Crystal+Clear

A critical discussion on the increase in drug use and the various approaches in place that attempt to resolve this as a public health issue. Madison Brazier 08587353 Tutor: Steve Badman

(Stuever, 2013) The latest crime and thriller television series, ‘Breaking Bad’ portrays the downfall of a high school chemistry teacher who embarks on a career involving drugs and crime with an ex student. The controversial and violent illustration of the social and personal issues surrounding amphetamines and other illicit drug includes the manufacturing, supply, use as well as drug-related crime. ‘Breaking Bad has placed the use of crystal meth as the central theme highlighting both the fleeting highs and almost unimaginable lows (Musgrave, 2013) but has the hype with this fictional television show extended to the Australian streets?

‘Breaking Bad’ portrays drug use in a negative light, however, the viewer becomes so desensitised that illicit drug use appears to be accepted and promoted. This particularly applies to crystal methamphetamine manufacturing and use. Previously, the idea illicit drug use has been considered a taboo whereas now, its place in society has altered to where it is now considered the norm. This suggests that whilst the global “war on drugs” has been a matter of concern for half a century, it has not successfully prevented increasing rates of drug supply and use. Australia has a particularly strong relationship to methamphetamine use with approximately 2.5% of people over the age of fourteen having used the drug in the last year (Musgrave, 2013, para 2). This figure is double that of any other developed country.

The National Drug Strategy Household Survey considers illicit drug use as “the use of drugs that are illegal to possess or use and any legal drug used in an illegal manner” (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2011, para 1). Illicit drug use has become an increasing concern for Public Health professionals in Australia. In 2007, 13.4% of people aged fourteen and older had used an illicit drug in the last twelve months. Although this may seem like a small number, this rate increased to 14.7% in 2010 (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2011, para 4). This is alarming as this clearly implies a growth in popularity of drug use despite the stigmatised attitude and disapproval towards drug use.

Breaking Bad depicts the use of many illegal drugs, the most prevalent being crystal methamphetamine. Methamphetamine, commonly known as speed, ice or crystal meth, is a stimulant with common side effects that include euphoria, increased alertness, panic, itching, and excessive sweating (Drug Info, 2013, para 2). As a drug, it is one of the most addictive and dangerous substances known. This is due to the amplified effect of dopamine, a chemical in the brain responsible for psychological reward that simply makes you feel good (Musgrave, 2013, para 17). There are many dangers associated with meth use for all parties involved, from the users to those being exposed by simply sharing the same environment. There is no acceptable, safe level of drug use. Serious health risks will always be present to those associated with the use of this drug.



(AIHW, 2011)

These images show the drastic changes in appearance that result from meth addiction. In addition to this, psychological distress and diagnoses for mental illnesses continues to be highest among recent users of amphetamines, ecstasy, cannabis and cocaine (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2011, para 3). The long-term use results in conditions such as malnutrition, chronic sleep problems, behavioural problems the overall increased probability of disease development, and an entire physical deterioration. There are other serious hazards associated with the meth labs. Not only is there a high possibility of an explosion, but the contamination can leave remnants of toxic substances which pose a threat to current and future occupants (The Project, 2013).

Since the start of ‘Breaking Bad’ in 2008, there have been a considerable number of reports and articles about increased illicit drug use. Victorian MP, Simon Ramsey (2013) acknowledges that there are significant increases in the acceleration of meth use particularly in regional areas and especially in Indigenous areas. NSW police have also reported that the proliferation of suburban drug labs is beginning to resemble the US TV series (The Australian, 2013, para 1). In 1997, there were 17 discovered methamphetamine labs; this number terrifyingly fluctuated to 113 in 2013 (Bourne, 2013, para 11). In addition to this, ambulance call outs in Australia to meth users has tripled in the last two years (The Project, 2013). These figures provide evidence in that rate of illicit drug use has significantly increased in recent years, following the release of the popular Breaking Bad series. With these statistical increases, it is inevitable that there will be subsequent rises in drug-related offences as well as fatal accidents that place immense pressure on both the criminal justice system and the public healthcare system.

In Australia, various methodologies are in place as an attempt to tackle drug use on a broad public health scale including drug law enforcement, abstinence and harm minimization. Ideally, drug law enforcement should implement strategies that reduce drug crime and drug-related crime which will inturn improve public health. In terms of drug laws, total prohibition considers all behaviours as illegal and results in strict criminal penalties. Many believe that ‘total prohibition’ laws apply to all drug offenses in Australia, however this is not the case. In fact, Australia has a 25-year history of drug law reforms beyond total prohibition. Prohibition with cautioning or diversion means that drug offences remain illegal but under some circumstances, penalties are reduced to avoid a conviction if an intervention is successfully completed. This is the case for all first to third cannabis offenders without prior violence offenses (Lenton, 2012, para 3). The movement towards the decriminalisation of drugs has the potential to reduce the burden on the criminal justice system whilst removing the negative stigma and consequences associated with criminal convictions for drug use. Nevertheless, the argument against this stance this is that it implies society approves of drug use.

There has been a polarized debate about the abstinence and harm minimisation policies. Abstinence-based policies are based on achieving a drug free society through a zero tolerance approach to illicit drug use. The aim of which is for the client to cease illicit drug use, maintaining a drug free life (Iliades, 2012). Harm minimisation policies recognise that while drug use can never completely be eradicated, measures can be taken to reduce its harmful and dangerous effects (Guanaratna, 2005). A major risk related to injection is the transmission of blood borne viruses. These include HIV and Hepatitis C (Wodak & McLeod, 2008). With this risk, both polices have advantages and limitations. On one side, abstinence is the most effective way of eradicating drug related diseases as the user simply no longer engages in unsafe practices (National Drug and Alcohol Research Center, 2005), however realistically, many users are unable or unwilling to abstain from drug use. Recent research revealed 47% of addicts relapse in the first year of abstinence-base treatment (Clarity Way, 2013). Therefore, this indicates that abstinence is a one-size-fits-all approach and simply does not facilitate options for those unwilling or unable to refrain from drug use and as a result puts these users at a greater risk of spreading blood borne illnesses. On the other hand, harm minimisations approaches have been shown to effectively reduce the spread of blood borne viruses through the facilitation of safe injecting practices. As with decriminalisation, this approach is criticised for appearing to approve of drug use rather than focussing on delivering a drug free recovery program.

The consideration of potential at risk groups, movements, social change and cultural influences are vital in order to develop a successful anti-drug program, and in turn an economically effective strategy. Illicit drug use and related harm results in significant economic, social, cultural and health costs to individuals, families, communities and the nation (Public Health Association Australia, 2010, para 1). In the period of 2004-2005, illicit drug use cost the Australian economy $8.2 billion. Most of these costs (84%) were the costs associated with crime, lost productivity and healthcare. From 2008 to 2009, the Australian government also spent $83.9 million on the prevention of harmful drug use for illicit drugs (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2011, para 4). The National Drug Strategy Household Survey (2010) revealed that males (43.2%) were more likely than females (36.5%) to use illicit drugs (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2011, para 4). Nationally, the age bracket of 18 – 29 year olds were most likely to report alcohol consumption and illicit drug use in the last twelve months. However, those aged 14-17 years and those aged 40 years or older are least likely to take drugs (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2011, para 5). There was a contrast in patterns of drug use across population characteristics depending on the drug type. In general, those in remote areas were more likely to smoke and drink at risky levels, yet less likely to use illicit drugs when compared with those in major cities and major regional areas. Other apparent differences occurred in subpopulation groups. Those with the highest rate of recent illicit drug use include the unemployed, single, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and those whom identify as homosexual or bisexual (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2011, para 4). In terms of methamphetamine use, people aged 30-39 years were slightly more likely than other age groups to have ever used methamphetamine (14.7%), while people aged 20-29 years were more likely to have recently used the specific drug. (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2011, para 6).

In summary, there is a wide cross section of people from different subdivisions in society that admit and report to illicit drug use. Ideally, a targeted approach for each subgroup would be the most efficient in combating this public health concern. Restrictions due to limited funding make it difficult and often impractical to implement in the public health sector. Nevertheless, Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander and youth subgroups take precedence for any targeted approach as they are generally at a greater risk of exposure to this major concern. Currently, Australia has adopted a mostly universal approach to support the dangers associated with drug use. The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre is one organisation that aims to modify the current preventative program (NDARC, 2013)

Whilst fictional, ‘Breaking Bad’ represents a drug driven environment that would be unimaginable to most viewers and depicts exhilarating euphoria alongside the indescribable lows. It’s an entertaining television series that has had a negative influence as its target audience is one of the most at risk subgroups to illicit drug use in Australian society; 18 – 29 year olds. There are those who believe that it is not a bad thing to have these confronting and some-what violent images of drug use shown publically. The question can be asked; Is it not better for a society to be openly aware of the effect of drugs then have it fearfully whispered behind closed doors? Growing up, Australian youth are exposed to drug related lingo and vocabulary. Terms such as cannabis, MDMA, ecstasy, pills, ice etcetera are thrown around and well known before young people really know and become aware of the full effect or meaning of the terms. This assessment challenges all participants to reassess attitudes towards drug use by encouraging further study and more detailed analysis of this controversial topic. It is important to question the influence of the media and the motivations of other self-interest groups. When presented with health and social ‘problems’, it is essential to define the outcome variables, measure and count the presented problem, research what is causing it and seek solutions by combining the accumulated knowledge and respond in a socially sensitive and culturally appropriate way (Carroll, 2013).

References

AAP, (2013, October 1). ‘Chemistry students’ running meth labs, says police. The Australian. Retrieved from [|http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/chemistry-students- running-meth-labs-says-police/story-e6frg6nf-1226730546855]

Australia Institute of Health and Welfare. (2011). Drugs in Australia 2010: Tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. Retrieved from []

Australian Drug Foundation. (2012). Drug Policy Reform. Retrieved from Australian Drug Foundation [|http://www.adf.org.au/policy-advocacy/policytalk-] [|september-2012]

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Bourne, J. (2013). Australian drug users following lead of Breaking Bad. Retrieved on October 28, 2013, from [].

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Clarity Way. (2013). Relapse: The revolving door – infographic. Retrieved October 8, 2013, from [|http://www.clarityway.com/blog/relapse-revolving-door-] [|infographic/]

Drug Info (2013). Amphetamine facts. Retrieved on [].

Gunaratnam, P. (2005). Drug policy in Australia – the supervised injecting facilities debate. Retrieved from []

Iliades, C. (2012). Salem Health Abstinence and Substance Abuse. Retrieved from []

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National Drug and Alcohol Research Center. (2005). The Integration of harm reduction into abstinence-based therapeutic communities: a case study of We Help Ourselves. Retrieved from University of New South Whale website [|http://ndarc.med.unsw.edu.au/sites/default] [|/files/ndarc/resources/TR.263.pdf]

National Drug and Alcohol Research Center. (2013). Illicit Drug Reporting System National Report 2012. Retrieved from []

Pickering, C. (Reporter). (2013, September 18). “At home meth labs”. In The Project [Television broadcast]. Sydney, NSW: Ten Television

Stuever, H. (2013). ‘Breaking Bad’ finale: What happened to Walt – and to us. Retrieved from [|http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-09-] [|29/entertainment/42510721_1_skyler-white-vince-gilligan- dean-norris]

Wodak, A., & McLeod, L. (2008). The role of harm reduction in controlling HIV among injecting drug users. AIDS (London, England), 22 Suppl 2(Suppl 2), S81-S79. doi:10.1097/01.aids.0000327439.20914.33


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