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Tag: drugs

  • Alcohol and Drug Induced Violence against Paramedics Grows

    New South Wales paramedics are being subjected to verbal and physical abuse at the hands of alcohol and drug affected people while on duty, and many are now admitting the threat of violence is just part of the territory.

    At least sixty times this year, paramedics have been assaulted, verbally and physically, the New South Wales Ambulance Service has revealed.

    New safety guidelines have been introduced which are aimed at protecting paramedics during their shifts.

    NSW Health Services Union boss Gerard Hayes said paramedics being subjected to violence by patients and members of the public was the norm and these figures are in fact “grossly under-reported”.

    Paramedics are fearful to go out and do their job because of how they will be treated. Mr Hayes says they worry if they will actually make it home safely at the end of their shift.

    Mr Hayes wants the guidelines to address this under reporting of attacks and near-misses and wanted to ensure that paramedics were dispatched in teams of at least 2. Read more at http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-29/assaults-on-ambos-increases-with-fear-just-part-of-the-job/9708608

  • New Virtual Party Teaches Kids About Dangers of Alcohol

    In Queensland a trial has commenced that teaches students virtually about attending a party and deciding how many drinks they will have.

    The Griffith University Project is called Blurred Minds and it will be rolled out with the game Perfect Pour to 20 independent Catholic schools across the state.

    St Mary’s Catholic College in Cairns is the first school to participate in the trial, which is a revolutionary new way to educate students about alcohol and being responsible when drinking.

    Students use virtual reality headsets to “attend an underage party” in a “crazy” party scenario and make decisions in the game about drinking.

    It is hoped these lessons will prepare students for responsible drinking futures.

    Read more : http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-05-12/virtual-party-aims-to-teach-kids-about-dangers-of-alcohol/8516872

  • Meth a Bigger Concern Than Alcohol

    While alcohol abuse and misuse is a major concern in Australia, the meth epidemic seems to be a growing concern with statistics showing more people seeking treatment for meth than alcohol abuse last year.

    Stints in rehabilitation, a series of counselling appointments, a period of detoxification and assessments are all included in treatment for drug and alcohol services and last year 7868 treatments were carried out. In 2015, 6705 treatments were conducted.

    While the number of alcohol treatments has been consistent over the past 5 years to 2016, the number of treatments for meth has been steadily increasing since 2015.

    The data was provided by Mental Health Commissioner Tim Marney.

    Source: https://thewest.com.au/news/wa/more-treated-for-meth-than-alcohol-ng-b88467835z

  • Changes Could See Parents Force-Tested for Alcohol and Drugs if They Are Abusive

    Given the scourge of drug and alcohol abuse, parents in SA may be forced to submit to drug and alcohol testing by the state’s child protection boss, if it is believed that a child may be at risk due to the parent’s substance abuse.

    The state government first decided to leave the power to order drug and alcohol tests to a court but has now agreed to allow these powers to be given to the Child Protection Department chief executive.

    These amendments are in accordance with a recommendation made by Margaret Nyland, Royal Commission head that the child protection authority be given the power to issue written direction compelling parents to submit to substance tests if a child is at risk.

    Find out more http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/abusive-parents-can-be-forced-into-alcohol-drug-tests-if-children-are-at-risk-under-new-changes/news-story/ed33f6d42cf5618c458120e3a7d93983

  • Australians Pay The Price for Their Drinking Habits

    If you like drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes or taking drugs you’ll be interested to learn that Australia is the third most expensive country in the world to have these habits, according to the Bloomberg Vice Index.

    According to the index, a specific basket of goods including tobacco, alcohol, amphetamine, cannabis, cocaine and opioids will cost you just $US41.40 in Laos, and the same basket would cost astonishing $US1,441.50 in Japan. In Australia, those 6 items will cost $US984.20. New Zealand is not far behind, at $US980.50.

    The most affordable country is the tiny European Luxembourg, with a basket costing $US259.30.

    See more at http://www.news.com.au/finance/money/costs/aussies-pay-the-price-for-bad-habits/news-story/9175f91bf03ea5e7118b70e6c1f84b33

  • Huge New Fines for Drinking and Drugs in Victoria

    Drivers in Victoria that blow over .10 will face some huge new consequences, including having their cars confiscated, paying a hefty fine and losing their licence for 10 months.

    Victorians caught driving while drunk and on illicit drugs will face fines of up to $41,000 and lose their licences.

    The harsh new measures come into effect as of next month and provide even more of a reason why we need to drink responsibly and not drink drive.

    If drinking, arrange a designated driver or take a taxi or public transport. Find out more here.