and

Is ‘P’ in your neighbourhood?

 Contents

FROM THE CHAIRMAN ............................................. 2 MINOR TRANQUILISERS ........................................... 13

STEROIDS .................................................................. 13
DRUGS ........................................................ 3
TOBACCO .................................................................. 14
THE GOOD,THE BAD,THE UGLY ............................. 3
DRUGS AND PREGNANCY ........................................ 14
Survey shows serious abuse ................................ 3
Effects on pregnancy ............................................ 14
Broader market noticed ....................................... 4
WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY .......................... 15
REDUCING THE RISKS .............................................. 4
Before starting CPR .............................................. 15
Legal implications ................................................. 5
Performing adult CPR ........................................... 15
Parents have rights ............................................... 5
Signs and symptoms ............................................. 5 ALCOHOL ...................................................... 16
METHAMPHETAMINE (‘P’) ....................................... 5 A SOCIETY TOLERANT OF
P in your neighbourhood ..................................... 6 DRUNKENNESS ..................................................... 16

How to spot a P laboratory ................................. 7 THE DRINKING AGE LAWS ....................................... 17

AMPHETAMINES ........................................................ 7 WHAT WE DRINK ..................................................... 17

ECSTASY .................................................................... 8 THE MEASURE OF A DRINK ..................................... 17

DRINK DRIVING ....................................................... 18
COCAINE ................................................................... 9
Driving down the road toll .................................. 18
CANNABIS ................................................................. 9
Changing lethal behaviour ................................... 19
GHB ........................................................................... 10
Drugs and driving ................................................. 19
A story of drink spiking ....................................... 11
HEROIN ..................................................................... 11 WHERE TO GO FOR HELP .................................. 20
HALLUCINOGENS ..................................................... 12 The phone book ................................................... 20
INHALANTS ............................................................... 12 Some drug education organisations .................... 20

The Managers’ Guild Trust DRUG & ALCOHOL awareness 1

 From the Chairman

New Zealand has started into a major new era of drug abuse. We are faced with a greater
number of drugs than ever before, and they are easier to get.
The Police noticed a big change in 2000, when methamphetamine – known as the party drug
“P” – appeared on the scene. It is chemically based, does not require importing, can be made
at home and the ingredients are readily available. And most disturbingly, it is very addictive.
P was a factor in the killings of youngster Coral-Ellen Burrows in Featherson, and at a Re-
turned Services club in Auckland. P is also linked to an increase in family violence.
Overseas suppliers have made links with ethnic and motorcycle gangs in this country who
handle the local distribution. These drugs are not likely to be sold at “tinny houses”, but by
people who know people, just like cannabis used to be. Users are more likely to be supplied their drugs by sex
workers, strippers and bar bouncers.
Trafficking has become well organised. Couriers, mainly from Asian countries, bring P in to New Zealand hidden in
suitcases, strapped to their bodies and inside their bodies, and in hollowed-out objects. Some traffickers are being
caught at our airports, but this country is a target for international drug criminals because the market is so lucrative – the
profits are high and ethnic gangs, who control the local supply, keep the prices up.
Mobile phones and internet banking help suppliers and dealers in their financial transactions. Drugs money is being
laundered in casinos, where the cash is placed then withdrawn a few minutes later as winnings.
New, legal, herbal-based drugs have also appeared and are being sold legally as energy pills. How dangerous they are
is not yet known. They are banned in Sweden, the United States, and in some Australian states. The Police look at them
as possible gateway drugs to harder, illegal drugs.
This booklet has been produced to help acquaint parents, at-risk teenagers and concerned individuals such as youth
workers and teachers with the facts about drugs. We have focused on methamphetamines because they represent a
major change in the New Zealand drug scene.
New Zealand Police want to reduce the supply of illegal, harmful drugs and make our community safer. Armed with the
right information, we hope you can help.

Inspector Dave Montgomery

Chairman, The Managers’ Guild Trust “Creating Leaders”

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS COPYRIGHT
New Zealand Police No part of this booklet may be reproduced without the
Alcohol Drug Association of New Zealand (ADANZ) written authority of the publisher. Opinions expressed in
New Zealand Drug Foundation this booklet are not necessarily those of The Managers’
Guild Trust or the publishers.
Alcohol Advisory Council – Alac
Land Transport New Zealand Published by Line 2 Line Concepts Ltd.
New Zealand Medical Journal P.O. Box 11 638, Wellington
Level 2, 11–15 Vivian Street, Wellington
Neighbourhood Support New Zealand
Telephone: (04) 801 0840, Facsimile: (04) 801 0841
New Zealand Resuscitation Council
Email: info@line2line.co.nz
Kate Website: www.line2line.co.nz
Photos used in this booklet supplied courtesy of
Fotopress Limited.
A very special thank you to all the sponsors of this
programme. Without their support this booklet would Proud distributors of Proud printers of
not be possible. Please patronise these sponsors. The Managers’ Guild Trust magazine. The Managers’ Guild Trust magazine.

2 DRUG & ALCOHOL awareness The Managers’ Guild Trust

 Drugs

THE GOOD, THE BAD, THE UGLY The research showed that ATSs were now serious drugs
of abuse in New Zealand. In 2001 one in 10 New Zea-
Drugs can be good, bad and ugly. We sometimes need
landers aged 18–29, or about 100,000 people, had used
the good drugs to help fight illness or ease our physical
an ATS drug in the last year. About one-third of these
and emotional pain. They are made to a standard that
were frequent users (defined as having used six times
is monitored and we know what we are getting. They
or more in the previous year). The illegal trade in ATS
result from painstaking development over many years.
drugs in New Zealand is of the equivalent dollar value –
The labelling is on the packet and they are sold over
$168.3 million – as the illicit trade in cannabis. It might
the counter as reputable brands. Sometimes they need
have effectively doubled the dollar value of the illegal
a doctor’s prescription and are issued by a pharmacist.
trade in drugs in New Zealand in less than 10 years.
They are the good drugs ... but this booklet is more
The evidence suggests we are witnessing a drugs epi-
concerned with the bad and the ugly drugs. These drugs
demic.
are addictive, have all sorts of unknown ingredients,
and can be dangerous – even fatal. The survey reveals that ATS users were mainly male
and aged 18–29; the heaviest among them aged 20–24.
They are associated with crime. Some drug-related of-
Users mostly were in full-time work, were in profes-
fences are now being viewed as a significant social
sional occupations, earned good money and were well-
threat to the country. These activities are having an
educated. Many, including frequent users, were Euro-
unprecedented effect on health, jobs, productivity and
pean. Users mainly were urban-dwellers, in the upper
community cohesion in New Zealand.
half of the North Island and in Auckland.
Cannabis remains the third-most used drug in New
Forty percent of frequent users of methamphetamine
Zealand after alcohol and tobacco. Cannabis-related
reported existing mental health problems, including
offences are down from what they were, but non-can-
nabis drug crimes, which include amphetamine-type
substances, are up.
The movement from cannabis to synthetics began in
the late 90s. In 2000 the Police saw significant changes
as methamphetamines, Ecstasy and GHB (Gamma-
hydroxybutyrate, also known as Fantasy or the date-
rape drug) became widely available.
These “party” drugs can be made at home, the ingredi-
ents are readily available and they are very addictive.
The chemicals are usually made in China and groups
known as Triads, in co-operation with New Zealand
gangs, are often the importers. New Zealand is a prime
target in the international drugs trade because the mar-
ket is so lucrative. The gangs control the trade to en-
sure that competition is minimal and prices are kept
high.

Survey shows serious abuse

A survey called The Socio-Economic Impact of Ampheta-
mine Type Stimulants (ATS) in New Zealand was con-
ducted in 2001 for the Police by the Centre for Social
and Health Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Massey
University, in Auckland. The results were issued in 2004.
ATSs are illicit synthetic drug types that include meth- Drug dealers are using new technology to do their
amphetamine, Ecstasy and crystal methamphetamine transactions, organise distribution, and launder
(known as Ice). money. Photo: ©Fotopress

The Managers’ Guild Trust DRUG & ALCOHOL awareness 3

tendencies to self-harm. About two-thirds of users said groups, teenagers and traditional cannabis users. As well,
methamphetamine increased their psychological prob- some dealers lace cannabis with P to increase the at-
lems such as anxiety, mood swings, short temper, para- tractiveness.
noia and depression, and suicidal thoughts (21 per- The typical dollar amount spent each time on ampheta-
cent) and attempts (13 percent). mine by users arrested in 2001 was $350 compared
Ninety-three percent of the frequent methamphetamine with only $20 for cannabis. New Zealand has the high-
users interviewed believed P to be “more harmful” or est drug prices in the world. A “tinny” of cannabis in
“much more harmful” than cannabis. New Zealand, which is well-suited to growing the plant,
About half of frequent users interviewed reported harm costs $20 – in other countries the same quantity might
in “friendship and social life” (55 percent), “health” (55 cost 50c.
percent), and “energy and vitality” (53 percent). Other Another survey of methamphetamine use in New Zea-
“harms” that frequent users most often rated as “very land was undertaken in November and December of
serious” or “extremely serious” were to “work and work 2003. Information came from drug treatment workers,
opportunities”, “outlook on life”, and “friendship and Police and Customs drug enforcement officers.
social life”. Some key trends emerged:
Frequent P users were often engaged in other illegal • Methamphetamine was readily available.
activities such as drug dealing and making. One-third
of users interviewed had sold P and about one in five • A greater cross-section of society is now using P.
had made it or exchanged it for stolen property. • Methamphetamine sales are being made from can-
nabis “tinny” houses.
About half of amphetamine buyers had contacted their
drug dealers by mobile phone or texting; nearly two- • P is being marketing to poorer groups of people.
thirds of cannabis buyers visited a house or flat. All the • Methamphetamine users have increased drug dealing.
amphetamine sellers reported selling only to “close • Violence and property crime is associated with P use.
friends and family members”, whereas cannabis sellers
sold at least “some” of their cannabis to “casual ac- • Serious violence and family violence is linked to meth-
quaintances” and “complete strangers”. amphetamine.
• More P users are coming to the attention of the Po-
ATS users commonly combined their drug-taking with
lice and drug treatment.
high-potency cannabis, LSD, magic mushrooms, co-
caine, GHB, Ketamine, Rush and tranquillisers • Smoking methamphetamine is becoming more popu-
lar, as opposed to the previous tradition of snorting.
Broader market noticed • P is now being injected.
Since that survey in 2001 the Police have noticed that P • The prevalence of pure crystal forms of metham-
has been “marketed” away from dance party-goers and phetamine as opposed to cut powder.
motorcycle gangs to broader society, particularly poorer
REDUCING THE RISKS
The New Zealand Government’s drug
policy is based on harm minimisation.
This is aimed at reducing drug-related
harm to the community and individual
drug users. Ways of doing that include
encouraging non-use, through to pro-
viding the means for users to use
drugs with fewer risks.
Remember: there is no safe level of
illegal drug use.
The New Zealand Police aim at re-
ducing the supply of illegal, harmful
drugs. Dealing in and using such drugs
is illegal, and it supports criminal ac-
tivity. If caught, you can be prosecuted
and convicted. A conviction could
A handcuffed suspect is put into a police vehicle after an early morning drugs bust make life awkward for you if you try
on a suspected methamphetamine lab. Photo: ©Fotopress

4 DRUG & ALCOHOL awareness The Managers’ Guild Trust

to enter another country. That’s the least that can hap- lem. Trust your intuition. If you feel something is not
pen. Supplying and dealing a class A drug could result quite right, have a frank and open discussion about
in your being locked up for 25 years. drugs and the young person’s opinion about drugs in
New Zealand is the only country in the world that has our society.
laws covering the import, sale, and possession of drugs It is important to stay calm and show a willingness to
paraphernalia. listen regardless or how concerned you might be feel-
ing. If you are confrontational the young person is likely
Legal implications to clam up, say nothing, and turn more towards their
Under the Misuse of Drugs Act (1975), illegal drugs are peers and drugs for comfort.
in three classes. Try to be honest about your own drug use. If you drink
Class A drugs include heroin, homebake, Speed, P, co- alcohol or smoke cigarettes, acknowledge that these
caine, LSD, and Magic Mushrooms. The penalties for are also drugs. Denying your own drug use will only
importing, supplying and dealing in these drugs include make you seem hypocritical and you will lose credibil-
life imprisonment. Possession can get you six months ity in the eyes of your teenager.
jail or a $1000 fine, or both. Some of the signs and symptoms mentioned here are
Class B drugs include methadone, morphine, GHB, and normal behaviour for young people and need not be
Ecstasy. Some class B drugs become Class A when pre- related to drug use. Experts working in the drug field
pared for injection. The maximum penalty for dealing, say that parents and caregivers should be concerned if
supplying or importing Class B drugs is 14 years, for a young person shows a sudden change to uncharac-
Class C drugs, eight years. All drug profits, including teristic behaviour or moods.
cash, car and your property, can be seized.
Signs and symptoms
Class C drugs include cannabis, and prescribed drugs
such as benzodiazepines or those that contain pseu- Possible behavioural signs and symptoms of general drug
doephedrine, the main ingredient in locally made Speed. use: personality changes (moodiness, bursts of anger,
Ketamine and amyl are controlled under the Medicines withdrawal); getting frustrated quickly (restless, agitated,
Act. Possessing Class B and C drugs can earn three aggressive); becoming unreliable; behaving unexpect-
months imprisonment or a $500 fine or both. Posses- edly; cancelled appointments; blaming others; secrecy;
sion also covers letting your car or house be used for lying; missing meals or other family activities; absence
using, selling or making drugs. from school, especially after a weekend; wagging school;
less respect for authority; sudden changes in school in-
Dealing is “possession for the purpose of supply or terest and achievement; changes in sporting interest and
sale”. Sharing with friends technically makes you a achievement; altered or delayed emotional development;
dealer. You don’t have to profit or get money to be a lack of energy or drive; inability to get out of bed in the
real dealer. Giving a pill to a friend, say for their birth- morning; not up-front about friends and where they
day, is dealing. have been; a sudden change in friends; money of other
family members starts disappearing; can’t explain how
Parents have rights they have spent their money; frequent illness (colds,
As parents you have rights. It is important to emphasise flu); can’t concentrate for long; less aware or less com-
that. mon sense (especially while intoxicated); unable to sleep;
bruises; unkempt appearance; acne of the face; stagger-
You have a right to know what is going on in your
ing walk; and slurred speech.
teenagers’ lives. You have a right to know how they
are getting their drugs, because, for example, they might
be engaging in petty crime to pay for their habit. And METHAMPHETAMINE (‘P’)
you have a right and a responsibility to look after their Methamphetamine is a powerfully addictive Class A
welfare. drug. It is closely related to amphetamines, but has a
Drug use does not always mean addiction. Only a few greater effect on the central nervous system. It works
teenagers who use drugs will get addicted to them. It is by releasing the brain chemical dopamine, stimulating
important for parents to think about why teenagers might brain cells, enhancing mood and body movement.
want to use drugs. Mainly it’s because they are curious. Methamphetamine is a neurotoxin, which means that it
They continue because it makes them feel good – for a damages the neurons that produce the neurotransmitters
while. dopamine and serotonin.
If you suspect drug use, listen to what your teenager Street names for methamphetamine include Speed, Meth,
has to say. By listening you can determine if they are Pure or P, Chalk, Crank, Crystal, Ice, Glass, Crystal Meth,
using at all, experimenting or doing it to solve a prob- Sketch, Go, Junk, Wake Up, Zoom, Tweak and Dope.

The Managers’ Guild Trust DRUG & ALCOHOL awareness 5

It can be snorted (inhaled through the nose), smoked, Injecting carries other risks. Sharing needles with oth-
injected or eaten. Each way of taking it produces differ- ers, reusing injecting equipment and not disposing of
ent highs for the user. them correctly lead to an increased risk of contracting
Immediately after smoking the drug or injecting it in- Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV.
travenously the user gets a feeling of intense pleasure
or rush, which lasts for a few minutes. Snorting or swal- P in your neighbourhood
lowing causes euphoria, but not a rush, and produces The illegal making and distribution of P is big business
effects within 15–20 minutes. in New Zealand. Gangs are prominent but so are other
people, motivated by the quick making process and
The pleasurable rush disappears quickly. Other effects
high financial returns. The process is dangerous and so
might last between eight to 24 hours and include: in-
are many of the people engaged in it.
creased alertness; sense of well-being; paranoia; hallu-
cinations; aggressive and violent behaviour; increased P is made in houses, motel units, sheds, caravans and
heart rate; convulsions and/or uncontrollable twitch- even in car boots. Most of the people who make it – or
ing, jerking; extreme rise in body temperature (as high cooks as they are known – have extensive criminal
as 42.2C, which can cause brain damage and death); histories. They often keep loaded firearms handy dur-
insomnia; impaired speech; dry, itchy skin; loss of ap- ing cooking and, after prolonged exposure to the drug
petite; acne, sores; and numbness. and chemicals, might not be rational to deal with.
The long-term effects make sober reading. They include The chemicals used can become explosive and/or give
fatal kidney and lung disorders, brain damage, depres- off toxic fumes that attack skin, eyes, and the mucous
sion, hallucinations, permanent psychological problems, membranes of the respiratory tract and can cause death.
violent and aggressive behaviour, weight loss, insom- They pose a significant safety risk for the Police, Envi-
nia, behaviour resembling paranoid schizophrenia, ronmental Science and Research and other emergency
malnutrition, poor ability to cope, lowered resistance personnel engaged in the investigation and clean-up.
to illness, liver damage, stroke and death. The people engaged in the making don’t generally ob-
The pleasure is short-lived so users often try to main- serve safe chemical handling and disposal practices,
tain the high by bingeing on the drug. P causes a se- and usually have only a very basic knowledge of the
vere crash after the effects wear off. The crash is more chemical process.
intense and longer lasting than for amphetamine, Speed Every kilogram of manufactured P produces 7–10kg of
and cocaine. The effects are not only long-lasting, but toxic by-product. This is either flushed down toilets or
continue to cause damage long after drug use has dumped – quite often in residential neighbourhoods.
stopped. The fumes are highly explosive as well as deadly if
Addiction is strong. The brain responds to P by releas- inhaled.
ing an enzyme to knock out the extra dopamine that
has been produced. With repeated
use, the enzymes kill the nerve
endings of the dopamine cell. In
other words the brain cannot reg-
ister pleasure and satisfaction as it
did before P. So users need the
drug to feel pleasure, or simply to
overcome the feelings of with-
drawal.
Chronic use can lead to derange-
ment with auditory hallucinations
(ie hearing “voices”) and extreme
paranoia. Unlike cocaine psycho-
sis, it does not pass rapidly. It can
last for weeks. P psychosis is com-
mon in high doses. About one-third
of heavy users suffer hallucinations
and hear voices. They get nervous
Some of the items seized from arrests during Operation Vim, a multi-agency approach
and agitated, and are prone to vio-
between the Police and Customs in the fight against methamphetamine production.
lence. Among the items was a Beretta semi-automatic pistol (pen gun) found loaded next to
a sleeping gang member. Photo: ©Fotopress

6 DRUG & ALCOHOL awareness The Managers’ Guild Trust

Buildings can be contaminated. Many
of the stains from the chemical process
contain cancer-causing substances that
can affect later occupiers.

How to spot a P laboratory

If you suspect people are making or
supplying P, report it to Police. If you
find a drug lab, keep your distance from
it and call the Police immediately on
111. If it is safe to do so, keep watching
and write down a description of the
people and their vehicles.
Chemicals and common products used
in making P include: lithium, red phos-
phorus, salt, methanol, sulphuric acid,
Ephedrine tablets seized by the Customs Service. Ephedrine is used to fuel New
ephedrine/pseudoephedrine, alcohol, Zealand’s market for methamphetamine production. Photo: ©Fotopress
veterinary products, alkaline batteries,
matches, rock salt, car fuel system clean- sionally in liquid. People who buy amphetamines ille-
ers, drain and grease cleaners, Sudafed, paint-thinners, gally are sometimes buying these drugs mixed with other
and allergy products substances that can have unpleasant or harmful effects.
Any one of he following list of common occurrences or People use Speed for various reasons: getting high to
tell-tale signs might not mean that drug dealing or pro- dance and party all night is one of them. It can help
duction is occurring, but some or several happening you stay awake for long periods of time. Some use it to
together might indicate a problem: do better in sport or at work, or to boost their self-
• Frequent visitors at all times of the day or night. confidence.
• Frequent late night activity. Amphetamines can reduce tiredness and increase en-
• Windows blackened out or curtains always drawn. durance. For medical purposes they are prescribed to
treat narcolepsy (where a person has an uncontrollable
• Visitors with expensive vehicles.
urge to sleep) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disor-
• Unfriendly people, appearing secretive about their der (ADHD). They are most commonly swallowed, in-
activities. jected (methamphetamine) or smoked. They are also
• People watching cars suspiciously when they pass “snorted”.
by. The body’s activity accelerates – heart rate, breathing,
• Appearing to be paranoid by exhibiting odd behav- and blood pressure increase. A dry mouth, increased
iour such as an extensive investment in home secu- sweating, enlargement of the eye’s pupils and head-
rity. aches might occur, too. Users might feel energetic and
• Strange odours coming from house or rubbish. full of confidence, with a heightened sense of well-
being. Other effects include feeling wide awake and
• Rubbish has numerous bottles and containers, espe-
alert, becoming talkative, restless and excited, and hav-
cially chemical containers.
ing difficulty sleeping. The user might also get panic
• Putting rubbish out in another neighbours’ collec- attacks. Reduced appetite is another effect.
tion area.
Some users become anxious, irritable, hostile and ag-
gressive. Sometimes people feel a sense of power and
AMPHETAMINES superiority over others.
Amphetamines are commonly known as Speed or Go-
Most amphetamines sold illegally contain a mixture of
eey in New Zealand. They belong to a group of drugs
pure amphetamines and other substances such as sugar,
called psychostimulants (also commonly known as
glucose, bicarbonate of soda and ephedrine. These ad-
Speed) that stimulate the central nervous system.
ditives can be highly poisonous. They can cause col-
Amphetamines speed up the messages going to and lapsed veins, tetanus, abscesses and damage to the heart,
from the brain to the body. Most amphetamines are lungs, liver and brain. Because users don’t know whether
produced in backyard laboratories and sold illegally. It they are using 5 percent or 50 percent pure ampheta-
usually appears as a whitish yellow powder, and occa- mines, it is easy to overdose by accident.

The Managers’ Guild Trust DRUG & ALCOHOL awareness 7

Very high quantities of amphetamines can
cause paleness, headaches, dizziness,
blurred vision, tremors, irregular heartbeat,
stomach cramps, sweating, restlessness, ir-
regular breathing and loss of co-ordination.
Some users have collapsed after taking am-
phetamines. High quantities can also create
an “amphetamine psychosis”, characterised
by paranoid delusions, hallucinations and
aggressive or violent behaviour.
Some users have had strokes, heart failure,
seizures and high body temperature. Some
have died. Injecting runs a greater risk of
overdosing because large amounts of the
drug flood the bloodstream and quickly goes
to the brain. Ecstasy tablets found in the false bottom of a packing crate – 36,000 of the
As the effects wear off, a user might experi- tablets were seized, with an estimated street value of more than $2 million.
Photo: ©Fotopress
ence symptoms including uncontrolled vio-
lence, tension, radical mood swings, depres- Because Ecstasy is commonly taken before or during
sion, and total exhaustion. Regular use of amphetamines dance or rave parties, the stimulant effects are likely to
might result in chronic sleeping problems, anxiety and increase. The user might be more prone to prolonged
tension, high blood pressure, and a rapid and irregular and vigorous dancing, increasing some of the dangers
heartbeat. listed below.
To combat these drug-related effects, users often take People having any of the following conditions put them-
alcohol, benzodiazepines, other sedatives/hypnotics, selves at greater risk of physical and psychological harm
cannabis and available opiates. Taking other drugs to by taking Ecstasy: hypertension, heart disease, diabe-
cope with some of the undesirable effects of ampheta- tes, liver problems, epilepsy, a history of mental illness
mines can result in a “roller-coaster” dependence on or panic attacks. Immediate effects can include increased
several drugs. For example, some people need ampheta- heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure; in-
mines to get them going each day, and benzodiazepines creased confidence; jaw-clenching, teeth-grinding; feel-
to get them to sleep each night. This type of depend- ings of well-being; nausea; feelings of closeness to oth-
ence can lead to a variety of serious physical and psy- ers, hence the term Love Drug; anxiety; loss of appe-
chological problems. tite; and, sweating.
These effects usually begin within 20 minutes of taking
ECSTASY the drug and might last up to six hours. Some people
Ecstasy is a street term for drugs similar in structure to have reported symptoms persisting for 32 hours.
MDMA (Methylenedioxymethamphetamine). It is simi- The effects usually go through three phases:
lar in structure and effect to amphetamines and halluci-
• Coming up – where the effects can be smooth and
nogens. Ecstasy is also known as E, XTC, Eccy and the
bumpy, and users might feel a rush.
Love Drug.
• The plateau – where the user might feel happy and
Ecstasy is illegal, and its ingredients are often hard to
relaxed.
get, so makers might substitute a variety of substances.
You might buy Ecstasy containing little MDMA. Like • Coming down – where users might feel physically
other illegally made drugs, such as Speed, the strength exhausted, depressed and irritable.
and hygiene of the drug is uncontrolled. This increases Signs are usually a very high body temperature and
the chances of a person overdosing, being poisoned or blood pressure, hallucinations and a faster heartbeat.
having other adverse reactions. This is especially dangerous for those who have an
existing heart condition, breathing problems, and for
Ecstasy usually comes in the form of small white or
people with depression or any other psychological dis-
yellow-to-brown tablets of various sizes, shapes and
order.
designs. Swallowing is the most common way to use it,
even though it can taste foul. Ecstasy tablets can be Death can result under three distinct circumstances:
crushed and snorted. They can be inserted into the anus 1. The stimulant effect: resulting in heart attack or brain
from where the drug is absorbed. Injecting Ecstasy has haemorrhage.
recently become more popular.

8 DRUG & ALCOHOL awareness The Managers’ Guild Trust

2. Overheating: the combination of Ecstasy and pro- anxiety; feelings of well-being; decreased hunger; panic;
longed and vigorous dancing raises the body tem- poor concentration and judgment; indifference to pain
perature dangerously. Because it is often taken in and fatigue; feelings of great physical strength and
hot, humid venues, such as rave or dance parties, mental capacity; enlarged pupils; sexual arousal; un-
the risk of death by overheating (hyperthermia) is predictable and/or violent behaviour.
further increased. The effects of cocaine peak after 15 to 30 minutes, and
3. Drinking too much: it is important not to drink too then diminish.
much water all at once. Several people have died
Using greater quantities of cocaine repeatedly over sev-
after their brain swelled from the excess fluid intake,
eral hours can lead to extreme agitation, anxiety, para-
inducing a coma.
noia, hallucinations, dizziness, nausea and vomiting,
Sip water regularly rather than all at once. If dancing, tremors, unpredictable violent/aggressive behaviour;
drink about 500ml an hour; if inactive drink 250ml an loss of: concentration, co-ordination, interest in sex,
hour. Wearing light, loose clothing and taking regular ambition and motivation; heart pain, heart attack, para-
rests from dancing (15 minutes after every hour of danc- noid psychosis, increased body temperature, rapid, ir-
ing) will help reduce the risk of overheating. Check regular and shallow breathing.
that the body has cooled down, breathing and heart
rate are back to normal and that you are feeling OK. People who have used cocaine over longer periods
tend to take it in stronger quantities – binges inter-
The following are important signs to watch out for: rupted by crashes. A user might try to end the binge by
starting to feel very hot, unwell, and confused; not be- taking a depressant drug such as alcohol,
ing able to talk properly; headache; vomiting; not be- benzodiazepines (benzos), or heroin. The binge is fol-
ing able to urinate or noticing that urine is thick and lowed by the crash – intense depression, lethargy and
dark; not sweating, even when dancing; heart rate or hunger.
pulse not slowing even when resting; fainting, collaps-
ing, convulsing. (See also section on What to do in an The unpleasant effects of cocaine increase with more
Emergency.) frequent, long-term use. Most symptoms will go once
cocaine use ceases

COCAINE
CANNABIS
Cocaine is a drug derived from the leaves of the coca
plant, which is found mainly in Peru and Bolivia. It is a Cannabis comes from the cannabis sativa plant. It is
stimulant because it speeds up the functions of the cen- the most commonly used illicit drug in New Zealand.
tral nervous system – the messages going to and from The active chemical in cannabis is THC (Delta-9 tet-
the brain. It comes as a crystal white powder and has rahydrocannabinol). The more THC cannabis contains,
the scientific name cocaine hydrochloride. the stronger it is. Cannabis is a depressant. It can have
Cocaine can be injected, snorted, or even converted to mild hallucinogenic effects. Street or slang names for
a freebase form and smoked. It is sometimes known as marijuana include Pot, Grass, Dope, Electric Puha, and
C, Coke, Flake, Nose Candy, Snow, Dust, White, White Hooch.
Lady, Toot, Crack, Rock, or Freebase. It is inhaled Cannabis has three main forms: marijuana, hashish and
(snorted) through the nose, or injected. It can also be hash oil.
converted to an alkaloid form through a process known Marijuana is the most common and least powerful form
as freebasing, which allows it to be smoked. Cocaine of cannabis. It is the dried leaves and flowers of the
hydrochloride cannot otherwise be smoked, because plant. Marijuana looks like chopped grass, and is grey-
the drug is destroyed at high temperatures. green to greenish-brown. Its texture can be fine or
Crack is a very pure form of freebase cocaine sold as coarse. It can contain seeds and twigs from the plant.
crystals or rocks. Crack is smoked in pipes or in ciga- The flowers or “heads” are the most potent part of the
rettes, mixed with tobacco or marijuana. Crack has rarely plant. Marijuana is smoked in hand-rolled cigarettes
been seen in New Zealand. (joints) or in a pipe (bong).
Cocaine might be mixed, or “cut”, with other substances Hashish (hash) is dried cannabis resin, which comes in
such as sugar, baking soda and talcum powder to in- small blocks. The blocks are light brown to nearly black.
crease profits. This increases the risk of harmful or un- The concentration of THC in hashish is higher than in
pleasant effects. marijuana. That produces stronger effects. Hash is added
Many people have had the following effects shortly af- to tobacco and smoked, or baked and eaten in foods
ter taking cocaine: physiological arousal, including in- such as “hash cookies”.
creased body temperature and heart rate; exhilaration;

The Managers’ Guild Trust DRUG & ALCOHOL awareness 9

Hash oil is a thick, oily liquid, golden-brown to black, for treatment of the sleep disorders insomnia and nar-
which can be extracted from hashish. It is usually spread colepsy.
on the tip or paper of cigarettes and then smoked. Hash More recently, GHB is being trialled as a treatment for
oil is more powerful than the other forms of cannabis. alcohol and opiate (eg heroin) withdrawal. GHB com-
A very small amount can have a strong effect, lasting monly comes as a colourless, odourless, bitter or salty-
two-three hours. tasting liquid usually sold in small bottles or vials. It
Cannabis can make users feel happy, relaxed and com- also comes as a crystal powder. It is mostly taken orally.
fortable. They might feel less inhibited, friendlier and Makers can change the colour of GHB by adding food
laugh spontaneously. It reduces co-ordination and bal- dye.
ance, making it dangerous to drive or use machinery. An increasing number of people in the dance/club scene
Cannabis can affect memory and the ability to think are using GHB for its euphoric and sedative effects.
logically. Other common immediate effects include in- GHB has been linked to “date-rape drug” incidents.
creased heart rate, low blood pressure, faintness, and
reddened eyes. There also can be a hangover effect The effects of GHB appear to vary greatly according to
like drowsiness and poor co-ordination that lasts for the amount used. A small increase in amount can result
several hours. in a dramatic increase in effect. One of the most dan-
gerous aspects of using GHB is the small difference
Marijuana cigarettes have more tar than tobacco. Can- between an amount that produces the desired effect
nabis users thus run an increased risk of respiratory and the amount that results in overdose.
illness such as lung cancer and chronic bronchitis. This
risk is increased because marijuana smokers often in- Another risk with GHB is that there is often no way to
hale deeply, and hold the smoke in the lungs longer, to be sure that the drug is made correctly. The drug could
increase the effects of the drug. Cigarette smokers who contain other substances that can have unpleasant or
also smoke cannabis have an even greater risk of respi- harmful effects, and are of unknown purity. That poses
ratory disease. a risk of great harm. Improperly made GHB might re-
sult in an extremely toxic mixture of GHB and the chemi-
cal sodium hydroxide.
GHB
Generally, the effects of GHB are felt in 15 minutes and
Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), also known as Fan-
last for about three hours. Effects of lower amounts
tasy, Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), Liquid Ecstasy and
might include a sense of well-being, relaxation, drow-
Liquid E, is classed as a depressant drug that contains
siness, induced sleep, nausea, increased confidence and
sedative and, at sufficient doses, anaesthetic proper-
reduced inhibitions, dizziness, headache, greater sense
ties.
of touch.
GHB naturally occurs in the body as a neurochemical
A greater amount or stronger GHB might cause confu-
compound. It was first made in 1960 and has been
sion, agitation, extreme drowsiness/grogginess, hallu-
used in several countries as a general anaesthetic and

Police look over the car

driven by an 18-year-old who
had been smoking ‘P’.
Another young man died in
the crash.The driver was
jailed for 61⁄2 years.
Photo: ©Fotopress

10 DRUG & ALCOHOL awareness The Managers’ Guild Trust

cinations, difficulty focusing eyes, vomiting, stiffening
of muscles, disorientation, convulsions/seizures, uncon-
sciousness or abrupt short-term coma, respiratory col-
lapse, amnesia (afterwards), impaired movement and
speech.
Using GHB with another depressant, such as alcohol
benzodiazepines (eg Valium), or opiates, (eg heroin),
will increase the risk of overdosing. Some people can
become addicted to GHB.

A story of drink spiking

The threat of drink spiking with substances such as
GHB is real. Kate is a journalist. She told us about an
incident some years ago, when she was working at a
Big Day Out rock concert in Auckland. Her experience
led her to believe her drink was spiked.
Photo: ©Fotopress
Her account:
I was working at Big Day Out stand doing reviews
Kate says it happened to her a second time, at a club.
for a student website. I met up with a guy who I
vaguely knew through clubbing and friends, and was “I realised quite quickly that my drink didn’t taste
hanging out with him for a bit watching the bands. right and stopped drinking. It might have been some-
one who put their drink down next to mine, and
He was fairly “gone”, but that wasn’t unusual. He
either they had stuff in their drink to take
was going to get a drink and offered to get me one
recreationally and walked off with the wrong drink,
and a little while later came back with a couple of
or put it in mine.”
juice-type things. I didn’t notice a difference in taste,
but I was quite thirsty so probably wouldn’t have paid She is careful with her drinks now.
much attention. “I never accept drinks from people I don’t know and
About half an hour later, my whole body went hay- always hold on to them. I never put them down on
wire – I got incredibly hot, my body got incredibly tables unless I am with a group of people I trust. I
strong tingles and I had trouble walking and seeing. also keep an eye on my friends and other people – if
I managed to make my way outside and sat down, I see they are in trouble I’ll do something.
unable to use my phone, barely able to speak and “I have educated myself on the signs of GHB over-
feeling quite scared. A guy who I didn’t know came dose and always have an eye out so I can be some-
up to me and could see that I was in trouble. He one else’s Samaritan if they are in trouble. I’ve helped
went and bought an orange juice, unopened, and one girl already.”
sat with me until I could tell him to call my boss,
who was still at the stand. NOTE: Spiking drinks is illegal. The Police urge any-
one who believes their drink has been spiked to con-
I was getting phone calls every 10 minutes or so from tact them.
the guy who I had been with. He was asking where I
was because he wanted to go to a party, and did I
want to go with him? He left about a dozen phone HEROIN
and text messages – I just hung up on him each time. Heroin is one of a group of drugs known as opiates
My boss took me home and stayed with me until my (sometimes called narcotic analgesics). Other opiates
partner got home from work. I had started to feel include opium, morphine, codeine, pethidine and
better so we decided not to go to the doctor. I was methodone. Heroin and other opiates are depressants.
kept awake and fed orange juice until the effects wore They slow the central nervous system’s activity and
off. messages going to and from the brain and the body.
This includes physical, mental and emotional responses.
There was no complaint to the Police but the next
day I was throwing up quite a bit and passed out a Heroin has various street names – Smack, Skag, Dope,
few times, so we went to the doctor that afternoon. H, Junk, Hammer, Slow, Gear, Harry, Piss, Shit and Horse
Blood and urine tests didn’t reveal anything. He said among them.
it might have been GHB, which is flushed out of the Opium takes its name from the opium poppy, which
body quite quickly. There was nothing conclusive. grows in many parts of the world – commonly in Asia

The Managers’ Guild Trust DRUG & ALCOHOL awareness 11

and the Middle East, but also in the United States and Dependence can be psychological, physical, or both.
Australia. When the seedpod of the poppy is cut, a Maintaining the “habit” can sometimes lead to users
sticky resin oozes out (opium). Opium is refined to turning to crime to get enough money to pay for it.
produce the natural painkillers morphine and codeine.
For centuries many cultures have used opium as a HALLUCINOGENS
medicine and as a recreational drug. Morphine, codeine Hallucinogens, also known as “psychedelic” drugs,
and pethidine are still widely used for medical pur- change how a person perceives the world. Hallucino-
poses. gens markedly affect all the senses and cause halluci-
In the last century powerful painkillers have been pro- nations – seeing or hearing things that do not exist or
duced in the laboratory. These drugs have similar ef- are distorted. A person’s thinking, sense of time and
fects to the natural opiates. emotions can also be altered.
Heroin is made from morphine or codeine by a chemi- There are many different kinds of hallucinogens. Some
cal process, but has a stronger painkilling effect than occur naturally, in trees, vines, seeds, fungi and leaves;
the drugs from which it is made. It comes as white-to- others are made in laboratories. Hallucinogens include
off-white granules or pieces of “rock” with a bitter taste, LSD, Magic Mushrooms, mescaline, PCP (phencyclid-
but no smell. It is packaged in foils (aluminium foil) or ine), cannabis (in high quantities) and Ecstasy.
coloured small balloons. Naturally occurring hallucinogens have been used since
It is most commonly injected into a vein. It can also be ancient times by various cultures throughout the world,
smoked (“chasing the dragon”) or snorted. particularly North and South American Indians, for their
mystical and spiritual associations. They became fash-
The effects of heroin might last three to four hours. The
ionable in America and Europe in the 1960s. Very few
immediate effects include intense pleasure, pain relief,
people use hallucinogens today.
slower breathing and pulse-rate, lower blood pressure,
dry mouth, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting. Bigger LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide – Acid or Trips) is one
quantities impair concentration, can induce sleep, make of the most commonly used hallucinogens in New Zea-
breathing shallower and slower, can cause sweating, land. During the 1960s LSD became the hippies’ drug
itching and increased urination. of choice. Since then its use has declined, but there is
some recent evidence of increased popularity.
Too much can cause death. Breathing becomes very
slow, body temperature drops, and heartbeat becomes In its pure state, LSD is a white, odourless powder. It
irregular. Users might overdose if too much heroin is usually comes in the form of liquid, tablets or capsules,
injected or it is a strong batch, or heroin is used with squares of gelatine or blotting paper. LSD can be swal-
alcohol or sedatives. Most overdoses are a result of lowed, sniffed, injected or smoked. It is very potent:
heroin with another drug. After an overdose it is strongly small amounts cause strong effects. For easier handling,
advisable to seek assessment at a hospital. LSD is often diluted with another substance, such as
sugar, or soaked onto sheets of blotting paper.
Illicit drugs such as heroin often lead to complicated
health problems. Some of these problems are more likely
if the drug is injected: for example, skin, heart, and INHALANTS
lung infections and diseases such as hepatitis and HIV. Inhalants are volatile substances (many of which are
In its pure form, heroin is relatively non-toxic to the familiar household items) that, when vaporised and
body, causing little damage to body tissue and other inhaled, might make the user feel intoxicated or high.
organs. But it is highly addictive and regular users are Like alcohol, inhalants are depressants. Street names
very likely to become dependent on it, even after a few are Glue, Gas, Sniff, Huff, Chroming (as in the use of
days. Some long-term effects include constipation, men- chrome paint) and Poppers.
strual irregularity and infertility in women, and loss of Teenagers are identified as the most prevalent group of
sex drive in men. inhalant users. Some adults in the dance scene also use
Impure heroin: Street heroin is usually a mixture of inhalants to boost their experience.
pure heroin and other substances, such as caffeine and Users fall into three broad categories of people:
sugar. Additives can be very poisonous. They can cause
collapsed veins, tetanus, abscesses and damage to the The experimenter – most teenagers fall into this cat-
heart, lungs, liver and brain. Because the users don’t egory. They try it once or twice then stop by them-
know the purity, and as a consequence the amount to selves.
take, it is easy to accidentally overdose and even die. Social/situational user – usually done with a group of
friends. These users often develop other interests and
grow out of this practice.

12 DRUG & ALCOHOL awareness The Managers’ Guild Trust

The long-term, dependent user – A few go on to use tions, although different ones are prescribed based on
regularly over a long time. how quickly they work and how long they last.
Reasons young people give for using inhalants are of- Some doctors prescribe some benzodiazepines to re-
ten very similar to the reasons adults give for using lieve stress and anxiety and to help people sleep. They
alcohol and tobacco. Experimenting with inhalants can are also sometimes used to treat epilepsy, to relax mus-
be a part of growing up and, for most, it is a passing cles, to help people withdraw from alcohol, or as an
interest and they move on to other activities. anaesthetic before surgery.
With short-term use, most products rarely cause dam- Some people use benzodiazepines to become intoxi-
age to the body. But some glue-sniffers have been ad- cated. People who use heroin sometimes use
mitted to hospital, unable to control their movements benzodiazepines when they can’t get heroin, when they
or speak properly, and sometimes have convulsions. are trying to get off heroin or to increase the effects of
Most of these symptoms clear within a few hours. Some heroin. People who use Speed or Ecstasy might use
people might have problems with their breathing pas- benzodiazepines to help when they are coming down
sages, but even that improves over time. from a high, and to help them sleep.
Long-term users might appear pale, have tremors, lose The use of benzodiazepines over a long time (more
weight, feel tired and be unusually thirsty. They might than two to three weeks) is not recommended.
also have anaemia because some inhalants affect blood Benzodiazepines can help to relieve anxiety in the short
production. The lead in petrol, and some of the chemi- term. But they do not solve the problem that caused
cals in other inhalants, might build up in the body. This the anxiety in the first place – they treat the symptoms
irritates the lining of the stomach and intestines and but not the cause.
can cause damage to the brain, nervous system, kid- Benzodiazepines taken during pregnancy cross the pla-
neys, and liver. Prolonged and heavy use might even cental barrier and can affect the baby’s growth and
cause stupor or coma, problems with breathing, irregu- development. Anyone taking a prescription of
lar heartbeat and sometimes seizures. benzodiazepines should see a doctor before altering
A small number of people have died from using inha- their dosage.
lants. The main danger comes from accidents when Benzodiazepines can produce withdrawal symptoms
high, such as suffocation from plastic bags, choking on in newborn babies, which can last for a week or longer.
vomit when unconscious, and behaving recklessly. Withdrawal symptoms can include breathing problems,
“Sudden sniffing death” has followed the use of aero- poor body temperature control, poor muscle tone and
sol sprays, cleaning and correction fluids, and model sucking difficulties.
aeroplane cement. It is believed that chemicals in these
products can cause heart failure, particularly if the user STEROIDS
is stressed or does heavy exercise after inhaling.
Anabolic steroids are synthetic derivatives of the male
Most inhalants are common household products. It is hormone, testosterone. They come in tablet or liquid
illegal for shopkeepers to sell products to someone if form and can be swallowed or injected. Steroids sold
they believe that they are to be used for inhaling. illegally might be of poor quality or intended for ani-
mal use only.
MINOR TRANQUILISERS Steroids are used medically to treat male hormone de-
Benzodiazepines (sometimes called benzos) are also ficiencies and to build up the body mass of people
referred to as minor tranquillisers. They work by slow- with medical conditions such as HIV. They are used
ing the central nervous system’s activity. illegally by athletes and body-builders to boost per-
Benzodiazepines are produced by chemical synthesis. formance and increase muscle size.
The benzodiazepine group contains more than 24 spe- The minor effects are reversible after stopping steroid
cific drugs. Each has a chemical or generic name, and use. They include hypertension, fluid retention, de-
each is sold under one or more brand-names. They are creased sex drive, increased acne, colds or flu, and early
most often prescribed as tablets or capsules. They come hair loss. People might also become more aggressive –
in a variety of colours and shapes. Whether taken orally this is known as “roid rage”.
or intravenously the drug is absorbed into the blood- Serious, permanent, effects include bigger breasts, in-
stream and circulates through the body. creased chance of heart disease, altered carbohydrate
Medically, benzodiazepines are classified as sedatives/ tolerance, bicep tear and rupture, risk of contracting
hypnotics (to induce sleep) or anxiolytics (to relieve Hepatitis C, HIV, and other infections through sharing
anxiety). In practice they perform all of these func- unclean needles.

The Managers’ Guild Trust DRUG & ALCOHOL awareness 13

For women the effects also include a deepening voice, with your doctor as soon as you know you’re preg-
more facial hair, an enlarged clitoris, and problems with nant. Drugs can be harmful to a developing child
the regularity of menstrual periods. throughout the pregnancy, but the first three months is
Adolescents and children who use steroids might stunt considered the time of most risk because the baby’s
their growth permanently. main organs and limbs are forming.

Taking larger doses of anabolic steroids does not in- All supplies of nutrients, water and oxygen pass from
crease their effects. It simply overloads the muscles and the mother to the baby through the placenta. All drugs
might increase the side-effects. taken during pregnancy will reach the baby through
the placenta. How babies respond to these drugs var-
In New Zealand it is illegal to use steroids without a ies.
prescription. Steroid use has been banned in interna-
tional sport and athletes can be disqualified if found Each baby, for reasons that are not clear, seems to have
using anabolic steroids. its own response to different drugs. Mothers can use
the same drugs in the same amount for the same dura-
tion or length of a pregnancy and the babies can react
TOBACCO differently. Something in each baby appears to allow
A lot is said and written about tobacco, and we won’t that to occur. You might know someone who has had a
add too much to it here. healthy baby even though she took drugs during her
pregnancy. You cannot assume that your baby will be
However, a few facts might be pertinent. Tobacco smoke
healthy if you take drugs during your pregnancy. No-
contains 4000 chemicals, many of which are poison-
one can predict how a baby will be affected.
ous, and 43 that have been proven to be carcinogenic
(causing cancer). Ante-natal checks – the visits you make to the doctor,
hospital, or community health centre while you are
Nicotine is the drug in tobacco smoke that causes ad-
pregnant – are important. The best way to avoid or
diction among smokers. The strength of addiction is
reduce complications and the risk to the baby is to
said to be as powerful or more so than that of heroin.
have good ante-natal care. Women who attend ante-
Nicotine is a poison. Swallowing one drop of pure nico-
natal visits throughout the pregnancy run fewer risks of
tine can kill an adult.
obstetric complications. At these appointments you
Tar is released when a cigarette burns. Tar is the main could discuss with the doctor or midwife any drugs
cause of lung and throat cancer in smokers. Carbon you might be taking. The information you give them
monoxide is a colourless, odourless and very toxic gas, will be confidential whether you are discussing legal or
which the lungs take up more readily than they do illegal drugs.
oxygen. High levels of carbon monoxide in the blood
is typical of smokers and, with nicotine, increases the Effects on pregnancy
risk of heart disease, hardening of the arteries and other
Mothers taking drugs or alcohol tend to go into prema-
circulatory problems.
ture labour, their babies often arriving more than six
Tobacco is a legal product. The sale of tobacco prod-
ucts is legal only to people aged 18 and
over. One in six deaths in New Zealand
is related to tobacco use. About 4500 New
Zealanders die every year from tobacco
– that is more than from road crashes,
suicide, skin cancers, drowning, homi-
cide and AIDS combined.

DRUGS AND PREGNANCY

Drug use is an important aspect of a
woman’s health during pregnancy. Drugs
that are of concern include alcohol, to-
bacco, P, cannabis, amphetamines,
heroin, cocaine, tranquillisers and sleep-
ing pills, pain-killers, LSD, Ecstasy, and
glues and aerosols.
Some prescription drugs can be a prob-
lem during pregnancy, so discuss this Photo: ©Fotopress

14 DRUG & ALCOHOL awareness The Managers’ Guild Trust

weeks early. Overall, babies born to mothers who are ger from their location, leave the victim in the posi-
using drugs or alcohol are smaller than the average tion they are in. If there is no response, shout for
baby. help. Send for help if there is more than one rescuer
Low birthweight babies often have breathing difficul- present.
ties and are more vulnerable to infections. The baby • Ask that person to dial 111 for an ambulance and
needs to be carefully monitored at ante-natal visits. Ul- return to confirm that the ambulance is on the way.
trasound assesses the baby’s growth and other tests Tell the ambulance dispatcher the location and tel-
check that the placenta continues to work well. ephone number closest to the scene and be pre-
pared to provide other information before hanging
Withdrawal is the body’s reaction to going without drugs
up.
on which it has depended to feel normal. Babies whose
mothers have taken drugs during pregnancy might suf- • Do not hang up until instructed to do so.
fer withdrawal. This will depend on the drug, the dose, • If alone, the rescuer should assess the victim for un-
the purity, how often it’s used and the woman’s gen- responsiveness and absence of signs of life before
eral health. A baby can suffer withdrawal during the going for help.
pregnancy and after birth. • The victim must be on his/her back on a firm sur-
There are common signs and symptoms of drug with- face.
drawal in a new-born baby. Withdrawal often devel-
ops after the first 24 hours of life. The babies are agi- Performing adult CPR
tated and irritable, difficult to settle and suck poorly. • To start CPR, first open the airway by tilting the head
They often have diarrhoea and scratch themselves; back and lifting the chin forward. Make up to five
sometimes hiccup and cough. attempts to give two effective rescue breaths, then
Withdrawal can be so severe that the babies have con- start chest compressions. If vomit is visible in the
vulsions if not treated. In about 75 percent of cases the mouth, it should be wiped out by using fingers that
only treatment required is supportive care – that is, are covered with a piece of cloth.
soothing the baby by bathing more often and feeding • Give 15 chest compressions at a rate of 100 a minute.
frequently. The baby is wrapped tightly in blankets to The depth of each compression is 4–5cm. The 15
make him/her feel secure. If the irritability is extreme compressions are followed by two effective breaths.
the baby might need medication. Repeat the cycles of 15 compressions and two effec-
Although some drugs are excreted into breast milk, tive breaths.
breast-feeding might still be the right choice to make • To find the correct hand position, place the heel of
for feeding your baby. one hand over the lower half of the breastbone. Place
the heel of the second hand on top of the first. The
One important reason to consider breast-feeding is the
fingers should be interlocked, or the hand on top
bonding that it can encourage.
can grasp the wrist of the hand on the chest.
• Ensure the fingers are kept off the chest. The rescuer
WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY should keep his/her shoulders directly over the chest,
It is vital that anyone overdosing or having an adverse and with elbows straight and locked push down on
reaction to drugs receives professional help quickly. the chest.
If Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is required and • After three minutes (finishing with two breaths) and
you know how to perform it then do so. CPR means every few minutes after that, reassess the victim for
giving rescue breaths followed by a number of chest signs of life. If there are no signs of life give two
compressions, and repeating this cycle continuously until effective breaths and continue with 15 compressions
the ambulance arrives. If you’re not sure, the following and two breaths
guide will help you to perform CPR • Continue until: the victim shows signs of life, trained
help arrives; or you can no longer continue.
Before starting CPR
If the victim is unconscious, breathing and has other
• Ensure your own safety first, then that of the victim signs of life, turn the victim onto his/her side in the
(for example, if the victim is lying on a road, take recovery position and ensure the airway is kept open.
steps to alert oncoming traffic).
For more information, view the website of the New
• Gently tap the victim and shout “are you all right?” If Zealand Resuscitation Council at www.nzrc.org.nz
the victim can respond and there is no further dan-

The Managers’ Guild Trust DRUG & ALCOHOL awareness 15

 Alcohol

A SOCIETY TOLERANT OF DRUNKENNESS

The Way We Drink, a survey commissioned by the Al-
cohol Advisory Council, explored the attitudes and be-
haviour of New Zealanders aged 12 and over towards
drinking alcohol. The survey was conducted late in 2003
and presented in March 2004.
The survey found that New Zealand is a society in which
many people are tolerant of drunkenness.
“Not quite half of all people aged 12+ (46 percent)
agree with the statement, ‘It’s never OK to get drunk’,
(conversely, 49 percent of all people aged 12+ disa-
gree).”
More than two-fifths of people aged 12+ (41 percent)
agreed with the statement, “It’s OK to get drunk as
long as it’s not every day”. Almost one-in-10 drinkers
aged 12+ (9 percent) admitted they “drink to get drunk”.
“As a result, it is a society in which many current drink-
ers appear to exercise little self-control,” the survey re-
port said.
One-quarter of drinkers aged 12+ (26 percent) disa-
greed with the statement, “I try not to drink so much I
forget what I was doing or what happened”. Almost
one-quarter of drinkers aged 12+ (24 percent) disagreed Photo: ©Fotopress

with the statement, “I limit the amount of alcohol I

drink so that I don’t wake up with a hangover”.
New Zealand was a society in which the “benefits” of
“(New Zealand is) also a society in which many adults alcohol as a “social lubricant” and “relaxant” were rec-
who currently drink don’t appear to be concerned about ognised.
their physical or mental well-being because of their
drinking,” the survey report said. “Over two-fifths of all current drinkers aged 12+ (42
percent) agreed with the statement, ‘When I drink al-
More than one-third of drinkers aged 18+ (38 percent) cohol it is easier to meet and get to know people’.
disagreed with the statement, “I am concerned about Two-thirds of drinkers aged 12+ (67 percent) agree with
the long-term effects of alcohol on my physical well- the statement, ‘Alcohol helps me wind down and re-
being”. lax’.”
More than two-fifths of drinkers aged 18+ (42 percent) The survey report says that the overwhelming conclu-
disagreed with the statement, “I am concerned about sion is that young people who drink are more likely
the long-term effects of alcohol on my mental well- than adults to agree with the statements about the ben-
being”. efits of drinking alcohol, and more likely than adults to
The reported noted that New Zealand was “a society in disagree with statements relating to the factors that in-
which many parents don’t know about their children’s hibit drinking.
drinking . . . “. “Their state of mind is best summed up in the number
“Although two-thirds of parents (63 percent) report they that condone drunkenness (59 percent of all young
set strict rules about (their) children drinking alcohol, people aged 12–17 agree with the statement, ‘It’s OK to
21 percent admit that they do not. However, only one- get drunk as long as it’s not every day’).” Twenty-five
half (52 percent) agree they know when their children percent of young people who currently drink also ad-
drink.” mit they do so “to get drunk.”

16 DRUG & ALCOHOL awareness The Managers’ Guild Trust

THE DRINKING AGE LAWS want to pick fights, say things best unsaid, or get into
our cars and drive into someone else on the way home.
New Zealand has no minimum legal drinking age, but
we do have a minimum legal purchase age of 18. Young Let’s be clear: alcohol is a drug. In itself it is not illegal
people wanting to buy alcohol or get into licensed to have or to drink it. But drinking too much can land
premises must provide photographic proof of age. us in trouble. It can help us relax and make us sleepy.
Too much can kill us. But only if our blood alcohol
Young People in Licensed Premises limit is at least 350mg per 100ml of blood, which is
In New Zealand a licensed premises can have three more than four times the legal limit for driving. For a
possible designations – restricted, supervised or man, that’s one 750ml bottle of whisky in less than an
undesignated. They concern whether someone under hour. That overload will make his brain shut down very
the legal minimum age can be on the premises and quickly.
under what conditions. They are: Too much alcohol over a long time can cause us seri-
• Restricted: no-one under 18 may be on that part of ous problems.
the premises unless they are employed to prepare or These can be:
serve a meal, clean or repair, remove or replace equip- • weight gain – if continuing to eat normally.
ment, stock-take, check or remove cash.
• weight loss – if we don’t eat normally.
• Supervised: no-one under 18 may be on that part of
• diseases of the stomach and the intestines.
the premises unless they are accompanied by their
parent or legal guardian, or are employed as above • problems with the nervous system.
or are employed for the sale and supply of alcohol. • psychiatric disorders.
• Undesignated: anyone of any age can be on that • heart disorders.
part of the premises. • muscle and blood disorders.
• vitamin deficiency diseases.
WHAT WE DRINK • skin diseases.
The kind we drink is ethyl alcohol. Most alcohols are • premature death (excessive drinking can take 10 to
highly poisonous. But the human body can tolerate 12 years off our normal life expectancy).
small amounts of ethyl alcohol. Ethyl alcohol is classi-
• increased susceptibility to some cancers, especially
fied as a sedative, hypnotic drug because it slows the
when combined with smoking.
activities of our central nervous system.
Alcohol is not digested and broken down as food is. It THE MEASURE OF A DRINK
crosses unchanged through the walls of the stomach
and small intestines into the bloodstream. Within min- Alcohol is usually measured in standard drinks (also
utes it’s being pumped to every part of the body. In the called SDs). One SD equals a half-pint of beer, a small
liver, enzymes break it down into products such as water glass of wine or a pub nip of spirits, which all contain
and carbon dioxide. This forms urine. The liver does its about 10ml of alcohol.
job slowly. It breaks down alcohol at the rate of one How many SDs in our drink?
standard drink each hour. So if we drink more than
one standard drink an hour then the alcohol in our Drink SDs
body builds up. 1 nip of spirits
(whisky, gin, rum, vodka) 1
And we don’t notice it at first, but that build-up begins 1 glass of fortified wine
to affect us. The alcohol is surging around our body (sherry, martini, port) 1
and we might start to feel a bit mellow. Our problems
1 average-sized glass
don’t seem as bad, the pressures on us are cushioned. of table wine 1
Our inhibitions might drop and we might say and do
1 pint of beer (a handle) 2
things that usually we’d be too shy to do.
1 can of beer 1.5
As we have a few more drinks we might get jumbled 1 bottle of ‘super’ or
our words up. And and our ability to prinoush words ‘special’ lager 2.5
peroperly might become warped and slurr-red. That 1 jug of beer 4
might be amusing to us and others, so also our inability 1 bottle of table wine 9
to walk straight. But if we have drunk far more than 1 bottle of fortified wine
our liver can handle then what might be amusing and (sherry, martini, port) 14
not a problem could turn more serious – we might
1 bottle of spirits
(whisky, gin, rum, vodka) 30

The Managers’ Guild Trust DRUG & ALCOHOL awareness 17

How much alcohol is in our standard • Drinking and driving contributed to 141 deaths (out
drink? of 461), 555 serious injuries and 1398 minor injuries
– 31 percent of all road deaths were in drink-related
Pure alcohol strength standard
crashes.
by volume drink
Beer 4% 250ml • Drunk drivers killed 38 of their own passengers, 26
Wine 11% 100ml other drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians,
Sherry 18% 60ml and 77 of these drunk drivers were killed.
Spirits 40% 25ml • The social cost of drink-related crashes was about
$760 million (about 23 percent of the social cost as-
These drinks have the same amount of alcohol in them
sociated with all injury crashes).
(10ml).
• More than 80 percent of drivers with excess blood-
alcohol in fatal crashes were male.
DRINK DRIVING
Alcohol affects how we drive. The risk rapidly increases Driving down the road toll
as the blood-alcohol level rises. If we drink and drive New Zealand’s annual road toll since 1990 has dropped
with a blood-alcohol level over 80mg per 100ml we are 40 percent, despite 33 percent more vehicles on the
three times more likely to be in a crash than a sober road and 19 percent more people. This is mainly be-
driver. People with a high blood-alcohol level are more cause of a steady commitment to reduce road deaths
likely to be injured or killed in a crash than those who by the Government, the Police, and the former Land
are sober. Transport Safety Authority (since December 1, 2004,
Alcohol-affected drivers cause about 30 percent of fatal part of the new Land Transport New Zealand).
vehicle crashes. They cause one-in-eight injury crashes. The Government has set a target of no more than 300
Males aged under 22 account for 30 percent of all drink- road deaths and no more than 4500 hospital admis-
ing drivers in road crashes. sions a year by 2010. Reducing the incidence of drink-
The 2004 road toll was 435: preliminary study suggests driving is part of the strategy. The campaign also aims
that 130 deaths – 30 percent – were caused by alcohol. at changing attitudes and behaviour in speed, failure to
It is too early to give a break-down of causes, but we give way, and safety belts.
can go back a year earlier, to 2003. Every year hundreds of people die and families and
Some key facts: friends suffer because people endanger others’ lives by
driving dangerously. The cost of road crashes – emer-
• Drinking and driving contributed to 124 fatal crashes,
gency services, medical care, reparation and human grief
370 serious injury crashes and 859 minor injury
– is enormous. Long after the sirens have faded and the
crashes.

Police vigorously enforce New Zealand’s drink driving laws. Photo: ©Fotopress

18 DRUG & ALCOHOL awareness The Managers’ Guild Trust

wreckage has been cleared away the impact continues behaviour and a consequent reduction in road trauma
to be felt, often for years. caused by drink-driving.
Each life costs $2,485,000, and each injury $255,500. As well, the Police enforce this area of traffic law. Com-
Broadly, this is the cost of hospital and medical treat- pulsory breath-testing is an effective deterrent.
ment and care, the loss of output, loss of life, disability, Tactics to combat drink-driving are:
property damage, and legal and court costs.
• Conspicuous, compulsory breath-testing.
Changing lethal behaviour • Passive alcohol-testing devices.
From 2004 the approach to road safety advertising has • Vigorous enforcement of alcohol laws.
aimed at asking New Zealanders to demand that dan- • Visits to hotels/clubs identified in “Last Drink Sur-
gerous drivers change their behaviour. veys” as being a problem.
This approach focuses on facts, figures and physics, If you’re under 18 the legal blood-alcohol level for driv-
the impact of risky driving on the victim, families and ing is 30mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. The adult
communities, emotion and rationality, credibility and level is 80mg. It takes very little alcohol to reach this
personality. We want people to start asking whether level.
they want to share the road with drivers who endanger
the rest of us. Drugs and driving
The advertising and enforcement campaign approach It is illegal to drive while under the influence of any
highlights the link between drink-driving and road drug. Breaking this law carries heavy penalties, includ-
crashes. By presenting drink-driving as socially unac- ing disqualification, fines and even imprisonment. A
ceptable and by stimulating social pressure and intoler- pharmacist can give advice on what prescription and
ance to support this, it aims at changing attitudes and over-the-counter drugs affect driving.

The Managers’ Guild Trust DRUG & ALCOHOL awareness 19

 Where to go for help

The phone book

New Zealand has many groups and organisations in most towns and cities dedicated to helping people affected
either by their own alcohol and / or drug use or that of others. They are usually not hard to find.
A good place to start can be the Personal Help Services page near the front of your phone book. This lists health
and counselling and advice services and agencies such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Alcohol HelpLine, Narcot-
ics Anonymous, Al-Anon Family Groups and a community alcohol and drug service.
AA can be reached through a nationwide phone number – 0800 229 675.
Worldwide, AA is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other
that they may solve their common problems and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement of
membership is a desire to stop drinking. Someone, somewhere will know how to get in touch with AA.
Other avenues can be Samaritans; Youthline; Lifeline; school counsellors; your doctor; student health services;
union, community, iwi and ethnic group networks and services; your local Citizens Advice Bureau; or your church.
The breadth of services available is extensive: women only, support groups, residential treatment, Pacific Islands,
outpatient counselling/therapy, methadone programmes, Maori/bicultural treatment, half-way houses/supported
accommodation, gay-lesbian-bisexual, detox, day programmes, assessments, prison inmates and their families
and adolescents.

Some drug education organisations Substance Abuse Education Trust

D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Foundation P O Box 74 386, Market Road, Auckland.
of New Zealand Tel/Fax: (09) 372 5583.
P O Box 50744, Porirua. Email: saet@xtra.co.nz
Tel: (04) 238 9550, 0800 DARENZ, Alcohol Drug Association of New Zealand
Fax: (04) 238 9595. PO Box 13–496, Christchurch.
Email: darenz@xtra.co.nz Telephone (03) 379 8626,
Website: http://www.dare.org.nz Facsimile (03) 377 5600.
Email: ada@adanz.org.nz
FADE – Foundation for Alcohol and Drug Education Website: www.adanz.org.nz
P O Box 33–1505, Takapuna, Auckland.
Tel: (09) 489 1719, Fax: (09) 489 1749. Alcohol & Drug Helpline – 0800 787 797
Email: resources@fade.org.nz Alcohol Helpline is a confidential service providing in-
Website: http://www.fade.org.nz formation, advice and referral to people of all ages with
concerns about their own or someone else’s drinking
Life Education Trust and/or use of other drugs. The service is available
National Office: P O Box 2717, Wellington. between 10am and 10 pm daily.
Tel: (04) 472 9620, Fax: (04) 472 9609.
P O Box 5814, Wellesley Street, Auckland. Care NZ
Tel: (09) 379 5293, Fax: (09) 366 0301. Care NZ is the operational service of the National Soci-
ety on Alcohol and Drug Dependence. They provide
P O Box 2920, Christchurch.
treatment for drug and alcohol dependents and their
Tel: (03) 377 3080, Fax: (03) 377 3082. families.
Email: janem@lifeed.co.nz PO Box 9183, Wellington.
Website: http://www.lifeeducation.org.nz Telephone: (04) 385 1517,
SADD National Office (Students Against Drunk Driving) Facsimile: (04) 385 1516.
P O Box 13 0034, Christchurch. Email: wellington@carenz.co.nz
Tel: (03) 374 9218, Fax: (03) 374 9219. Website: www.carenz.co.nz
Email: vanessa@sadd.org.nz
Website: http://www.sadd.org.nz

20 DRUG & ALCOHOL awareness The Managers’ Guild Trust

Quitline – 0800 778 778 Alcohol Advisory Council (ALAC) – ALAC is New Zea-
Quitline is a free confidential telephone advice service land’s principal statutory adviser on alcohol-related
for people who want to quit smoking. When calling matters. Its work includes policy advice to the Govern-
0800 778 778 callers are offered the choice of receiving ment and other policy-makers. Has an immense library
a quit pack with information on quitting smoking or of fact material about alcohol and its effects on us and
they can speak with a quit advisor who can provide our community.
ongoing advice and support to quit. Advisors who speak Inquiries to:
Maori and Samoan are available on request. Quitline ALAC national office
takes calls 24 hours a day 365 days a year, Advisors are
PO Box 5023, Wellington.
available 8.30am–10pm Monday to Thursday, 8.30am–
Ph: (04) 917 0060, Fax(04) 473 0890.
5pm Friday and 12.30–5pm on the weekends.
www.alcohol.org.nz
Website: www.quit.co.nz
Email: central@alac.org.nz
The New Zealand Drug Foundation – set up in 1990 as or
an independent charitable trust, aimed at reducing harm ALAC northern office
from drug-use. This includes legal drugs, such as to- PO Box 11–791, Auckland.
bacco and alcohol, as well as illegal drugs, such as
Ph: (09) 916 0330, Fax: (09) 916 0339.
cannabis. The foundation promotes co-ordination, con-
Email: northern@alac.org.nz
sultation and co-operation among non-governmental
organisations, provides a contact point for the Govern- or
ment and non-governmental organisations working in ALAC southern office
the area and provides a centre for information to groups PO Box 2688, Christchurch.
and individuals. Also hosts online discussion forums. Ph: (03) 365 8540, Fax: (03) 365 8542.
The foundation has more than 160 member organisations. Email: southern@alac.org.nz
Inquiries to:
Neighbourhood Support New Zealand
PO Box 3082 Thorndon, Wellington.
Phone 0800 4NEIGHBOURS
Ph: (04) 499 2920, Fax (04) 499 2925.
Phone 0800 463 444
Email: admin@drugfoundation.org.nz
Email the Secretary: carol@ns.org.nz
www.nzdf.org.nz

The Managers’ Guild Trust DRUG & ALCOHOL awareness 21