Harm reduction
Seeing past the smoke
With an estimated 1,100 million regular smokers in the world today and one related death every 10 seconds, tobacco is among the world’s most used and dangerous drugs. Ann McNeill and Jamie Bridge suggest how harm reduction philosophy could replace the usual global ‘quit or die’ response.In recent years, there have been many successful interventions and campaigns around the world to reduce or prevent tobacco consumption. In the UK, price increases, marketing bans, sales restrictions, warnings on packaging, nationwide smoking cessation campaigns, and education in schools have helped to gradually reduce the prevalence of cigarette consumption. It is anticipated that new smokefree legislation across the UK will have an additional impact.
A new blue line? Harm minimisation and police law reform
Policing legislation is under the spotlight. Mike Webb highlights alcohol and other drug related issues that have been explored as part of the government’s review and foreshadows what may feature in a draft bill later this year.How might modern legislation enable New Zealand’s police service to minimise substance-related harm? This was one of many questions put forward as part of a major government review of the 1958 Police Act, underway for the last year and a half.
3 August 2007 | International Drug Policy Consortium August Information Alert
Monthly update on international drug policy issues.
12 June 2007 | International Drug Policy Consortium June Information Alert
The International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC) is a global network of 26 NGOs and professional networks that specialise in issues related to illegal drug production and use. The Consortium aims to promote objective and open debate on the effectiveness, direction and content of drug policies at national and international level, and supports evidence-based policies that are effective in reducing drug-related harm. It disseminates the reports of its member organisations about particular drug-related matters, and offers expert consultancy services to policymakers and officials around the world.
National drug policy
The National Drug Policy (NDP) aims to improve the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders by encouraging the development of strategies and programmes which prevent and reduce drug-related harm.The NDP is in line with World Health Organization and United Nations recommendations of a balanced approach to drug policy.Progress under the NDP is reviewed twice yearly by the Ministerial Committee on Drug Policy (MCDP). Initiatives are progressed and monitored by a group of Government agencies that make up the Inter-Agency Committee on Drugs (IACD).
The vanguard of harm reduction: the future of New Zealand's needle exchange
In 1987 New Zealand established its Needle Exchange Programme (NEP), perhaps the first country to do so on such a comprehensive scale. Now, 20 years on, there are 212 outlets operating nationally and 17 dedicated exchange outlets utilising a peer service model. There are 182 pharmacies and health related organisations providing new, sterile injecting equipment and collection of used items. In our Guest Editorial, Needle Exchange Programme National Manager Charles Henderson writes about the programme’s current status and what should happen to ensure its future.It needs to be understood right from the outset. Drug use has always been part of the human condition, and will be for the foreseeable future. Even in our distant past, we used drugs ranging from alcohol to opiates and hallucinogens to induce altered states of mind or assist in spiritual quests.
National drug policy review 2006-2011- a joint statement of principles
A strong national drug policy is essential as the basis for coordinated and effective action to address drug issues in New Zealand. It can provide clarity and confidence about direction to researchers, providers, policymakers, consumers and other stakeholders. It can also help the public understand drug policies and how they will benefit New Zealanders.
National drug policy 2006-2011 review (Submission)
The New Zealand Drug Foundation – Te Tūāpapa Tarukino o Aotearoa welcomes the opportunity to comment on the consultation document for the National Drug Policy. We support the concept of an integrated National Drug Policy (NDP), and the overarching goal of preventing and reducing the range of harms linked to drug use. In 1998, New Zealand was at the leading edge of a strategic approach to drug issues. We believe that it is both desirable and possible for the 2006-2011 policy to be based on the best current knowledge, to be innovative and focused, and to engage people and organisations working on drug issues.
