This Summer, party hotspots, pubs, clubs and sporting venues across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula will be displaying eye-catching posters with an important message on the harms of amphetamines, such as Ice, Speed and Ecstasy.
Peninsula Health’s Aware of Amphetamines campaign, launched today, features a range of posters in local settings with an important message for likely Iceusers. Peninsula Drug and Alcohol Program (PenDAP) Manager Simon Ruth explained, “Targeting amphetamine users is a challenge as use is so widespread. Users range between 16-50 years of age from hard-core party goers to tradespeople and professionals. Most users, don’t identify themselves as having a problem seeing it as a lifestyle choice practiced on weekends and holidays,”
“What many users don’t realise is that there are a range of likely harms prior to addiction that need to be considered. Amphetamine use can lead to mental health issues and exhaustion which puts jobs and relationships at risk. Police are now targeting people who drive whilst on amphetamines as drug driving endangers the whole community.”
Simon lists the frequent harms associated with amphetamines as including, “admissions to the Emergency Department with heart problems, drug induced psychosis, injuries and assaults.”
With the onset of Summer and the annual wave of tourism, drug use on the Peninsula will rise. “There is a false belief out there that these drugs are harmless. Our posters signal the warning signs to be aware of, and encourage users, as well as those who know users, to seek treatment before they reach a crisis point or worse.”
The new Amphetamine Awareness Poster themes include:
- Anger
- Paranoia
- Exhaustion
- Job and Health risks
- First time users
For more information on PenDAP contact 9784 8100 or visit www.peninsulahealth.org.au
