Parents blind to drug use
A recent survey has found that eight out of ten parents supervising a party were unaware that there were alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy or prescription drugs being used at a party they were supervising.
At the same party three out of ten teenagers were aware of the drug use.
The random survey conducted by telephone involved 1297 young Australians aged between 12 and 17 years and was conducted during March and April 2006.
(Source: Drugaction Newsletter, Spring 2006).
DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL COMMENTS-
Whilst some parents turn a blind eye to drug use at teenage parties others are genuinely unaware of the drug use.
This random survey highlights that not enough information is available to parents.
Cannabis, cocaine and ecstasy in particular are illegal because they are so dangerous to the health of users.
Young people from the age of 12 are being exposed to drug use without any understanding of the long term impact of illicit drugs.
Overseas countries like Sweden that have reduced teenage illicit drug use concentrate on informing teenagers of the risk of death or serious health damage.
Sweden provides comprehensive and interlocked detoxification and rehabilitation programs for teenagers believing that if they can stop a teenager from using drugs it is highly unlikely they will use again.
Australia should copy Sweden and regularly survey teenagers for illicit drug use to monitor whether our programs are effective.
THE DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA SUPPORTS-
More detoxification & rehabilitation that gets illicit drug users drug free.
Court ordered and supervised detoxification & rehabilitation.
Less illicit drug users, drug pushers and drug related crimes.
37/2006
