Introduction

Substance use covers all drugs and alcohol or other substances such as glues and any chemicals used to get high or for recreation.

Drug-related harm

The main cause of controversy surrounding drug use is community harm. People get themselves into all kinds of problems using alcohol and other drugs.

Most groups of people in society have some sanctioned drug-taking behaviour. Rich or poor, weak or strong, young and all. Everybody in society has some contact with people use substances.

Not all substance use is out in the open. Alcohol for example is a highly publicised and 'acceptable' substance use behaviour. Many people are aware of the negative consequences of drinking, and we are all responsible for decisions around the choice to drink or not to drink.

What is harm?

Drug-related harm covers everything from injury to rape and bashings through to brain damage and psychological/mental health problems.

Harm is always relative. Even the government recognises this clearly in our drug policy. The Harm Minimisation movement has gained significant momentum over the past 20 years and this is strongely ingrained in national policy through the National Illicit Drug Strategy. The Alcohol policy is based on harm minimisation as well.

What is harm minimisation?

Harm minimisation is really a different approach to policy by contrast to zero tolerance. Harm minimisation understands that people will do, but that public policy and the community in general has a responsibility to reduce harm to the overall population. Zero tolerance is a relatively outdated social movement which is based on the belief that people and their behavioural decisions can be controlled through policy.

Why do people take drugs?

Society is highly oriented drug use, although there is segmentation of the acceptance of drug use across cultures.

For example, in Australia, alcohol use is an acceptable form of drug use. Whilst smoking is legal, it may be less socially acceptable.

Why are there different rules for different substances?

Society tries to mediate drug related harm and also tax legal drugs such as alcohol and tobacco. Public policy is often reactionary rather than rational, so there are often very harsh penalties for certain drugs that may be less harmful than legal drugs.

History is also accountable for the inconsistancies in drug policy. For example, in the United States, alcohol was prohibited during the early 20th century. But for many years it has been legal.

Consider the legal drinking limit in Australia which is 18. In the US, the legal drinking age is 21. There is no scientific or rational argument to say either age is right or wrong.

Where can I get help?

There are many government and not-for-profit as well as private services offering drug and alcohol services.

It is important to choose a service that suits the particular needs of the individual.