Approach to meth control ‘seriously’ backwards says dapaanz

Approach to meth control ‘seriously’ backwards says dapaanz

Addiction Practitioners’ Association of Aotearoa New Zealand (dapaanz) media release

27 October 2016

The Addiction Practitioners’ Association of Aotearoa New Zealand (dapaanz) says New Zealand’s approach to curbing its burgeoning methamphetamine problem is backwards and far too focused on catching and punishing offenders. Instead it says the focus should be on treatment, prevention and rehabilitation which, it contends, are far more effective at reducing methamphetamine use and drug-related crime.

“The best way to reduce drug use is to reduce demand,” says dapaanz Executive Director Sue Paton.

“And the best way to do this is to reduce the number of people addicted to methamphetamine and the number of people who potentially could become dependent on the drug.”

Correction Minister Judith Collins told Radio New Zealand on 18 October that the Government is deadly serious about methamphetamine, but Ms Paton says the Government has its priorities seriously wrong.

“We’re about to spend a $1 billion building another 1800 prison beds because our prison numbers are growing at a ridiculous rate, largely because of drug offences, and $15 million has just been set aside to combat methamphetamine. Most of this will go on police initiatives with very little set aside for treatment. Meanwhile the Government lacks any focused strategy for increasing access to treatment or reducing waitlist times.”

Ms Paton says New Zealand could learn from the Netherlands’ approach to crime and drug-related offending where the emphasis is on rehabilitation and working with people in a therapeutic way to address the reason for their offending, including their dependence on drugs like methamphetamine.

“This sort of approach is much more effective at addressing someone’s addiction, reducing their likelihood of committing crimes, and enabling them to return successfully to society much sooner.”

In the Netherlands 19 prisons were shut down last year because prisoner numbers have fallen through penal reforms that include a heavy emphasis on treatment and rehabilitation. Five more prisons are being strongly considered for closure this year.

“The number of people caught with methamphetamine has more than doubled in recent years in New Zealand and the amount of the drug seized by authorities has almost tripled. It’s clear we’re doing something seriously wrong,” Ms Paton says.

“It is primarily a health problem and what addicted people need most is support to overcome their dependence. There is good evidence that treatment, prevention and rehabilitation are effective, but it seems our Government just doesn't want to know.”

Ms Paton says it is really important that people seeking help get it straight away because they are signalling a desire to change, rather than be put on a waiting list for weeks.

“We also need to make it easier for people to get help early and we think locations like doctor’s surgeries or wherever people present for help would be ideal places for screening for methamphetamine problems.

“Treatment works to transform lives and to prevent good people from descending into addiction. And the earlier people get treatment the better. It’s an investment that makes good social sense when you do the sums.”

ends

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