Minister for Health and Ageing, the Hon Tony Abbott, launches booklet about the use of illicit drugs & alcohol abuse
TIMELY SUMMER & END OF SCHOOL-YEAR WARNING
4 November 2004
Today the Minister for Health and Ageing, The Hon Tony Abbott, will launch a booklet warning of the dangers of alcohol abuse and using illicit drugs such as ecstasy.
Captain Paul Moulds, director of The Salvation Army Oasis Youth Support Network, said the booklet targeted teenagers and parents alike and was designed to generate awareness regarding the dangers of illicit drugs and alcohol.
“Increasing use of ecstasy and other party drugs is of particular concern, with research showing use among young adults aged 20-29 years increased dramatically in recent years from 14% to 20% [1],” he said.
“The average age young people first try ecstasy is around 22 years and it’s during the late teens – around school-leaving age – that drug-use starts to increase significantly.[2]
“We would encourage parents to take the opportunity during the mid teens – before it’s too late – to ensure their teenagers are well-informed about the dangers of drugs like ecstasy, speed and marijuana.”
Minister Abbott said the release of the booklet was timely as we move into the summer end of school season. “Many younger people are introduced to illicit drugs at this time of year and in many cases begin a journey of misery and despair,” he said.
Captain Moulds said parents raising children in the more affluent areas may need to work especially hard at educating their teenagers: “Research indicates those living in areas with high socio-economic status were twice as likely to report using ecstasy / designer drugs as people living in areas with the lowest socio-economic status[3].”
He said that The Salvation Army’s clear message was that there is no safe way to use illicit drugs.
“Ecstasy, for example, has been linked to selective long-term brain damage in users, leading to depression, memory loss and psychological problems. It may also increase the risk of developing a condition similar to Parkinson’s Disease. Speed is associated with violent and anti-social behaviour, brain damage and strokes.”
Captain Moulds said the Dangers of Drugs booklet describes the negative health effects of ecstasy, cocaine, heroin, marijuana and speed.
“The booklet also warns about the dangers of binge drinking, which continues to be a problem among young people,” he said. “The Salvation Army’s 2004 Alcohol Awareness Survey indicated that 48% of males and 37% of females aged 14-24 drink to an irresponsible level or worse on at least a monthly basis, consuming 6-30 drinks in a session (5-30 for females). The 2001 National Drug Strategy Household Survey also revealed that 28% of 14-19 year olds experience memory loss due to drinking at least once every 12 months, and 11% experience memory loss on at least a monthly basis.
“We encourage parents to speak openly with their children about illicit drugs and alcohol, and the booklet will assist this process.”
[1] 2001 & 1998 National Drug Strategy Household Survey, The Australian Institute of Health & Welfare (AIHW), Canberra
[2] The Health Behaviours of Secondary School Students in New South Wales 2002, NSW Department of Health, October 2004
[3] 1998 National Drug Strategy Household Survey, AIHW, Canberra
"Dangers of Drugs: Information, Warnings, Healthy Attitudes"
PDF file, 518 kb
Major Brad Halse, Communications Director
The Salvation Army Australia Southern Territory
Phone: (03) 8878 2406 Mobile: 0417 537 950
