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Di Rands from CADS invites us all to indulge in the simpler pleasures of life
Wednesday, 28 February 2007.
Originally from express article 28 February 2007
By Di from Auckland Community Alcohol and Drug Services (CADS)
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| Di Rands from CADS invites us all to indulge in the simpler pleasures of life. |
Last night Campbell Live did a piece on ‘affluenza’ a dis-ease of our ‘wanting’ world. A world in which even though we have never had so much, we have never been unhappier – and yet we still want more!
Recently NZAF (New Zealand Aids Foundation) released their findings from their excellent 2006 Gay Auckland Periodic Sex Survey (GAPSS) of men who have sex with men. For the first time they asked about recreational drug use. The findings were not surprising, but they are worrying. Compared to the general population in New Zealand in 2003 – the GAPSS survey respondents had:
- 1,000% greater use of Amyl Nitrites
- 500% greater use of Ecstasy
- Over double the use of Amphetamines (incl. ‘p’)
- Over double the use of Cannabis
What is it about wanting more and more? I think we are victims of the ‘wanting’ world. It’s the ole – this is fun, let's make it amazing!
But, hang on, life is amazing. I was at the Big Gay Out last Sunday, and was surrounded by hundreds of people who were living life to the max. The colour and vibrancy was palatable! The people delicious! The sun was shining, the water sparkling, and the laughter infectious. I felt truly proud to be part of such an alive, living queer city.
I am grateful that I experienced it all without artificial stimulants. Sure, in the short term, they may have heightened the experience, but then what? The after glow would have been replaced with the post drug lows. My interactions with others would not have been the real me, it would have been drugged me.
My challenge to fellow queers is to take a moment to consider: how much is enough? Are you inflicted with ‘affluenza’? Do you really need that pill to make the night great? What would it mean to have some ‘unadulterated’ fun? Do you put up with bad behaviour – just because your friend is out of it? Do you behave badly and blame it on over-indulgence?
Research also shows queers are an intelligent, highly educated lot. Lets be clever about our drug use. And remember that the people at CADS are a friendly, non-judgmental bunch, if you want to talk.
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.
About express
express is NZ's newspaper of gay expression. It contains
information on NZ news, Community news & events, World news, Editorial &
reader feedback, Health, Travel, Food, Arts/Books, Living, Entertainment
& scene, GABA newsletter, and Personals.
For more information, visit their website:www.gayexpress.co.nz
> More items from Di's Drug Column
