CITY NEWS
APRIL 20: Amphetamine usage has skyrocketed as city youth increasingly turn to party drugs in favour of heroin, a Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) spokesman says.
But the “feel-good factor” behind popular amphetamines ecstasy and fantasy was just as insidious, putting youth at risk of death and date rape, QAS critical support officer, city central area, David Wharton said.
Mr Wharton’s caution comes in the wake of the suspected party drug overdose death of a 25-year-old man at the Mayhem Easter Music Festival at the RNA Showgrounds last Sunday.
“We see a lot of party drugs overdoses – amphetamines are on the rise, more and more in the inner city,” Mr Wharton said.
“They (youth) are going away from heroin.
“It’s easier for people to pop pills over needles, so the kids are turning to party drugs ecstasy and fantasy.”
The drugs’ prevalence has also caused an increase in date rape.
“Women should be very careful – we saw a 14-year-old girl last week who was a victim of date rape after a drink spiking incident.
“We have picked up an increasing number of young women who’ve fallen prey to it.”
And Mr Wharton’s advice to young women?
“Never, ever leave a drink unattended, never let a guy buy you a drink and or if he goes to the bar, always go with him.”
Drug Arm executive director Dennis Young said young people were far greater risk takers who didn’t necessarily consider the consequences of drug taking.
“When you’re young you feel indestructible and invincible,” he said.
He said the main short term effect of amphetamine use was dehydration but long-term it damaged organs and other functions of the body such as the liver and kidneys.
“It’s like a car – if you’re engine overheats it eventually stops,” he said. “An indoor venue such as a big tent or marquee where there is no fresh air magnifies the effects.”
Mr Young said suggestions to ban dance parties would only encourage rave-goers to move to nightclubs and other venues.
“It’s better to know when these parties are on,” he said.
He said amphetamines were easy to get in Brisbane and people “start popping pills with no idea of what’s in the tablets”.