Information is the key to safe partying
AMA President, Dr Bill Glasson, said today young people need better information about the risks associated with the increasing use of party drugs, which is now a serious public health concern in Australia.
Responding to today's story in the Herald Sun on GBH-related overdoses (liquid ecstasy), Dr Glasson said too many young people are at risk of serious injury and in some cases death because they don't understand the dangers.
"Obviously it would be better if people didn't ingest this stuff at all, but if they must then they need to understand the risks and how to avoid serious injury," Dr Glasson said.
"Parents, doctors and other medical professionals, accident and emergency staff, and venue owners also need information about a range of party drugs.
"Whether we like it or not, dance culture has become a legitimate form of entertainment. More people are using a wider variety of party drugs to try to enhance the experience at raves and dance parties.
"But ecstasy and similar drugs are being used not only at dance parties but in many different settings.
"Because of these subgroups of party drug users, well targeted, honest, evidence-based information and education programs are a must, and so are culturally specific treatment programs," Dr Glasson said.
The term 'party drugs' describes certain illicit substances, primarily synthetic, that are often consumed at nightclubs, bars, raves and dance parties. These substances include, but are not limited to, MDMA (also known as ecstasy); GHB (also known as liquid ecstasy); LSD (also known as acid); Ketamine (also known as Special K) and metamphetamine (also known as speed).
CONTACT: Judith Tokley (02) 6270 5471 / (0408) 824 306