New Zealand is a country full of sheep, and I’m not just talking about the four legged ones covered in wool. We have this tendency to follow. Trends, usually ones that someone else has already started, suggestions made by those considered to have influence, not all of them providing any benefit our society. Just look at the 6pm news and you will know what I mean. Stories involving alcohol, violence, crime, gangs and drug use dominate the first few pages in the papers, and sadly teenagers with their involvement are taking up a good portion of it. Why is this? Why over the past few years have we been subject to an influx of teenage drug associated crime?
The methamphetamine epidemic facing the country may have something to do with it. New Zealanders, according to the 16 May, 2009 New Zealand Herald article titled “Waging war on P”, are the number one P users per head in the developed world, ahead of both the United States and Australia. A shocking statistic made worse when you consider the other things associated to it. As one of the Kiwi Party press releases state “…drug abuse has a direct link to much of our crime rates such as burglary, child abuse and the increasing violent crimes that are shocking us all as a nation.” [Link]
The class A drug, also known as P, Crack, Meth, Smack, Ice, Glass, Pure, Base, Rock and Shabu, has become highly accessible. And mixed with a binge culture, like the one taking hold of New Zealand, of teenagers who rate parties by how much a person gets trashed, extremely dangerous. The drug is a stimulant. Some may take it to stay awake in order to work extra shifts while others may take it because of perceived heightened physical and mental performances. Whatever their reason, use of the drug, according to the Fight Against P website, can cause “dependence and addiction psychosis, stroke, dangerously high body temperature, and cardiac arrhythmia. Withdrawal often results in severe depression and paranoia.”
According to the Herald, research showed that regular users under the age of 25 lose control while under the influence 31 per cent said they had a car crash, 60 per cent had unprotected sex and 57 per cent had passed out.
We are in a country with a serious problem. Held captive by a drug threatening tomorrow’s generation. Is this the face of New Zealand’s future? Let’s hope not. Some trends are not meant to be followed.
The methamphetamine epidemic facing the country may have something to do with it. New Zealanders, according to the 16 May, 2009 New Zealand Herald article titled “Waging war on P”, are the number one P users per head in the developed world, ahead of both the United States and Australia. A shocking statistic made worse when you consider the other things associated to it. As one of the Kiwi Party press releases state “…drug abuse has a direct link to much of our crime rates such as burglary, child abuse and the increasing violent crimes that are shocking us all as a nation.” [Link]
The class A drug, also known as P, Crack, Meth, Smack, Ice, Glass, Pure, Base, Rock and Shabu, has become highly accessible. And mixed with a binge culture, like the one taking hold of New Zealand, of teenagers who rate parties by how much a person gets trashed, extremely dangerous. The drug is a stimulant. Some may take it to stay awake in order to work extra shifts while others may take it because of perceived heightened physical and mental performances. Whatever their reason, use of the drug, according to the Fight Against P website, can cause “dependence and addiction psychosis, stroke, dangerously high body temperature, and cardiac arrhythmia. Withdrawal often results in severe depression and paranoia.”
According to the Herald, research showed that regular users under the age of 25 lose control while under the influence 31 per cent said they had a car crash, 60 per cent had unprotected sex and 57 per cent had passed out.
We are in a country with a serious problem. Held captive by a drug threatening tomorrow’s generation. Is this the face of New Zealand’s future? Let’s hope not. Some trends are not meant to be followed.
Links
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Fight Against P website - http://fightagainstp.com/main/what_is_meth.php
Herald coverage, an overview of the current situation - http://www.nzherald.co.nz/pharmaceuticals/news/article.cfm?c_id=278&objectid=10572572
Investigative article written by John McCrone - http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/361253
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Fight Against P website - http://fightagainstp.com/main/what_is_meth.php
Herald coverage, an overview of the current situation - http://www.nzherald.co.nz/pharmaceuticals/news/article.cfm?c_id=278&objectid=10572572
Investigative article written by John McCrone - http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/361253
Kiwi Party press release - http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0905/S00231.htm
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