95bFM Report calls for overhaul of Aotearoa's approach to methamphetamine
September 6, 2022
By Joe Wickins
NZ Drug Foundation executive director Sarah Helm (pictured) says there is a huge amount we could be doing to reduce drug harm if we shift our focus towards a health-based approach. Photo: NZ Drug Foundation.
The NZ Drug Foundation is calling for an overhaul of Aotearoa's approach to methamphetamine addiction.
A new report, Minimising the Harms from Methamphetamine, jointly commissioned by the NZ Drug Foundation and the Helen Clark Foundation, states that existing policies are causing significant harm.
The report recommends focusing more on harm reduction, developing more kaupapa Māori treatment and support options, and removing criminal penalties for methamphetamine use.
Recent polling by the NZ Drug Foundation has found that 68% of New Zealanders support replacing the country’s 1975 Misuse of Drugs Act with a health-based approach.
Executive director Sarah Helm, told 95bFM's The Wire that the report shows there is a huge amount we could be doing to reduce harm if we shift our focus towards a health-based approach.
“Many people think methamphetamine addiction is an intractable problem, but it is our policy settings that are wrong. We need to stop repeating the same mistakes and hit reset."
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