Govt urged to change approach to drugs

[bloodshot_eyes]

Govt urged to change approach to drugs

 

 

Thursday, December 24, 2009 » 08:49pm

 

 

 

A father who lost his child to a heroin overdose more than a decade ago is calling on the Rudd Government to break its silence on the drugs issue.

 

Tony Trimingham's 23 year old son Damian died in 1997.

 

Tony describes him as a 'bright star' ; a sportsman, a leader and a risk taker.

 

Leading a priveleged life on Sydney's north shore, the family never thought it could lose a son to drugs.

 

'Not my family, never my child - that's what we thought,' Tony says.

 

But in 1997, Damian died of a heroin overdose.

 

'It's something you never get over... it's your personal tragedy that you carry with you forever.'

 

Since then, Tony Trimingham has dedicated much of his life to helping families in similar situations - those who have lost a loved one, or fear they will.

 

It won't happen to most he says, but it could, and he believes it's time our leaders did their bit.

 

Apart from alcohol, Tony says, substance abuse in Australia has received little attention.

 

'The drugs issue doesn't have champions yet among the politicians.'

 

He declares we can't win the war on drugs. But what we can do is minimise the damage.

 

Tony is calling for the decriminalisation of drugs, and to make them available for those who are addicted - in effect, taking away the crime element.

 

It would also cut into the obscene profits. A hit of heroin - that would cost less than two cents to produce - sells for around 70 dollars on Sydney streets.

 

Tony believes the tide against decriminalisation and supervised drug taking, is turning.

 

'Of course there is argument against it: there are people who oppose it on moral grounds, there are people who are frightened that if we do decriminalise anything, more people are going to use it. Infact, that hasn't been the case. I think politicians would be surprised if they did something like this there wouldn't be the backlash that maybe they might think there would be.'

 

When harm minimisation came in in 1994, Australia was a world leader; one of the first countries to have a needle exchange program, and adopt methadone.

 

But we slipped. We followed the US during the Bush and Howard years, with policy strengthening, to a 'war on drugs'.

 

Barack Obama has indicated he wants to get away from that rhetoric, and put more emphasis on treatment and prevention.

 

'I think that if America changed it's policy then Australia would follow suit,' Tony says.

 

Despite disagreeing with John Howard's policy on drugs, Tony says he was grateful for the funding given to organisations such as his.

 

Under Kevin Rudd he says, there has been silence - no policy, and little funding.

 

'I think what we have to do with drugs is, like what we are doing with climate change, really look at it long term. Not look for a war that's going to finish things off very quickly - but something that over the next 10, 20 or 30 years, is going to get much better and improve life and, you know, in the end that'd be the right thing to do.'

 

At a state level he's calling on the Keneally government to bite the bullet and make the Kings Cross injecting room permanent.

 

It's been a political football for nine years - a never ending trial, because again, nobody wants to take ownership, and make a decision.

 

'New South Wales is probably going to change hands if we're realistic, so maybe they can do something worthwhile before that happens.'

 

While drug use amongst Australian youth is rife, Tony says most won't become dependent, and will give it up.

 

But some will slip - as Damian did - and that's why he wants families to discuss drugs, and change our attitudes on how to deal with them.

 

'With all the wisdom and hindsight I'd have had a more tolerant attitude. I would have been more realistic. I'd just be more open to the fact that I'd rather have a live heroin addict than a dead son.'

 

FAMILY DRUG SUPPORT Australia offers support for families faced with problematic drug use.

 

HELP LINE 1300 368 186 (24 Hrs)

 

www.fds.org.au/ http://www.fds.org.au/

 

http://bigpondnews.com/articles/National/2...ugs_410359.html

 

Saw something about this on sky news too. You dont here stuff like this in our press too often

[Crunchy]

agreed bse, it is rare, good to hear as well, we need more people to step forward publicly and say no to the war on drugs.

Peace,

Crunchy

[THCME]

Hello All, I'm new to the site so apologies if I am breaking any protocols.

 

I had the absolute pleasure of going to High School with Damian ( Trimmy ) Trimingham, and it brings me much joy to see that the unfailing efforts of his still heartbroken Father Tony aren't going unnoticed. Any information or assistance that can be provided to a Family or group struggling with their loved ones addiction/s or the addicted person themselves can have an absolute 0 negative effect, and this sciolistic government of ours must sooner or later embrace at least an open forum on the chance of drug reforms. Not for our recreational benefits, but for the easing of pain, heartache and suffering within loving family units.

 

I work for a service which is Ambulatory ( obviously can't give too much detail of employer ) and it breaks my heart to see bereaved Mothers, Fathers and Family on a very regular occasion dealing with the untimely death of a loved one because " someone " thought it would be fine to add this or that to whatever they are selling to bulk it out and make a quick buck off " some junkie " they couldn't give a flying #@**!^ about.

 

Very rarely do we get called to a " clean" OD resulting in death. Surely the Government could do its research via extensive Emergency Services documentation obtained from thousands upon thousands of callouts. Would they, could they, possibly, then understand the importance and relevance ( let alone $$$ saved ) of a regulated drug dispensation and usage charter???

 

Peace to All

[Crunchy]

you make a very good point THCME.

i'll be sure to remember it.

 

Peace,

Crunchy.

[ADLpotter]

it only makes sense to legalise these things. decriminilization doesn't help at all but legalization would help tenfold