The Western NSW Local Health District Health Promotions team has partnered with students from Charles Sturt University (CSU) to broadcast hard facts about illicit drugs on local radio during Drug Action Week from 19 to 25 June.
CSU Public Relations students Ms Madeleine Rigelsford, Mr Mark Evans, Ms Clara Kalocsay and Ms Jenna Smith developed a series of radio podcasts that candidly reveal what can happen when people take illicit drugs like Ecstasy, Cannabis, and Acid.
“We interviewed a few young people about their personal experiences with illicit drugs and the impact it has had on their relationships, health, and self-esteem,” said 21 year old Mr Evans. “They had some pretty bad tales either about health issues or embarrassing social situations they were involved in.”
In line with the theme for 2011 Drug Action Week, Looking After Your Mind, the Health Promotions team is hoping to use these podcasts to stimulate thought and challenge people’s ideas about the effects of drugs. Health Promotion and Prevention Officer Mr Jehan Zeb said the podcasts will be made available to local radio stations in the Bathurst and Orange region during Drug Action Week. [see link below to download the podcast]
“We’re asking for local radio stations to broadcast these podcasts, because it is vital for listeners of all demographics to hear the hard truth about illicit drugs, and for the community to help curb the number of people using these harmful substances,” said Mr Zeb.
Mr Zeb said the effects of illicit drugs vary depending on what has been used to make them and the individual who takes them.
“The effects of illicit drugs are unpredictable and very dangerous,” said Mr Zeb.
“The people who make and distribute drugs show little or no regard for the people who take them. When a drug is finally consumed it can contain a cocktail of nasty ingredients that can alter the effects and cause great damage to the user’s health.”
Mr Zeb said it is important for young people to know how to help someone experiencing ill effects of drugs in their presence.
“It’s vital to dial 000 for help immediately if a person is reacting badly to illicit drugs. In the interim, make sure they have enough water and are removed from over-stimulating environments like pubs and clubs,” Mr Zeb said.
“Common reactions can include anxiety, agitation, panic, paranoia, hallucinations, aggressive behaviour, convulsions, over heating and vomiting. Users can also experience severe long term effects like brain damage, liver failure, chronic sleeping problems, and many more life-altering conditions.”
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