Drug Action Week launched

Drug Action Week (DAW) was launched on Monday, 16 June 2008 and will kick off around Australia on Monday, 23 June 2008. The overching theme is Alcohol is a drug – TOO! and the focus is on alcohol/ drugs in sport and recreation.

“Alcohol/ other drugs and sports are both integral parts of our society and there are many reasons the two might cross,” Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Alcohol and other Drugs Council of Australia (ADCA), David Templeman, said. “Reasons for use could be for the performance-enhancing effect, as an after-game celebration or commiseration, to enhance enjoyment and relaxation, or to help recovery”, he added. Mr Templeman also pointed out that while alcohol may enhance a person’s interest in recreational sports, it can increase the risk of accident and death during sports, particularly where water is involved. 

Research has found that drinking while playing sport can also affect the body’s ability to repair itself from any injury and can lead to dehydration, disturb sleep patterns, and delay soft-tissue injury repair. 

Community use of drugs, whether it is alcohol, caffeine, prescription medicines, or illicit substances needs better understanding, education and awareness, and Drug Action Week is about events that inform and involve communities, educators, individuals, the media, and governments. For the remainder of Drug Action Week, activities across Australia will focus on:

·  Tuesday, 24 June – Treatment

·  Wednesday, 25 June – Prevention

·  Thursday, 26 June – Indigenous Peoples; and

·  Friday, 27 June – Drug Use and Mental Health.

“Drug Action Week is for everyone working to reduce drug-related harm in Australia and provides us with opportunities to remind ourselves that drugs encompass more than just heroin and cannabis,” Mr Templeman said.

“This ADCA initiative aims to raise awareness about alcohol and other drug issues and to promote the achievements of those who work to reduce drug related harm.”