Definitions: Vape is a street name for an e-cigarette, which are battery operated devices that heat a liquid to produce a vapour that the user inhales.
E-cigarettes contain harmful chemicals, are unregulated and contain heavy metals. For information on vapes visit our page Vaping and Smoking
Tobacco is a substance which comes from the dried leaves of the tobacco plant. The leaves are generally dried and then other ingredients are added to make a range of tobacco products including cigarettes, shisha, cigars, chewing tobacco and pipe tobacco.
Tobacco contains thousands of chemicals, many of which have been proven to be cancer-causing chemicals. Three chemicals found in tobacco are nicotine, tar and carbon monoxide.
Nicotine is a stimulant drug which is extremely addictive and is the main chemical which causes dependency/addiction on tobacco.
Tar is a chemical which is released when tobacco burns. It clogs the lungs and can stimulate cancer growth.
Carbon Monoxide is a chemical in tobacco which the lungs absorb faster than oxygen. As a result, the body is then robbed of oxygen.
Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in Australia.
Other nicknames for tobacco include: smokes, ciggies, fags, durrie, rollies.
Effects: The list of effects on this website are not definitive or exhaustive.
The short-term/immediate effects of tobacco generally only last for a short time. They can include:
The long term effects of tobacco can include:
Drug use can have a range of social consequences and can have impact not only on an individual, but also their relationships and their work or study. Drug use can cause financial issues, family problems and can also have legal consequences.
If you are concerned about your own or another person’s drug use we encourage you to seek professional help and assistance.
There are always risks associated with drug use. No use at all is the safest option.
In an emergency or crisis situation always call triple zero (000) for police, fire and ambulance and follow instructions.
Posted on 26th July 2023
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