Image of young drug takers 'wrong'

[Tom]

Image of young drug takers 'wrong'

June 23, 2004

 

NEW anti-drug campaigns must reflect the fact young drug takers were often professional types who believed they could manage the risks, a researcher said today.

 

An Australian Drug Foundation (ADF) study of nightclub patrons found more than half of the 380 people surveyed in Melbourne had tried ecstasy, cocaine, speed or ice.

 

More than 75 per cent knew regular users, it found.

 

ADF research director Cameron Duff said drug use was now very much in the mainstream, and the image of young drug takers as dysfunctional, unemployed or delinquent was wrong.

 

The study found more than 90 per cent of respondents worked or studied full-time.

 

"So we're talking about a very educated, very middle class sample," Mr Duff said.

 

He said new approaches, including greater consistency in drug education programs, needed to be examined to try to curb the use of party drugs.

 

The study found ecstasy and cannabis had been sampled by 40 per cent of those surveyed.

 

Almost the same number had tried speed, 30 per cent had tried cocaine, and 20 per cent had tried the anaesthetic ketamine, the study found.

 

Mr Duff said young people recognised risks associated with drugs, but believed they could manage the dangers.

 

"Young people themselves don't regard these substances as dangerous themselves, they recognise certain risks but they think these harms can be managed," he said.

 

But he doubted whether legalisation of party drugs was any answer to the drug problem.

 

"I think our record in this country with legal drugs is pretty dismal in recent decades, looking at alcohol and tobacco in particular," Mr Duff told Channel Seven.

 

"So legalisation is not the answer necessarily."

 

NSW Premier Bob Carr said police were working hard in the fight against drugs, and urged young people to say no to drugs.

 

"The police do work very, very hard," Mr Carr said.

 

"I'm very happy with the hauls they make (and) the laboratories they close down.

 

"I think the message has to go out to the people that use it (ecstasy), this is a dangerous drug ... (it has) enormous risk to your health."

 

NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research figures show 434 people were caught with ecstasy last year compared with more than 11,000 annually caught with cannabis.

 

Author: AAP

Date: June 23, 2004

Source: http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0...55E1702,00.html

Copyright: Copyright 2004 News Limited.

 

[WantDaChronic]

all the govt. needs to do is make their own "safe" versions of the so called "party" drugs so they know what the public is taking and know they wont OD if they follow the directions that come with the drugs they buy...

 

make a fortune and problem solved

[Guest]

ADF research director Cameron Duff said drug use was now very much in the mainstream, and the image of young drug takers as dysfunctional, unemployed or delinquent was wrong.

 

Bob Carr needs that tattooed on his forehead backwards so he can read it every morning in the mirror.

 

NSW Premier Bob Carr said police were working hard in the fight against drugs, and urged young people to say no to drugs.

 

Hey kids, say no to prohibition. Even for a Pollie Bob is a dumbass. Totally out of touch with the public. I wish some real people would stand up and get elected for prime seats. These stuffed shirts make me want to bang my head against the wall they are so fucking infuriatingly stupid.

[deejayvee]

I wish some real people would stand up and get elected for prime seats. These stuffed shirts make me want to bang my head against the wall they are so fucking infuriatingly stupid.

Problem is the masses that vote for them Chong.

 

If we had some decent candidates, most idiots would still vote for the same old people who smile to their face, give them a tax cut, then roger them silly.

 

But getting back to the original topic, shows how out of touch these guys are when you have to "research" to find out that the majority of drug users aren't losers. I mean, if these pollies went home and asked their kids they would learn a thing or two I'm sure.

[US_Astrolyte]

the government needs to grow up. of course the majority of drug users arent losers. most of the people i know have tried or regularly use different drugs.

 

ADF research director Cameron Duff said drug use was now very much in the mainstream, and the image of young drug takers as dysfunctional, unemployed or delinquent was wrong.

 

its about fuckin time they finally realised.

 

i think there should be a few restrictions on the age of people who are in government, just like there are rules than when a judge in a court of law reaches 70 he must retire. the government is insanely out of touch with society's morals and attitudes to issues like drugs.

[LoveMeBucket]

ive never heard of a judge thats over 70

 

well at least not in Australia anyway...

[FUKN_BISH]

the thing is if their was no drugs their wouldnt be a real reason for police.

 

Ask yourself this "how do the drugs (ecxtacy,heroin etc etc) get into the country ?? Its obviously comming through the air-ports & docklands & i wonder who lets them through ??