Alcohol still the main problem drug in Pacific Region

Whilst illicit drugs are becoming an increasing concern in the Pacific region, alcohol is still the main issue, according to a major new report from the Australian National Council on Drugs (ANCD). The report, Situational Analysis of Drug and Alcohol Issues and Responses in the Pacific 2008-09, prepared for ANCD by the Burnet Institute, was commissioned to provide detailed country profiles relating to alcohol and other drug issues. In addition, a regional overview was prepared to highlight where existing regional mechanisms may be, and already have been, employed to address these issues.

The report provides a current picture of the Pacific Region and the drug and alcohol issues they are experiencing. Co-author and Professor at the Burnet Institute, Robert Power, said “This extensive report clearly highlights on-going concerns in the Pacific region about what is happening with alcohol and other drugs. It very clearly identifies alcohol as the main substance of concern in the Pacific region and shows that cannabis is the key illicit drug of concern in the region.”

“Significantly this really is the first time we have a much clearer picture of the extensive harm occurring in countries that are our neighbours. Alcohol is considered to be the major factor contributing to numerous health problems affecting people in the Pacific. What is also evident is that there is a real need for better quality data and a strong desire throughout the region to acquire an understanding about the best ways to address these problems. The role for Australia here is very clear.”

Dr John Herron said, “We see constantly the clear harm alcohol causes to the Australian community. The rise of alcohol related problems and the potential for it to escalate further in the Pacific is quite ominous – especially if we don’t act now. It’s also clear that alcohol and other drugs are significantly contributing to risky behaviour – particularly risky sexual behaviour amongst young people in our region. The potential harm from this behaviour is great.”

The report identifies a number of key issues for the Region as a whole.

The primary substance of concern remains alcohol - however in illicit drugs it is cannabis - this response was fairly uniform across the region.

In many parts of the Pacific region alcohol is considered to be the major contributing factor in many health problems (e.g. heart disease, liver disease etc).

There is a growing concern in the region about the impact of drugs – both licit and illicit. This comes from both the burden on the community and the health sectors which are arising from the misuse of alcohol and other drugs. There is a growing link between substance misuse and risky behaviour (particularly sexual behaviour) amongst young people in the region.

Overwhelming throughout the report are the issues of the lack of on-going quality-assured reliable data on alcohol and drug use. The over-reliance on law enforcement and under-investment in health or at least a lack of an appropriate health response is raised throughout the region.

Due to a lack of adequately trained personnel, particularly in the AOD related health sector, there is a need to significantly invest in workforce capacity building opportunities throughout the Pacific Region.

The report also contains a series of short-term and longer term recommendations relating to surveillance, research and service provision.

The Burnet Institute

A report prepared for the Australian National Council on Drugs

Published by the Australian National Council on Drugs PO Box 205, Civic Square ACT 2608
Telephone: 02 6166 9600
Fax: 02 6162 2611
Email: ancd@ancd.org.au
Website: www.ancd.org.au