REDUCING NEW DRUG USERS

 

Sweden has recognised that if a teenager has not used illicit drugs by age 20 it is highly unlikely that they will use illicit drugs at all.

 

In 2001 28% of Australian teenagers used an illicit drug in the last year.

 

Australian teenagers use illicit drugs more than Swedish teenagers.

 

A key focus of policy for illicit drugs must be young people under 20.

 

Truthful information about the dangers of illicit drug USE must be nationally distributed to and promoted by every Australian organisation.

 

A survey in 1999 of Swedish teenagers showed that only 3% had used illicit drugs in the last month and that this mirrored lifetime use.

 

Australia should set a target for reducing teenage illicit drug use to 3%.

 

Australia should annually survey teenager’s illicit drug use and report.

 

Teenage illicit drug use trends and analysis should be reported to all national, state and territory parliaments within one month of surveys.

 

Sweden provides support to illicit drug using teenagers to get them drug free and stay drug free.

 

Every region of Australia should have a clinic to assist teenagers to stop using illicit drugs permanently.

 

Funding for Australian clinics should be based on proven success in getting teenagers’ drug free.

 

Sweden’s clinics get more than 80% of teenagers free of illicit drugs.

 

 

DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA Inc.

Our web site at www.daca.org.au has more information about illicit drugs.

13/2003