Pubdate: Sat, 16 Jun 2001
Source: Sydney Morning Herald (Australia)
Copyright: 2001 The Sydney Morning Herald
Contact:  http://www.smh.com.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/441
Author: Tony Trimingham

GETTING UP TO SPEED

The latest trends in drug-taking are cause for concern - particularly the 
dabbling and experimenting that is occurring among adolescents ("Drug 
nation: dabblers in meteoric rise", Herald, June 14).

Marijuana, ecstasy and heroin have all had quite large increases. However, 
one drug which is also popular but which has not attracted much attention 
is speed.

Regarded by most as safer than heroin because it is less addictive and 
doesn't have the same negative image, it still causes havoc in the lives of 
chronic users and their families.

Calls to our service have more than doubled in the past 12 months because 
of the problems associated with speed use. Aggression and mood swings are 
common side effects. It is particularly popular among young females because 
of its perceived weight loss benefits.

It is time we talked more about the negative consequences and outcomes of 
using these drugs rather than trying to insist they just say no.

Tony Trimingham
Family Drug Support
Willoughby
June 14
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MAP posted-by: Beth