HEROIN USE IN PERSPECTIVE

The controversy surrounding Ansett Airlines' decision to install
syringe disposal bins highlights just how complex life is today. On
the one hand, Ansett can be commended; on the other hand, it is known
that other airlines have carried "sharps bins" in their medical kits
for some time.

Major Brian Waters, who heads the Salvation Army's rehabilitation
bridge program in NSW, Queensland and the ACT, is pilloried for his
criticisms of Ansett's decision by so-called, drug reformers whose
ultimate solution is the legalisation of illicit drugs.

Yes, people do shoot up, but the facts are that 99 per cent of
Australians have never used heroin and that of the 1 per cent who do,
only 14 per cent use it more than once a year. Sadly, those who use
are likely to be young, male and unemployed.

Just as the figures have been exaggerated by those who would see
marijuana legalised, so the problems we have across the board with
other illicit drugs have been puffed up.

Illicit drug use is not normal, is not socially acceptable and
certainly should not drive public health policy.

We must continue to be wary of sending mixed messages to those who are
young and vulnerable to exploitation.

GRAEME RULE executive director, Drug Awareness and Relief Movement,
Dandenong

Checked-by: Patrick Henry