Substance abuse

THE decision to set up residential rehabilitation centres for substance abusers is a brave step.

It is an Australian first.

Substance abuse – petrol, glue and paint sniffing – is rampant in some Aboriginal communities.

Disturbingly, there have been reports of the practice spreading to Darwin’s northern suburbs and Palmerston.

It is hard for the average Territorian to understand such self-abuse, to empathise with the low self-esteem and self-destructive behaviour that leads youngsters to do something they know will wreck their lives.

But it is easy to understand the end result – chronic brain damage.

There are two good reasons why Territorians should support the residential rehabilitation centres – compassion and self-interest.

One of the key measures of a civilised society is how it treats those less capable of coping with life.

And if that argument doesn’t wash, self-interest and the desire for a safe community should. The alternative – having a substantial number of brain-damaged youths incapable of telling the difference between right and wrong on the streets – is to horrific to contemplate.

The Territory Government is taking what is nowadays called a “holistic approach” to the problem.

The centres will provide residential accommodation and after-care. And families will be encouraged to get involved in the rehabilitation process.

The next problem will be where to site the centres.

The row over the care home in Palmerston shows that many people are not happy with having dysfunctional youths living in their street

The Government should learn from past mistakes and consult residents fully before making any decision.

Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org
Pubdate: Mon, 11 July 2005
Source: Northern Territory News (Australia)
Author: Editorial
Copyright: 2005 Northern Territory News
Contact: ntnmail@ntn.newsltd.com.au
Website: http://ntnews.news.com.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/283