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Tag: substance abuse

  • Teenage Athletes May be At Risk to Alcohol and Drug Addiction

    Following a new study that found that young people turn to alcohol and drugs to deal with regular and intense exercise, 2 experts have reacted to the study saying that teens turn to alcohol and drugs to deal with societal pressures as well as sporting pressures.

    The Royal Australian and New Zealand School of Psychiatrists (RANZCP), which surveyed almost 3500 teenagers,found that teenage athletes who worked out more than 4 times a week were more likely to develop substance-abuse issues.

    In response to these findings, Dr Matthew Dunn, a senior lecturer in public health at Deakin University, said it’s not new that children who play regular sport can develop addictions to drugs and alcohol. He said external pressures can lead active teens to turn to drugs and alcohol, particularly teens who are sponsored or belong to a team or club.

    Find out more https://thenewdaily.com.au/sport/sport-focus/2018/05/12/teenage-sports-drug-alcohol-addiction/

  • 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

  • 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