The way ahead for drug policy
A Sydney's newspaper editorial claims that our current drug policies are failing.
It discloses that ecstasy and cocaine use by young Australians is increasing with cheaper drugs and easy availability.
The average age of illicit drug users has decreased from 28 in 2008 to 23 years today.
Drug users are younger and young Australians are ignorant of the risks.
Young Australians now find it socially acceptable to use illicit drugs.
(Source: Sunday Telegraph 10 January 2010)
DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL COMMENTS-
The way ahead for drug policy in Australia is to adopt world best practice, reduce the drug using population and divert drug users into rehabilitation that gets them off drug use completely. This does not exist in Australia at the moment.
During rehabilitation the true risks of illicit drugs are imparted to drug users and the rehabilitation focuses on preventing future use.
To prevent new users from taking up illicit drugs, education must impart skills to resist pressure, accurate scientific knowledge of drug harms and a clear message from the community to stay clear of drugs.
The benefits of preventing initial illicit drug use include prevention of damage to the adolescent developing brain and graduation to addiction.
World's best practice has shown that prevention of drug use before age 20 is the best insurance of preventing illicit drug use in adulthood.
But Australia needs to start now and set up rehabilitation programs to direct known users into rehabilitation and out of addiction.
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.
1/2010
