Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do you think we really can stop drug abuse?

Yes, while it is a challenging goal, and there is much work to do, it is possible.

2. How do I keep my children off drugs?

No one can guarantee that anything you do will stop your children taking drugs, however history has shown us (*Parent references) that through positive parenting, community support and improved relationships children are less likely to want to take drugs.

<See other action stations steps you can take>

3. How can I get my child to stop taking drugs?

It is possible but we would suggest you talk to professionals about this. Contact us, talk to your local doctor or ask around for some names of treatment professionals in your area with a good record.

There are also community support groups in most areas.

See our links pages or contact us to be receive our updated information.

4. Are crimes related to drug use?

Evidence indicates that a large percentage of crime is related to drug use. Crime around methadone clinics etc....see quotes.

5. Isn't marijuana a 'soft drug'?

Cannabis lobby groups have perpetuated that myth despite the rise in cancers and mental illnesses from illegal marijuana use. Scientists have now identified over 40 harmful and dangerous substances in the cannabis or marijuana smoked by users.

Its important that this dangerous and harmful substance remains illegal and its use prevented because of those dangers.

This is vastly different of course to medically synthesised pharmaceutical grade cannabanoids. Marijuana should never be smoked or injested, however research has shown that synthesised cannabanoid extracts (see relevant articles on this site) do have some medicinal value.

They should not however be confused with marijuana (cannabis) or its harmful use.

<Download Marijuana and Medicine document?>

6. Why not just legalise drugs?

Legalising drugs would not 'solve' the drug problem nor the crime problem despite the strong and obvious link. Criminals would still pursue criminal activities and users would still be harmed from their addition.

To simply increase the distribution would not reduce the dangers of drugs. Law enforcement and comprehensive and effective policies are what we as a nation are obliged to do for the protection of the wider community, users as well as the young to prevent further induction to addiction.

7. What can I do?

Here are the TOP 5 actions for a drug free Australia.

a. Spend time with your own children and grandchildren, explain to the openly and honestly the reality of drugs, that criminals make them available (often freely at first) to make them addicts. Teach them about the importance of family and community and about being healthy. Write to us for more information if you would like some.

b. Sign our charter and subscribe to our e-newsletter and other publications that will help us lobby politicians with your support, and keep you informed.

c. Support your friends and family as they raise their children, support local community groups that teach positive parenting and community programs.

d. You can make a difference! Write to your local politicians urging them to work towards policies that prevent induction to addiction. Ask them to work for Comprehensive PREVENTION of Harm as explained in the Drug Free Australia National Policies.

Other things you can do:

Action stations page

Parents page

8. Who can I contact for help?

There are many professional and community groups who can offer assistance, counselling, support and guidance.

Contact us and we'll send you up to date information about contacts, support groups and expert advice and check back to this site often as we continue to improve the information we provide the Australian community here.

Do you have a question to ask?

Contact us and we'll reply or forward it to an appropraite member of our network to be answered.