Only families directly affected by illicit drug use know the realities of trying to support their loved ones; to keep them healthy and out of trouble in a society that is often hostile and lacks compassion. (There is a disgusting article in this month's Reader's Digest which contains clichés and stereotyping as well as being full of misleading facts and misinformation.)

In dealing with personal realities we may sometimes think that we are powerless to change anything and it takes all our energy just to survive.

This is an appeal to everyone to get involved in our activities and help bring about change that may make life easier for our families and also bring about significant benefits for the future. Without proactive initiatives from those who know the truth, politicians and bureaucrats will continue to react with knee-jerk policies to satisfy what they perceive to be public opinion. This opinion is often driven by radio talk-back stars and newspaper editors who are advocating the law-and-order option.
We believe that problems with drugs will be arrested by the following strategies:

1. Realistic education that deals with drugs in the context of total life skills. Such education should start in primary school and be ongoing through High School.
   

2. Innovative prevention strategies need to be encouraged and assessed.
   

3. All new medical treatments be publicly trialled, evaluated and (where successful) made available through the public health system.
   

4. All private medical treatments to be regulated and subject to acceptable standards and guidelines.
   

5. Public health money to be made available to significantly increase availability of de-tox beds and expand rehabilitation facilities. Encouragement of a wide range of models with a particular emphasis on adolescent facilities.
   

6. Youth drug use and misuse to be seen in the total context of youth related issues, including suicide, homelessness, family breakdown, depression, etc.
   

7. Recognition that drug misuse is turning people who would never have indulged in criminal activity into criminals and where possible diversion from the justice system be applied.
   

8. Families be recognised as a key element in dealing with drug misuse, and support be given to them to produce positive outcomes.
   

9. Drug users be recognised as having equal rights as all other people by all sections of our community.

No doubt many of you believe that you are unable to do much to effect changes, but by getting involved in our activities you will be adding weight to our efforts to lobby and advocate for such changes to eventuate.

We do need your help and here are a few things you may be able to choose to do!

1. Subscribe. Your membership increases our numbers and the fees help finance our activities.
   

2. Attend our Public Forums. We put together good meetings with interesting speakers. Strong attendance draws media attention and encourages public response.
   

3. Come to our support meetings. You will meet other families struggling with similar problems and gain fellowship. This will give you support and make your life a little easier.
   

4. If you have some free time, become a telephone volunteer. We will give you training and you do not have to be a drug expert or a counsellor. People ringing in just want to talk and be listened to)you are the ideal person to provide this kind of support because you understand.
   

5. Write to your local newspapers and politicians. Most of them are uninformed on drug matters, it is one issue out of hundreds. You can give them direct personal experience. If you need guidelines on how to write, ring us on (02) 9427 8052.
   

6. Volunteer to help in our office. We need people to stuff and address envelopes as well as undertake other helpful activities.