The Australian Government is launching the next phase of our National Drugs Campaign to help tackle the use of illicit drugs, particularly ice, among young Australians.
The new television and online campaign illustrates the range of risks associated with drug use and provides information on the range of resources, support and treatment options available.
The $10 million campaign has resources for parents, including the Positive Choices Online Portal, to help them learn about drugs and be able to have important conversations with their kids.
A new National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline – 1800 250 015 – will be set up which links to existing state and territory alcohol and other drug telephone services that offer free and confidential support, information, counselling and referral.
The 2016 National Drug Strategy Household Survey found that around 3.1 million Australians (more than 15.6 per cent) had used an illicit drug at least once in the past year. This was slightly higher than in 2013 and reflects a steady increase from 13.4 per cent in 2007.
Recent data from police, health and emergency services suggests the number of ice users in Australia is now well above 200,000 – with more than 60,000 of these people using it weekly or more often.
In 2016, around 1.8 million people reported being victims of a drug-related incident.
A 2016 report into the social costs of methamphetamine conducted by the National Drug Research Institute (NDRI) found that the social cost of methamphetamine in Australia was over $5 billion in the year studied (2013-14).
The primary contributors to this cost were: crime, including police and court costs ($3.2 billion); workplace absenteeism ($290 million); child maltreatment ($260 million); and health ($200 million).
For more information about the campaign visit www.drughelp.gov.au