Illicit drug use is a significant and growing health and social problem in Australia. This article will outline the extent and nature of drug problems and describe what responses may be effective in preventing these problems as well as reducing these problems when they develop. Why do we use drugs? The recreational use of drugs has been a longstanding feature of human history. We use drugs for many and varied reasons; to feel good and help us cope with our problems; to assist us in our social and peer interactions; to relieve boredom; to avoid problems such as poor physical and mental health; to cause self-harm.
INCIDENCE/PREVALENCE: Although some illness can be seen in up to half of travellers to developing countries, these are mostly short-lived illnesses that resolve spontaneously such as gastroenteritis. The most common serious disease affecting travellers is Hepatitis A, a virus that is contracted through unclean food or water. Traditional travel related diseases such as malaria are actually relatively rare (unless one is travelling to high risk areas such as Africa, Papua New Guinea or the Solomon Islands), but are important, because they can be rapidly fatal unless appropriately prevented and diagnosed.
DEFINITION: Insomnia is said to occur when people have difficulty initiating and/or maintaining sleep overnight. INCIDENCE/PREVALENCE: Insomnia is a very common problem and is estimated to affect 15 – 20% of people in the community. It becomes increasingly common as people age and may be related to underlying medical conditions and medication.
Illicit drug use is a significant and growing health and social problem in Australia. This article will outline the extent and nature of drug problems and describe what responses may be effective in preventing these problems as well as reducing these problems when they develop.
INCIDENCE/PREVALENCE: Although some illness can be seen in up to half of travellers to developing countries, these are mostly short-lived illnesses that resolve spontaneously such as gastroenteritis. The most common serious disease affecting travellers is Hepatitis A, a virus that is contracted through unclean food or water. Traditional travel related diseases such as malaria are actually relatively rare (unless one is travelling to high risk areas such as Africa, Papua New Guinea or the Solomon Islands), but are important, because they can be rapidly fatal unless appropriately prevented and diagnosed.
DEFINITION: Insomnia is said to occur when people have difficulty initiating and/or maintaining sleep overnight.