15 December 2006

New strategies to tackle drugs

The Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy today agreed to a study by the NSW Government of neuroscience research to find new ways of treating drug addiction and endorsed the NSW taskforce on truck driver use of methamphetamines to drive national change NSW Minister for Health John Hatzistergos said today.

The Ministerial Council also and moved to tackle responsible alcohol service on cruise ships.

Mr Hatzistergos said the study of neuroscience will allow:

• Development of innovative treatments
• Development more effective prevention and education responses
• A better understanding of the process of addiction

“We hope to gain new insights into how the brain works, how people become addicted to dangerous drugs and how and why treatments work or do not work,” Mr Hatzistergos said.

“By studying biological causes of addiction it may be possible to develop ways to correct the changes made to the brain by drugs and break the addiction cycle.

“This may include development of vaccines to stop the euphoric effect of drugs and psychoactive medication to “unlearn” addiction and “repair” the brain changes caused by drugs.

“The research will be used to assist in identifying priorities for national action.”

Mr Hatzistergos said the Ministerial Council also agreed the newly established NSW taskforce will identify strategies for dealing with amphetamine use in the trucking industry.

“Our research shows between 20 -30 per cent of truck drivers across Australia use amphetamines to manage fatigue while truck drivers are working longer hours and are more likely to be paid per load or trip.”

Mr Hatzistergos said the introduction of the Federal Government’s WorkChoices legislation will significantly compound problems for drivers, because basic protections under awards such as safe driving payment systems, taking proper rest breaks and providing safety induction programs are no longer assured.

“The most concerning thing is that research shows when the stimulant wears off there is a sudden loss of alertness by the driver. Amphetamines and other stimulants can also cause the driver to take more risks and act more aggressively on our roads.

“This taskforce will work with all jurisdictions to progress the initiative nationally,” he said.

Ministers also agreed to a NSW proposal referring the issue of responsible service of alcoholon cruise ships to an interjurisdictional working group for further  investigation, to protect the safety of Australian citizens travelling on cruises.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au