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Drug Use In Australia Essay

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1.0 Introduction
Illegal drug use is prohibited in Australia; however, the use and abuse of drugs is leading social, health and legal issue that affects all Australians. Cannabis use is a major factor in Australia society, as it has the highest number of cannabis users in the world according to the 2017 Global Drug Survey. (Alexander, 2017) It was recorded in 2014 that half a million Australians have used cannabis in the last 12 months and one in three teenagers aged 14 and over had used it at least once in their life. (Lynskey & Hall, 2013)
Mansfield State High School (MSHS) is an institute that promotes the wellbeing of its students and creates a protective learning environment by reducing the risk-taking behaviours of its pupils. However, …show more content…

The aim of the campaign was to provide education and change the behaviour of students towards drug usage. The use of posters and a display electronic board of statistics and a catchy slogan on marijuana abuse was used to attract teenagers. The campaign focuses on the cannabis as a gateway drug and as a risk factor to teenagers, because cannabis usage is closely related to alcohol and cigarette use, and harder drugs such as heroin and cocaine. A study by the centre on addiction and substance abuse illustrates that 14 to 17 year old’s who use drugs are up to 266 more likely to use cocaine than those who don’t use drugs. ("National Study Drugs Lead to Cocaine", 2014) Cannabis not only leads users into harder drugs but also acts as a risk factor. Researchers have discovered that users under the age of 17 are 60% more not likely to complete high school and 18 times more likely to commit suicide. (Scott, 2014) Both of which are risk factors to the teen, caused by the abuse of marijuana usage.
Harm minimisation refers to the reduction of harmful effects caused by both drugs and alcohol on the community and individuals. The three areas of harm minimisation strategy are harm reduction, supply reduction and demand reduction. The campaign encompasses strategies for harm reduction and demand reduction through education. Ultimately, aiming to reduce

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