Matters of Substance May 2007 contents
Cover story
The Poppy problem
Opium production is at an all time high in Afghanistan despite the concerted efforts of the country's government and the United Nations. Proceeds from illicit production fund terrorism, but is destroying opium fields the answer? Rob Zorn looks at why eradication may just make things worse.
Features
Get the Msg! Information for generation text
Text messages via mobile phones are one of the best ways of reaching people, particularly the young. The Drug Foundation's Get the Msg! service has been extended to both major networks and is working hard and well.
Third time high
Under current AFL policy, players' drug tests are kept confidential until the third positive. Opinions are very much divided as to whether so many chances are in the best interests of the players or the game.
The Methidemic in America
The Montana Meth Project is a fine example of saturation media. It's messages are hard to miss, but are they helping, or is this just reefer madness' all over again? Grisly picture warning.
Getting the measure of drug harm
What exactly is drug harm? How do you measure it, and what do you do with the results? Keriata Stuart reports on how these challenges are being met by the new NDP in New Zealand and elsewhere around the world.
Celebrity stints
There goes another one! Celebrities these days are checking into rehab like there's no tomorrow. We have a look at a few reasons to be sceptical.
Regulars
Introduction to this issue, and comment on international drug policy.
Guest Editorial: New chief on the block
Gerard Vaughan is the new ALAC CEO. He shares with us his first impressions at the wheel, and writes about how he sees the road ahead.
Opinion: Making a dramatic impact?
The Ministry of Health's Ashley Bloomfield outlines the important role New Zealand plays on the world stage of international tobacco, alcohol, and drug harm reduction.
Mythbusters: One addiction at a time?
Who says people undergoing addiction treatment can't give up smoking at the same time? Mythbusters reveal new evidence and research challenging the myths that have kept smoking interventions out of substance abuse programmes for so long.
