. When a person's body has adapted to a drug and is used to functioning with the drug present, the person is said to be physically dependent upon that drug. When a person feels compelled to use a drug in order to function effectively or to achieve emotional satisfaction, the person is said to be psychologically dependent upon that drug.
Depressant
A drug that causes the body to slow down and relax. These drugs can also cause drowsiness, slow heart rate and breathing.
Designer drug
A substance that has been synthesised by changing the structure of an existing drug to create a new substance. Sometimes done to avoid the legal consequences associated with the drug being copied/altered. The term was first used in the 1980s to refer to MDMA (ecstasy).
Detoxification
The process by which a person who is dependent on a psychoactive substance ceases use, in such a way that minimises the symptoms of withdrawal and risk of harm. May involve the administration of medication. See withdrawal.
Diversion
Diversion of drug users from the criminal justice system into drug treatment
Dopamine
A brain chemical produced naturally by certain brain cells. Specific drugs may block specific effects of dopamine, they may act like dopamine at specific receptor sites, or increase the availability of dopamine.
The practice of adding alcohol or another substance to a drink without the knowledge of the person who will be consuming it. The effects depend on the type and quantity of the additive used and can include vomiting, loss of consciousness, respiratory difficulties and loss of control.
A chemical substance that affects the processes of the mind or body.
Drug use/abuse
The use of any substance under international control for purposes other than medical and scientific, including use without prescription, in excessive doses, or over an unjustified period of time. The terms misuse and illicit use are generally preferred to abuse.
Drug use-related harm
Any adverse social, physical, psychological, legal or other consequence of drug use that is experienced as harmful to a drug user and those affected by the actions of a drug user.
Dual diagnosis
Refers to a person diagnosed as having an alcohol or drug abuse problem in addition to some other diagnosis, usually psychiatric; for example, a mood disorder, schizophrenia. Also known as comorbidity.
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E
Early intervention
A therapeutic strategy that combines early detection of hazardous or harmful substance use and treatment of those involved. Treatment is offered or provided before the user might present of their own volition and in many cases before they are aware that their substance use might cause problems.
Ecstasy is a street term for a range of drugs that are similar in structure to the synthetic stimulant MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine). The chemical structure of MDMA is related to stimulants (amphetamines) and some hallucinogens. Drugs sold as "ecstasy" often contain a range of drugs such as amphetamine, amphetamine derivatives, caffeine, aspirin, paracetamol or ketamine, in addition to, or in place of, MDMA.
Euphoria
Sense of elation commonly sought by drug users.
Evaluation research
Carried out to establish the effectiveness of an intervention among a defined population during a defined period of time.
Experimental drug use
Short-term use of a drug to satisfy curiosity.
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F
Flashback
The recurrence of an hallucinogenic experience without recent use of an hallucinogen.
Foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)
An alcohol-related birth defect. Women who drink heavily during pregnancy may place their baby at risk of FAS. Also known as foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDS).
Freebase
Slang term for the base form of cocaine, as opposed to the salt form of cocaine hydrochloride. It is extracted from cocaine and smoked.
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G
Gammahydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a drug that has a depressant effect on the brain and central nervous system. It was originally developed as an anaesthetic but was withdrawn due to unwanted side effects. GHB has been used to facilitate sexual assault.
Glue
A solvent that acts as a depressant.
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H
Habit-forming
Used to describe substances or behaviours that result in dependence.
Half-life
The time needed for the blood level of a particular drug to be reduced by 50 per cent.
Drugs or chemicals that produce hallucinations. A hallucination is a false perception through one of the senses that makes a person see, hear or feel something that is not there.
Harm minimisation
A form of drug prevention that acknowledges that abstinence is the most effective way to avoid harms related to drug use, but that this is not always possible in certain individual circumstances. Minimising the adverse effects of drug use to the individual and the community through supply reduction strategies, demand reduction strategies and harm reduction strategies.
Harm reduction
Aims to reduce the impact of drug-related harm within society, at the individual and community levels. It includes reducing the physical and social harms associated with drug use, encompassing the prevention of disease, death, incarceration and isolation.
Harmful use
A pattern of use of psychoactive substances that causes damage to the health of the drug user or family, financial, legal and other personal problems.
Hashish
A type of cannabis that comes from the resin of the plant. The resin is dried and pressed into a solid lump. Hash is added to tobacco and smoked, or baked and eaten in foods.
Hash oil
A thick, oily liquid that is extracted from hashish. It is usually spread on the tip or paper of cigarettes and then smoked.
Inflammation of the liver caused by viruses A, B, C, D, E and G.
Heroin is a depressant that affects the brain by slowing down the activity of certain chemicals. This drug belongs to a group called narcotic analgesics or opioids.
HIV
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the blood borne virus that causes AIDS. HIV can be contracted by having vaginal or anal intercourse with an infected person without using a condom, by sharing needles and other equipment for injecting drugs with an infected person, through blood transfusion with infected blood or during pregnancy and childbirth. Transmission can be prevented by practising safe sex (such as using condoms or dams), and not sharing needles or injecting equipment.
Hypnotic
An agent that can induce hypnosis or sleep.
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I
Street name for crystalline methamphetamine. It is a powerful, synthetic stimulant drug that is more potent than other forms of amphetamines. It is more pure than the powder form of methamphetamine ("speed").
IDU
An abbreviation for an injecting drug user or injecting drug use.
Illicit drug
An illegal drug.
A range of products (many of which are familiar household items) which, when vaporised and inhaled, may cause the user to feel intoxicated or "high".
Injecting equipment
Includes needles and syringes, spoons, filters, swabs, water and tourniquets.
Intoxication
A condition that follows the administration of a sufficient amount of a psychoactive substance and which results in behavioural and/or physical changes. The capacity to think and act within a normal range of ability diminishes.
Intravenous (IV)
Within a vein.
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K
Kava
A drink prepared from the roots of the shrub Piper methysticum, widely used in the South Pacific both ceremonially and socially. It produces mild euphoria and sedation.
Ketamine
An hallucinogenic dissociative anaesthetic that is used in surgery and veterinary medicine. It causes amnesia (memory loss) and analgesia (pain-relief). Low doses produce stimulant effects; medium to high doses produce possible out-of-body or near death experiences.
A stimulant derived from the leaves and buds of an East African plant, Catha edulis, which are chewed or brewed as a beverage.
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L
Licit drug
A legal drug
Liquid ecstasy
Another name for GHB
Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a hallucinogenic drug, which is synthesised from ergot, a fungus that grows on rye and various other grains.
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M
Magic mushrooms
Fungi that contain psychedelic substances, such as psilocybin or muscimol.
Maintenance therapy
Treating drug dependence by prescribing a substitute drug (such as methadone) that is similar to the drug of dependence.
Marijuana
The dried greenish-brown leaves or flowers of the cannabis plant. Marijuana is the most common form of cannabis and is smoked in hand-rolled cigarettes (joints) or in a pipe (a bong).
MDA
Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) is an amphetamine similar to ecstasy. It is more hallucinogenic than MDMA and its effects last almost twice as long.
MDMA
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), also known as "ecstasy", is a synthetic stimulant and has hallucinogenic properties.
A synthetic opiate often used to treat heroin dependence. When given in an adequate dose to opioid dependent individuals, methadone tends to reduce desire to use heroin and other opiates, eliminates opioid withdrawal and blocks the euphoric effects of the other opioid drugs.
Methamphetamine
A stimulant drug, also called speed or amphetamine. Most commonly it is found as a colourless crystalline solid, sold under a variety of names, such as crystal meth, crystal or ice.
Morphine
Major sedative and pain-relieving drug found in opium.
Motivational interviewing
A counselling and assessment technique that follows a nonconfrontational approach to questioning people about difficult issues like alcohol and other drug use and assisting them to make positive decisions to reduce or stop their drug use altogether.
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N
Naloxone
Naloxone is a narcotic antagonist that reverses the respiratory, sedative and hypotensive effects of heroin overdose. It can be injected intramuscularly, intravenously or subcutaneously. Sold in Australia under the trade name Narcan.
A drug that antagonises the effects of opioid drugs. Its effects are similar to those of naloxone, but it is more potent and has a longer duration of action. It is prescribed to help people maintain abstinence after they have withdrawn (detoxified) from heroin or other opioids.
Narcotic drug
A chemical agent that can induce stupor, coma, or insensibility to pain. The term usually refers to opiates or opioids, which are sometimes referred to as narcotic analgesics.
Needle exchange
Provision of needles to intravenous drug users to reduce the transmission of infectious diseases by the repeated use and sharing of needles.
Nicotine
The drug in tobacco smoke that causes addiction.
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O
Opiate
One of a group of alkaloids derived from the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) with the ability to induce analgesia, euphoria and, in higher doses, stupor, coma and respiratory depression. The term opiate excludes synthetic opioids such as heroin and methadone.
Opioid
The term applied to alkaloids derived from the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) and synthetic drugs that interact with the same specific receptors in the brain. These substances have the capacity to relieve pain and produce a sense of wellbeing (euphoria). Heroin, methadone, codeine, morphine and opium are opioids.
Opium
The crude mixture obtained by the air drying of the juice that oozes from incisions made in the ripened seedpod capsule of the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum. It contains a number of important alkaloids such as morphine, codeine and papaverine.
Outreach
A community based activity with the overall aim of facilitating improvement in health and reduction of drug-related risk or harm for individuals and groups not effectively reached by existing services or through traditional health education channels.
Overdose
When the amount of the drug taken exceeds the body's ability to cope with the drug, resulting in stupor, coma, respiratory depression, or death.
Over-the-counter drug
Drug that can be sold or administered without a prescription. May be misused for self-medication or psychoactive effects.
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P
Party drug
A drug associated with the "rave" or "dance party" scene. The most notable of the "party drugs" are MDMA (ecstasy), amphetamine and LSD, although other substances such as GHB, ketamine, cocaine and amyl nitrate have also been associated with raves.
PCP
Phencyclidine (PCP) has both hallucinogenic and dissociative properties. The dissociative effects of PCP leaves users feeling removed from their body and their environment. This effect produces a trance-like state. PCP also has strong anaesthetic effects, which produces amnesia (memory loss) and analgesia (pain-relief). Also known as "angel dust".
Peer education
Programs that involve training same-age or same-background people to educate a target group about issues relating to alcohol and other drug use.
Peer support
One of the components of a peer outreach relationship whereby the outreach worker provides some form of assistance to a peer.
Performance and image enhancing drugs (PIED)
Substances that have anabolic properties (the ability to increase muscle mass and strength) and substances that increase muscle definition through "fat-burning" properties. For example, anabolic steroids, growth hormones, reproductive hormones.
Pharmaceutical drug
An over-the-counter or prescription drug available through a pharmacy or supermarket.
Pharmacotherapy
The use of medications in responding to problem drug dependence. Used to alleviate withdrawal discomfort, as maintenance substitution (for example, methadone) or to reduce craving (for example, nicotine replacement therapy).
PMA
Paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA) is a particularly toxic amphetamine, often sold as ecstasy.
Poly drug use
Occurs when two or more drugs are used at the same time.
Potentiation
May occur when more than one drug is used at the same time. The joint drug actions are not merely additive in effect, but may produce a particularly intense and/or unique action; also termed a synergistic effect. For example, the use of heroin after drinking alcohol greatly increases the risk of a fatal overdose over that for either drug taken in isolation.
Protective factor
A factor that will reduce the probability of an undesirable event occurring. This term is often used to indicate the characteristics of individuals or their environment that reduce the likelihood of experimentation with alcohol and other drugs.
Psychedelic substance
Chemical substance that alters mood or behaviour by altering the functioning of the brain.
Psychoactive substances
Drugs that affect a person's central nervous system; they alter brain activity, and can change the way a person thinks, feels or behaves
Psychosis
Any significant mental disorder, characterised by a loss of contact with reality.
Psychostimulants
A group of drugs that produce euphoria, a sense of wellbeing, wakefulness and alertness. Prolonged use or high levels of use can produce behavioural disturbances.
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R
Receptors
Cells in the brain that are sensitive to particular drugs; for example, the effects of heroin are experienced once the drug attaches itself to the opioid receptor in the brain.
Recreational drug use
Use of drugs for leisure, pleasure or social reasons. Often used to refer to the use of "party drugs".
Relapse
A recurrence of harmful drug use after a period of improvement. Relapse is common among people who are drug-dependent when they are attempting to stop drug use.
Risk reduction
Policies or programs that focus on reducing the risk of harm from alcohol or other drug use.
Rohypnol
A powerful benzodiazepine that induces sleep.
Rush
Sudden onset of euphoria after injection of heroin or cocaine.
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S
Screening for drug use
Testing a person in order to determine drug use.
Sedative
Depressant drug that acts on the central nervous system to lessen anxiety and induce sleep.
Self-help group
Voluntary group dedicated to recovery from substance use dependence.
Serotonin
A neurotransmitter that has a prominent role in sleep regulation and mood. It is affected by a number of psychoactive substances. Its synaptic concentration is increased by stimulants; for example, ecstasy (MDMA) and its release is inhibited by opioid receptors.
Snorting
Ingesting powdered drugs through the nose.
Social norms
The implicit or explicit rules and expectations that guide social behaviour in a certain community or social environment.
Solvents
Volatile substances such as petrol, glue and aerosols.
Speed
Another name for amphetamine or methamphetamine.
Stages of change
Model developed by Prochaska and DiClemente (1983) to describe the stages involved in changing a behaviour or problem.
Standard drink
A drink that contains 10 grams of pure alcohol.
Steroid
One of a group of naturally occurring or synthetic hormones that affect the chemical processes in the body, growth and sexual and other physiological functions. Anabolic steroids are misused by athletes with the aim of increasing strength and performance.
Stimulants
These drugs act to stimulate certain chemicals in the brain. They increase alertness, heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate.
Supply reduction
Policies or programs usually involving law enforcement agencies designed to reduce the manufacture and/or distribution of illicit drugs.
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T
THC
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical in cannabis that produces depressant and hallucinogenic effects in the user.
Therapeutic community
A structured environment in which individuals with drug-related problems live while undergoing rehabilitation. Such communities are often specifically designed for drug-dependent people; they operate under strict rules, are run mainly by people who have recovered from dependence and are often geographically isolated.
Tobacco
Any preparation of the dried leaves of Nicotiana tabacum or Nicotiana rustica. The main psychoactive ingredient is nicotine.
Tolerance
Tolerance to a drug means that the body becomes used to a drug being present and more of the drug is required in order to achieve the same effect felt previously with smaller amounts.
Tranquilliser
Prescription drugs used for their calming effect.
Treatment
Assisting people to address problems relating to their drug use. May include stopping drug use, cutting down or using with reduced risk. Treatment options include pharmacotherapies used as part of a maintenance program (for example, methadone, counselling and withdrawal). These treatments can be conducted as part of an in-patient or residential program, on an out-patient basis or home-based (withdrawal program).
Tripping
Refers to the "hallucinogenic experience".
Twelve-step program
Fellowships that aim to aid in the recovery of the consequences of an obsession, dependence or a physical or mental compulsion. The first program was Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), which was begun in 1935 by Bill Wilson and Dr Bob Smith. Requires members to place their faith in "a higher power". Includes Al-Anon, Alateen and Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
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U
Urinalysis
Testing of urine for the presence of drugs or drug metabolites.
User group
Community based organisations representing the interests of people who use drugs.
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V
Volatile substance
A substance that vaporises at ambient temperatures. Some volatile substances are inhaled for psychoactive effects (also called inhalants). Inhalant includes the organic solvents present in many domestic and industrial products (such as glue, aerosol, paints, industrial solvents, lacquer thinners, gasoline or petrol, and cleaning fluids) and the aliphatic nitrites such as amyl nitrite.
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W
Withdrawal
Withdrawal describes a set of symptoms that can occur when a user cuts down or stops the use of a particular drug. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe, and are different depending upon what drug it is the user is withdrawing from.
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Z
Zero tolerance
A term commonly associated with strict policing measures, based on the belief that activities associated with illegal drugs should not be tolerated at any level. This approach emphasises the law as the main method of dealing with drugs and drug issues.