Users need help too

The recent release of the Ministerial Taskforce on illicit drugs is a step in the right direction by the NT Labor Government but falls well short in terms of adequately addressing the needs of dependent opiate users in the NT.

The Network Against Prohibition strongly supports the establishment of a methadone maintenance program in the Northern Territory, however, a range of options need to be available to dependent drug users.

The NT Government is relying on two drugs (buprenorphine and methadone) to act as magic bullets, without providing appropriate detoxification services.

Although we support the use of methadone, it is an extremely addictive drug and has serious withdrawal effects. We argue strongly for pharmaceutical quality heroin (diacetylmorphine) to be made available to dependent and recreational users in the Northern Territory.

Trials of heroin have been successful in Europe and the NT was well placed to follow this lead with the establishment of the illicit drugs taskforce.

Gary Meyerhoff
Ludmilla

Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org
Pubdate: 21st September 2002
Source: Northern Territory News
Author: Gary Meyerhoff
Email: ntnmail@newsltd.com.au
Website: http://www.ntnews.com.au
Copyright: 2002 Northern Territory News