DRUGS HIT ALL CLASSES

RECENT pictures of people overdosing on heroin may offend some who
refuse to acknowledge the extent of drug abuse in our community, but
hard drugs such as heroin are only part of the extent of drug abuse.

Reports in the Herald Sun in the past few days highlight the extent of
alcohol abuse, particularly among young people.

In addition, Australians regularly use large amounts of prescription
drugs to combat anxiety, stress and depression.

The reasons young people are increasingly using drugs of addiction are
complex. They range from less than satisfactory living and family
relationships, lack of access to education and employment
opportunities, as well as poor personal choices.

The tragedy is that as a community we seem powerless to address the
issue.

Drug abuse is prevalent everywhere. While we continue to debate the
causes and extent of the problem young people die. Many of the
proposed solutions will treat the symptoms rather than the causes.
This is an important first step, but it will not solve or control the
problem.

The answer lies in the environments in which young people grow and
develop.

Increasing resources to families, schools and employment opportunities
are essential.

Likewise, an emphasis on values which promote human dignity and
self-worth, not exploitation and competition, are essential.

If we feel good about ourselves, we may have moved a step forward in
not needing drugs of addiction.