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  • AADD Moderators: swilow | Vagabond696

Interesting extract from the Australian Drug foundation E-news letter

madmick19

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This week's main issue
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Recent publicity about an apparent increase in the use of party drugs like ecstasy is not news to those who have been monitoring drug use patterns in Australia. However, growing media coverage means that more and more people will become concerned about the issue and will be demanding responses. Some demands will seek extreme responses that are probably unrealistic; some will seek pragmatic strategies that will minimize harm.
The use of party drugs raises some interesting management issues. For those who operate entertainment venues the challenge is to ensure a safe place - duty of care issues arise. Some cities have licensee accords to manage alcohol use safely. These are workable strategies that have wide support. The presence of other drugs at these venues means the operators have a social and legal responsibility to ensure that the inevitable drug use that occurs is managed in the safest way possible. The legality, or otherwise, of the drug is, in this instance, inconsequential to the response.
For those using party drugs it is essential that they are aware of the risks, and are well informed and willing to undertake measures to reduce their own, and their friend's potential difficulties. We talk to young people about managing alcohol, avoiding spiked drinks, taking care of friends. The same applies to other substances.
***At a recent AMA forum the on-site testing or party drugs was proposed. This harm reduction measure has operated with some success in Europe and is worthy of consideration. This is a measure concerned with saving lives. It does not condone nor encourage use. Like seatbelts that save lives but do not stop speeding, testing would be a safety initiative. After all, we can't address someone's drug use when they are dead.*********
The increasing trend in party drug use is an unfortunate reality. Reducing use is obviously an important way to stop people coming to grief. Preventing and delaying the commencement of drug use is of paramount importance. But at the end of the day, some people will choose to use drugs and there are risks. We need to act creatively and courageously for the sake of those people
[ 13 April 2002: Message edited by: madmick19 ]
 
Seems like a reasonably objective article up until the last paragraph where it loses all credibility. Attempting to delay the commencement of drug use is obviously a good idea but trying to prevent it?!!
Wake up ADF!
 
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