MORE DRUG USERS IN AUSTRALIA
The current policy of harm minimisation is leading to more drug use in Australia.
The statistics from the 1998 national survey demonstrates an alarming increase across the population and particularly amongst our young. The survey revealed –
1 The proportion of teenagers recently using heroin increased from 0.6% in 1995 to 1% in 1998.
2 The proportion of teenagers recently using marijuana increased from 20% in 1995 to 35% in 1998.
3 The largest increase in recent use of marijuana was with adolescent girls, where the increase was 18%.
4 The proportion of teenagers ever using marijuana increased from 36% in 1995 to 45% in 1998.
Source: 1998 National Household Drug Strategy Survey. Australian Institute of health and Welfare, August 1998.
CONCLUSION: THE CURRENT HARM REDUCTION POLICIES ARE NOT WORKING AND MUST BE REPLACED BY HARM ELIMINATION POLICIES.
· More detoxification and rehabilitation programs that divert addicts into a permanent drug free life.
· Court ordered detoxification & rehabilitation programs.
· Less addicts
· Less drug pushers and drug related crimes.
DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA Inc.
HEROIN FACT SHEET 9