WHAT IS MISSING IN DRUG POLICY

Australia can avoid the rising tide of illicit drugs that are sweeping our region. For example-

The number of illicit drug users in the Asian region has increased dramatically over the past 10 years.

Cambodia is now the largest source of CANNABIS in the world.

ICE is now the main illicit drug used in the Philippines.

HEROIN and OPIUM use remains a major regional illicit drug problem.

ICE is increasingly becoming a drug of choice in the region.

The Drug Advisory Council of Australia Comments

What is missing in our region and in Australia is a comprehensive drug policy to reduce the drug using population and take away demand.

We need comprehensive and interlocked detoxification and rehabilitation programs that get users off drugs quickly and permanently.

These programs should be diverse to cater for the variety of illicit drugs and the needs of users.

Australian courts should be used to divert illicit drug users into detoxification and rehabilitation.

Detoxification and rehabilitation services should be audited to ensure they effectively achieve drug free clients.

Australia should regularly survey teenagers for illicit drug use to monitor whether our programs are effective.

Australia needs to set the policy objective of not more than 4 per cent of teenagers having used an illicit drug in the past year.

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.

38/2006