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Caring for our community. It is time to pull finger!
Wednesday, 11 October 2006.
Originally from express article 11 October 2006
By Di from Auckland Community Alcohol and Drug Services (CADS)
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| Di from CADS talks about Caring for our community. It is time to pull finger! |
Summer is on it way – parties, drinkin', smokin', maybe more drinkin'… then Sam (or Samantha) gets rowdy, abusive even…. eyes roll, oh not again…. Do we say something? Hell no, we don’t want to be the kill joy! They are our mates, and it's not our place to tell them what to do.
So when do we say something? At their eulogy?
Alcohol and other drug misuse statistics for our community are not good. According to recent research queer communities are three times more likely to misuse alcohol and other drugs. Of course the root causes can be the marginalisation, isolation and abuse suffered by our LGBTTF brothers and sisters. Alcohol and other drug misuse can be a way to escape internal homophobia, or a way to self punish – aka ‘soft-suicidality’.
As a community it is time to take some responsibility, take care – not advantage of our young, and have the courage to challenge each other if we see abuse.
So – what do we do? First of course we have to look at ourselves. Do we provide non-alcoholic drinks at parties? Do we ridicule anyone who doesn’t drink or take other drugs? Do we step in if we see an older person obviously taking advantage of a younger one? Do we take our friends aside and talk about their ‘out-of control’ behaviour the night before?
A motivational way to raise the issue is to ask someone if they have any concerns about their alcohol/drug use. It is about encouraging them to reflect on behaviour which is damaging to either themselves or others. It is drawing a line in the sand, showing that you do care about them – they are worth it. Research shows that these types of conversations DO make a difference. Sure it takes way more than one conversation, but it is a start – it is a really good start!
As a guideline the World Health Organisation recommended upper limit for alcohol for men is six standard drinks on any one occasion and 21 in any one week. For women it is four standard drinks on any one occasion and 14 in any one week. The number of standard drinks contained in bottles and cans is printed on them. There are no formal guidelines for illegal substances, but one rule of thumb is to have at least 2-3 drug free days per week.
So be a mate – let’s start looking after each other!
If you have concerns about your own or someone else's alcohol or other drug use, or if you'd like more information, contact CADS on 845 1818 or www.cads.org.nz or if you live outside Auckland contact Alcohol and Drug Helpline 0800 787 797.
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& scene, GABA newsletter, and Personals.
For more information, visit their website:www.gayexpress.co.nz
> More items from Di's Drug Column
