As the country prepares for the brunt of a burgeoning opioid epidemic of its own, Australia seems to have a strong grip on additional illegal substances, unless you take a closer look at one state in the southeastern reach of the country. Despite rampant warnings from the minister of the Australian Capital Territory government, officials in New South Wales have still actively protested pill testing at local music festivals, a surprising decision that could send the country sliding into another barrier of tragedy and suffering. After all, how are Australians supposed to help current addicts and lower the current rates of addiction and abuse if simple tests like these are not implemented? Sometimes the smallest tools can help, after all. Let’s take a closer look at the potentially dangerous outcome of drug testing in New South Wales, Australia.
May I Direct Your Attention to NSW?
Recently, ACT Greens MP Shane Rattenbury (minister for justice in the Australian Capital Territory) revealed how the opposition to drug testing demonstrated by NSW officials is disheartening as well as dangerous, as it could only encourage drug dealers to sell cheaper and more toxic drugs to locals in the state. In a recent letter to Gladys Berejiklian (premier of NSW), Rattenbury also confirmed that policy experts (including Dr. Alex Wodak, former director of the Alcohol and Drug Service at St. Vincent’s Hospital) revealed how drug suppliers will be able to move through loopholes. In general, a lack of drug testing will allow the dealers and manufacturers of these toxic drugs to win.
Voices Will Be Heard
Needless to say, Mr. Rattenbury is not alone in his protests. Multiple officials from the Royal Australian College of Physicians, Australian Medical Association, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, and former Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Palmer have gathered to argue in favor of pill testing at local festivals.
So, why has the NSW government completely ignored these pleas? Berejiklian has explained how children need to be educated about drugs, and pill testing might not be an effective strategy alone. Prevention, in essence, is better than covering up.
Seeking Treatment for Drug Abuse or Addiction
Drug abuse and addiction are dangerous enough, but what is the best way to prevent these dangerous substances from taking root? We can only do so much to prevent drug dealing and manufacturing, but what about prevention programs for young children? Ultimately, educators must decide how soon is too soon for children to be introduced to the dangers of reality.
If you, a friend, or loved one is suffering from a severe case of cigarette abuse or addiction, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process detox and withdrawal and guide you through each step of the rehabilitation process to help you separate yourself from these substances. The time to take back control of your life is now.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn about how you can overcome your attachment to drugs today.
