Key Takeaways:
- There has been an increase in drug use in New Zealand, with a rise in hospital admissions linked to ketamine, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
- The current drug laws in New Zealand are considered "unsafe" and exacerbate addiction, overdose, and criminalization.
- There is a need for a shift in approach from a criminal issue to a health issue, with increased investment in harm reduction services and decriminalization of personal use.
- The Government has announced plans to develop a strategic action plan to prevent and reduce substance-related harm, but has confirmed that there are no plans to make changes to the Misuse of Drugs Act.
- Organizations such as Know Your Stuff are providing harm reduction services, including free drug checks, to help reduce the risks associated with drug use.
Introduction to the Issue
The use of drugs in New Zealand has been on the rise in recent years, with a significant increase in hospital admissions linked to ketamine, cocaine, and methamphetamine. According to data obtained by the Herald from Health New Zealand, hospital admissions linked to ketamine have increased more than sevenfold between 2014-15 and 2023-24. This trend is supported by organizations such as Know Your Stuff, which provides free drug checks at summer festivals and in cities nationwide throughout the year. The organization’s founder, Wendy Spearin, believes that the increase in drug use is a global trend, and that New Zealand is no exception.
The Current State of Drug Laws
The current drug laws in New Zealand are considered "unsafe" by many, including the Drug Foundation, which recently released a report criticizing the Misuse of Drugs Act. The report argues that the laws have exacerbated addiction, overdose, and criminalization, and that a new approach is needed. Spearin agrees, stating that the laws are "treating drug use as a criminal issue rather than a health issue." She believes that this approach is not only ineffective but also harmful, as it can lead to people being labeled as "drug seekers" and facing long-term consequences, such as being denied medication or life insurance.
The Need for a New Approach
Spearin and the Drug Foundation are calling for a shift in approach, with increased investment in harm reduction services and decriminalization of personal use. They believe that this approach would encourage people to be more open about their drug use and seek help when needed. The Government has announced plans to develop a strategic action plan to prevent and reduce substance-related harm, but has confirmed that there are no plans to make changes to the Misuse of Drugs Act. Spearin argues that this is not enough, and that a more fundamental change is needed to address the root causes of the problem.
Harm Reduction Services
Organizations such as Know Your Stuff are providing harm reduction services, including free drug checks, to help reduce the risks associated with drug use. These services are particularly important during festivals and events, where the risk of overdose and other harm is higher. Know Your Stuff also provides education and support to people who use drugs, helping them to make informed decisions and reduce their risk of harm. Spearin believes that these services are essential, and that they should be expanded and funded by the Government.
The Way Forward
The way forward is clear: a new approach is needed to address the issue of drug use in New Zealand. This approach should prioritize harm reduction and decriminalization, rather than punishment and criminalization. The Government should invest in services such as Know Your Stuff, and work to develop a strategic action plan that addresses the root causes of the problem. By working together, we can reduce the risks associated with drug use and create a safer, healthier community for all. The Health Ministry has stated that people experiencing substance-related harm or addiction have a range of mental health and addiction support services available, including services being rolled out nationally through the Access and Choice programme, community treatment services, plus live-in services that provide more intensive support. However, more needs to be done to address the issue, and a fundamental change in approach is needed to make a real difference.