Podcasts about drug foundation

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Cindy Mitchener and David Downs. First up, has the first concrete step in peace in Gaza been reached, or is this yet another serving of false hope? Israel and Hamas have signed off on a first phase of a US-devised Gaza deal. Journalist Selwyn Manning unpacks it with the panel. Then, The Drug Foundation has published a new report arguing that decriminalisation of all drugs would be the best way to reduce harm. Executive director Sarah Helm explains.

The Government says it has no intention of decriminalising drug use, despite a confronting new report. The Drug Foundation paper suggest the Misuse of Drugs Act has compounded harm - and needs overhauling. But Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says change isn't on the agenda this term. NZ Drug Foundation executive director Sarah Helm joined the Afternoons team to explain further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing support for a call to decriminalise drugs in order to reduce harm. The Drug Foundation's released a report calling drug laws of the past 50 years a 'colossal failure'. It is pushing for decriminalising use - and more investment in health and addiction services. Victoria University criminology professor Fiona Hutton says the status quo isn't working. "Things like drug overdoses are rising, addiction hasn't really been properly addressed, things like methamphetamine use are causing real harm in our communities." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 9 October 2025, huge development for Gaza. Israel and Hamas have agreed on the first phase of a ceasefire deal. The Maori Party announced a reset on the same day another haka disrupts Parliament proceedings. Former Maori Party leader Te Ururoa Flavell speaks with Heather about the party's direction. The Drug Foundation wants to decriminalise all drugs - but would it really solve our issues with rising meth and cocaine use? Plus, the Huddle debates whether the Maori Party can make itself look like a responsible coalition partner to Labour and the Greens. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I support the NZ Drug Foundation's push to decriminalise drug use and drug possession. The key point here is “use” and “possession”. It's not saying let the dealers and manufacturers away with it, it's saying we need to take a much more compassionate approach and treat drug users as people in need of help, instead of treating them as criminals. I'm picking your response will probably be determined by your exposure to drugs or experience with drugs. By that I mean whether your life has been affected in any way. I reckon that if someone close to me got hooked on meth, for example, then I'd definitely be wanting the law to take a more compassionate view. Because I know that I wouldn't see them as criminals, I'd see them as someone needing help. Whereas if my life was impacted negatively in any way by a meth head —for example, if someone high on meth had attacked me in the street or broken into my home— then I might not be quite so compassionate. But if I listen to what the Drug Foundation has to say, then maybe a more compassionate approach would mean less drug addicts attacking people in the street and less drug addicts committing crimes to get money for their drugs. Because here's what it says about that in its report: It says we should decriminalise personal possession and use of drugs —including drug utensils— because evidence from overseas shows that a system where people get help —and aren't treated as criminals— even when they continue using their drug of choice... it says there is evidence that it works. In Switzerland for example, where it has what's called “heroin-assisted treatments”, less people have died from overdoses and there is less drug-related crime. Another example the foundation gives in its report is Canada, where there are signs that its “safer supply programmes” are reducing the number of drug overdoses and helping drug users lead more stable lives. So why wouldn't you give it a go? But it wants it done in parallel with a whole lot of money being poured into health and harm reduction services. Which, no matter what your views on our drug laws are, is a no-brainer. You'll remember how, late last year, it was revealed that cocaine use in New Zealand is at an all-time high and methamphetamine consumption has doubled. And with people using more cocaine and meth, they're at much greater risk of things like psychosis and heart issues. So, either way, there's going to be some sort of financial burden on the health system at some point, isn't there? So why not turn things on their head? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand Drug Foundation has called for decriminalisation of all drug use. Director Sarah Helm spoke to Corin Dann.

Today, Erik sits down with Lois Robbins, founder of WATSKIN—an elevated UPF sunwear brand dedicated to empowering women to enjoy the sun with confidence, without compromising style. After experiencing a skin cancer scare, Lois launched WATSKIN and has since turned it into a household name, revolutionizing UPF clothing to be both chic and sexy. Erik and Lois discuss her journey from diagnosis to entrepreneurship, the inspiration behind the brand, behind-the-scenes stories from Lois' acting career, the meaning behind the name WATSKIN, challenges she's faced along the way, and much more. More about Lois Robbins: Lois is also quite the accomplished actress and producer, best known for her roles in One Life to Live, Loving, Ryan's Hope, and All My Children She is currently in the play, Other Desert Cities at Coachella Valley repertory. Robbins is also actively involved in philanthropic work with the Melanoma Research Alliance, Evelyn H. Lauder's Breast Cancer Center, the Dubin Breast Center, Alzheimer's Drug Foundation, and the Lung Cancer Research Foundation. Social Handles: https://www.instagram.com/loisrobbins21/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/watskinofficial/?hl=en Website: https://www.loisrobbins.com/ https://www.watskinsunwear.com/   Is there a guest you want Equalman to interview on the podcast? Do you have any questions you wish you could ask an expert? Send an email to our team: Equalman@equalman.com   5x #1 Bestselling Author and Motivational Speaker Erik Qualman has performed in over 55 countries and reached over 50 million people this past decade. He was voted the 2nd Most Likable Author in the World behind Harry Potter's J.K. Rowling.   Have Erik speak at your conference: eq@equalman.com   Motivational Speaker | Erik Qualman has inspired audiences at FedEx, Chase, ADP, Huawei, Starbucks, Godiva, FBI, Google, and many more on Focus and Digital Leadership.   Learn more at https://equalman.com

Almost three New Zealanders die from preventable drug overdoses every week. That is twice the number of people that die from drowning. New Zealand Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm said that the number of overdoses highlights New Zealand's shortcomings on tackling substance abuse. 'We're losing so many New Zealanders to preventable overdose, and we have very little little in place to prevent overdoses' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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A new report from the Drug Foundation highlights that in 2023 and 2024, 3.1 percent of adults reported taking psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin and ketamine. In 2017 and 2018 only 1.3 percent of adults reported taking psychedelics - meaning use has more than doubled. Drug Foundation Director Sarah Helm spoke to Corin Dann.

Drug overdose deaths have almost doubled in less than a decade and at the same time, the number of people accessing specialist help is trending downward. The Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission found 188 people died from an overdose in 2023. That's more than half the road toll, and more than twice the number of drowning deaths. Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm told Ryan Bridge we lose three New Zealanders every week to accidental and preventable drug overdose. She says at the same time there's been a decline in access to addiction services. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Drug Foundation says the country barely invests anything into helping and supporting people with meth-addiction. Discharges from public hospitals suggest meth-use has increased four-fold over the past decade. Wastewater testing last year showed a doubling in meth use. Drug Foundation Chief Executive Sarah Helm told Mike Hosking a lot more could be done, especially with knowledge from new research. She says about half of people using illicit substances have ADHD, which could help prevent drug-use if treated. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hayden from the Drug Foundation chats mushrooms - just in time for Autumn! Thanks to The Level!

It's a busy morning at the b! Jonny's packed show featured Political Commentary with David Slack and a chat with Sola Rosa and premiere of the new single The Sun Doesn't Shine featuring Joe Probert. Later, Jonny speaks with Florian Habicht, director of Pulp: A Film About Life, Death & Supermarkets, about the film's ten year anniversary and special screening at The Hollywood. Plus, Hayden from The Drug Foundation chats cocaine, harm reduction and the importance of testing on What's The Buzz? brought to you by The Level. 

Colombian President Gustavo Petro made headlines all over the world after claiming cocaine was 'no worse than whisky' during a live broadcast of a government meeting. During a six-hour ministerial meeting – broadcast live for the first time ever – the President also suggested the global cocaine industry could be 'easily dismantled' if the drug were legalised worldwide. Sarah Helm from the NZ Drug Foundation joined the Afternoons team to explain why President Petro may have felt the need to bring this up - citing the death toll caused by the region's war on cocaine and other drugs. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hayden recaps 2024/2025 so far and low-levels of adulteration, plus the ongoing positive impacts of drug education and checking. They'll be at Laneway next week too! Thanks to The Level and The Drug Foundation Aotearoa.

New wastewater testing results show there has been a significant rise in methamphetamine and cocaine consumption over the past few months. Drug Foundation executive director Sarah Helm spoke to Corin Dann.

The Drug Foundation wants urgent action, with meth and cocaine consumption reaching record levels. Police wastewater testing between June and September reveals levels of both drugs were at the highest volumes recorded since the programme began six years ago. Chief Executive Sarah Helm says harm reduction, addiction and acute healthcare services all need to be prepared for an increase in need. She told Heather du Plessis-Allan they've been hearing anecdotally that there hasn't been a growth in the number of people consuming the drugs – meaning there's potentially a small number of people consuming a lot more of it. Helm says they're really concerned we'll be seeing a very acute harm, with hospitalisations, psychosis, heart health issues, and a growth in addiction. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just less than two weeks ago, two new drug use surveys have been released, showing significant increases in drug use and availability, especially cocaine. In the past five years, drug prices have continued to fall and in turn use for some substances have almost doubled. The nearly fifty-year-old drug law is outdated and has resulted in greater supply and addiction. The government's current approach of infrequent drug busts and supply restrictions are ineffective at preventing that. Sasha spoke to The New Zealand Drug Foundations Executive Director, Sarah Helm, about the new survey results and issues surrounding safe use.

Just less than two weeks ago, two new drug use surveys have been released, showing significant increases in drug use and availability, especially cocaine. In the past five years, drug prices have continued to fall and in turn use for some substances have almost doubled. The nearly fifty-year-old drug law is outdated and has resulted in greater supply and addiction. The government's current approach of infrequent drug busts and supply restrictions are ineffective at preventing that. Sasha spoke to The New Zealand Drug Foundations Executive Director, Sarah Helm, about the new survey results and issues surrounding safe use.

Remember yesterday when we were talking about the declining rates of hazardous drinking among young people? Good news. And then so many of you positing that it's because they're popping pills and taking other drugs. Bad news. It looks like you might be right. The 2024 New Zealand Drugs Trend Survey has found that the price of drugs is dropping, the meth market saturated, and drug use has increased in just about all the regions. The availability of LSD and other psychedelics is growing, prices have been dropping for the past seven years, Kiwis' cocaine use is up the wazoo —I suppose you could put it up the wazoo, it's usually up the nose— but that's everywhere in all the regions. Cannabis is everywhere and the price has dropped marginally. The fact that meth has reached record-low prices is because new players are entering the market. Just as with anything that you manufacture, doing it yourself in New Zealand is more expensive than importing it from overseas, and that is concerning. Professor Chris Wilkins from Massey University says new players have entered the market and our drugs are no longer just a bit of marijuana growing locally. CW: It's a global market, so a lot of the methamphetamine we have traditionally used has come from Southeast Asia, but Australian police are saying that 70% of the meth they now see is actually from North America, South America, actually are Mexican cartels, and they're essentially just like in the other market, they're seeing a market opportunity and they're selling at a cut price. MH: There seems to be a tremendous amount of cocaine about the place? CW: That's right. So there was another really surprising finding was that the level of cocaine use, level of cocaine availability, obviously in Auckland, but also in Northland, the Bay of Plenty, but really all over in New Zealand and this may well be some overlap with that Mexican cartel and of course, they're in the cocaine trade, and if they're selling meth to New Zealand and to Australia, then cocaine is also another thing that obviously got access to. So yeah, the Mexican cartels sending down their meth and saying, “look, hey gift with purchase, you might like to try a little bit of cokie wokie when you're taking your meth supplies”. So the survey says drugs are becoming increasingly prevalent, but illicit drug users are still in the minority if you believe the New Zealand Drug Foundation. You might think from that report and from what Professor Wilkins was saying that at every party in every town across New Zealand, there are mountains of cocaine and rows of meth pipes lined up on every table like little party favours, but the Drug Foundation says drugs like meth, MDMA and opioids are used by a relatively small percentage of the population. According to their figures —self-reporting— 3.6% of the population aged 15 and over used MDMA last year. That's around 152,000 people. 1.1%, around 47,000, used amphetamines, and 0.4%, around 18,000, used opioids. They rely on self-reporting, and the New Zealand Health Survey, which is self-reporting and wastewater testing data – which you think would be more accurate, but surely there must be more people using drugs than those who are appearing in the wastewater or those who are self-reporting? Otherwise, how are so many people able to make a living peddling drugs? Why would the cartels bother sending drugs into New Zealand if it wasn't worth their while? Are we seeing a disconnect between the numbers of people who are self-reporting and the actual trade itself? Do we need to know exactly what the extent of drug use is in New Zealand before we can have a conversation about drug use in New Zealand? If there are many, many people, like if it's more than 1%, if we're talking about 10% of the population using illicit drugs, then you'd think it would be time to take the Portuguese approach and decriminalise drugs to control the source and supplies so that it wasn't in the hands of the gangsters and the mobsters. And we really don't want Mexican cartels here, do we? But then you can't just take the Portuguese experiment, which has worked in Portugal and import it holus-bolus into your own country. In Canada, in British Columbia, they became the first and only province thus far to decriminalise the possession of a small amount of hard drugs to reduce the barriers and stigma “that bar those with severe drug addiction from life saving help or treatment”. It's running on a pilot basis until 2026, but already it's a disaster. It's come under increasing pressure from British Columbian residents and political opponents, who have called it a harmful experiment with all the drug users out in the streets and slumped over and unconscious, no safeguards for the public, and one that utterly failed to reduce drug overdose deaths. Remember the synnies that were doing so much damage, especially among the homeless people? They seem to have self regulated and thought, no, we're not going to use those because we're going to end up dying a horrible death. According to the latest Drugs Trend Survey, drug use is increasing across most drugs across all regions of New Zealand. The price is dropping, its hoots wahay, party time as we go into summer. But according to the Drug Foundation, 3.6% of the population using illicit drugs, it's not a huge amount of people, is it? So where are we at? What numbers do you believe? Is it worth having a moral crisis and raising the alarm about the amount of drug use and the cartels moving into here, or is it a relatively small number of people? How is it that 3.6% of the population can support all those gangs and all those cartels? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mental health campaigner Mike King comments that  "Alcohol is the solution for people with mental health issues" are being widely condemned by those who work with drugs and alcohol addiction. The founder of Gumboot Friday and I Am Hope Charity, which recently received $24 million dollars in Government funding, made the comments during a Newstalk ZB interview yesterday.  He was responding to a move by police to block a suicide prevention charity getting a liquor licence for a fundraiser in Dunedin. Well, a New Zealand study which analysed coronial data over 13 years to 2020 concluded that "Acute alcohol use was identified in approximately a quarter of suicides" in this country, while global data across 33 studies found alcohol has been found to be associated with a 94% increase in the risk of suicide.  The New Zealand Drug Foundation Sarah Helm spoke to Lisa Owen. 

We've all seen the memes – mums and their wine, like it's the ultimate parenting hack. But is it really that cute? In this episode, Kee and Kelly get real about their own relationship with alcohol and unpack the impact of “mummy wine culture.” From casual drinks to deeper conversations around self-care and coping, they explore how it affects their lives and what's really behind the jokes. LINKS: Wine Didn't Make Me A Better Mom - Kelley Manley Night Road - Kristin Hannah RESOURCES: National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline: 1800 250 015Alcohol and Drug Foundation: 1300 858 584Alcoholics Anonymous: 1300 222 222Lifeline: 13 11 14Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636If you're concerned about a loved one or family member's drinking, contact the Parent and Family Drug Support Line: (08) 9442 5000 or 1800 653 203 HOSTS & PRODUCERS Kelly McCarren ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@kelly_mccarren⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Kee Reece ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@keereece⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AUDIO PRODUCTION Madeline Joannou - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mylk Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠

The government is promising to clamp down on the sale of nitrous oxide, but the New Zealand Drug Foundation would like to see them ensure naloxone is widely available as well. Substance Abuse Counselor at the Yorktown High School in Virginia Jenny Sexton spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Ant is joined by beloved TV host, podcaster and mental health advocate, Osher Günsberg this week. Osher opens up about his journey from addiction to sobriety, coping with 'inescapable' anxiety, and the decision he made that altered the course of his life.  CW: This episode contains discussions of mental ill-health and substance abuse. If this episode raises any issues for you, help is available from Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via their website lifeline.org.au. Drug and alcohol support can be found with the Alcohol and Drug Foundation at adf.org.au or on their hotline 1800 250 015. LINKS Learn more about Osher Günsberg at oshergunsberg.com Follow Osher on Instagram @osher_gunsberg Osher's memoir, Back After the Break can be purchased here Follow Ant on Instagram, X, and Facebook Learn more about Ant on his website antmiddleton.com Follow Nova Podcasts on Instagram for videos from the podcast and behind the scenes content – @novapodcastsofficial. If you enjoy listening to Head Game, you can vote for us in the 'Listener's Choice' category at the Australian Podcast Awards. Submit your vote at australianpodcastawards.com/voting CREDITSHost: Ant MiddletonEditor: Adrian WaltonExecutive Producer: Anna Henvest Managing Producer: Elle Beattie Nova Entertainment acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation. We pay our respect to Elders past and present. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 14 August 2024 -a huge u-turn from the Reserve Bank with a cut to the Official Cash Rate today. Former Reserve Bank economist Michael Reddell and ASB boss Vittoria Short speak to Heather about the move. Drug Foundation boss Sarah Helm tells Heather what we know about the meth lollies that were handed out in Auckland mission food packages. The Huddle debates what's going on at Health NZ after commissioner Lester Levy publicly rebuked a suggestion by staff to make doctors and nurses redundant. Plus, why did Barry Soper drop out of his police officer course? Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's unclear how far meth-laced lollies could have been taken across Auckland. The Rinda brand pineapple lollies were donated to Auckland City Mission, and given out in food parcels. Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm says each lolly has about 300 doses of meth. She says even a single suck is dangerous. "There's still a range of effects, so you're likely to still feel an effect - possibly still needing to seek medical attention." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you sober curious? We've got some questions to ask yourself to help you interrogate your relationship with alcohol, inspired by tips from Kate Bee of The Sober School. If this episode has raised any issues for you, help is available from The Alcohol and Drug Foundation here: https://adf.org.au/ LINKS See more from The Sober School here Follow @novapodcastsofficial on Instagram CREDITS Host: Casey Donovan @caseydonovan88 Writer: Amy Molloy @amymolloy Producer: Adair SheppardEditor: Adrian Walton  Listen to more great podcasts at novapodcasts.com.au   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a Text Message.Sarah and The Shrub delve into the history, pharmacology, and brewing of the psychoactive beverage Kava.*** - “Kava” (Wikipedia). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kava- “Lapita Culture” (Wikipedia). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lapita_culture- “Kavalactone” (Wikipedia). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kavalactone- “Kava.” Alcohol and Drug Foundation, 06 June 2024.  https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/kava/- “Kava - Uses, Side Effects, and More.” WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-872/kava- “Kava.” National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.  https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/kava***ig: @shrubbish_podemail: shrubbishpodcast@gmail.comWhile I want to bring levity to the table, this podcast does contain descriptions of substance abuse. If you or someone you know needs help, the SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Welcome to todays Shed Wireless - A podcast for shedders. This episode is all about Men's Health Week – 10-16 June. Our special guest today is Associate professor Tim Moss health from our partner, Healthy Male. Rip Woodchip gives his spin on taking care of yourself. Stuart also talks to Robert Taylor from the Alcohol and Drug Foundation about how alcohol affects us differently as we age.

The Drug Foundation says nearly one in five drugs it checked last year were not what people thought they paid for. The foundation says its drug-checking services are testing fifty percent more drugs compared to last year, allowing more and more people to check what's in their drugs and letting them know how to stay safe. Cocaine and methamphetamine are the most likely to be something different to what they were sold as. Drug Foundation executive director Sarah Helm spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

There's been a 93 percent rise in cocaine use in the 2022-to-23 period according to the Drug Foundation. Meanwhile, seizures by police and customs as large as three tonnes have become more common over the last two years. Customs intelligence manager Bruce Berry spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

An increase in international cocaine production has spiked use of the drug on New Zealand shores. The Drug Use in Aotearoa report shows use grew by 93 percent over 2022 and 2023, compared to the previous three years' average. Its use is still relatively uncommon compared to other countries, with 1.3 percent of adults here using it in the past year. Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm says the UN warned that more countries could expect use of the drug to skyrocket. "1.3 percent of adults is nothing to be sneezed at, it's more than the number of people who used methamphetamine last year, for example." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Usage of more common drugs like MDMA and methamphetamine have gone down slightly, according to the Drug Foundation's latest report.

A new report can reveal cocaine use has increased by 93 percent in the past year. The Drug Foundation has drawn from wastewater testing to paint a picture of drug use across the country for the 2022 to 2023 period. It found 1.3 percent of adults used cocaine, compared to just 0.6 percent three years prior. Drug Foundation executive director Sarah Helm says while it's worth noting that the increase comes off of a low baseline, it signals that the increasing global production of cocaine is bearing down here. Sarah Helm speaks with Kathryn Ryan.

A warning is out that an opioid even more potent than fentanyl is circulating the country. The Drug Foundation says Nitazenes, a family of synthetic opioids, were first reported in Aotearoa in October last year. Kathryn speaks to Drug Foundation executive director Sarah Helm and psychiatrist and addiction specialist Sam McBride.

Are you stuck in a routine when it comes to drinking? Do you drink on auto-pilot? Do you ever feel shame when drinking? It might be time to explore the Sober Curiosity movement. In this episode we're sharing tips from Kate Bee, from The Sober School. If this episode has raised any issues for you, help is available from The Alcohol and Drug Foundation here: https://adf.org.au/ LINKS See more from The Sober School here Follow @thespace_podcast on Instagram    Watch @thespace_podcast on TikTok   Follow @novapodcastsofficial on Instagram    CREDITS Host: Casey Donovan @caseydonovan88 Writer: Amy Molloy @amymolloy Executive Producer: Anna HenvestEditor: Adrian Walton  Listen to more great podcasts at novapodcasts.com.au   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Drug Foundation says it's found a dangerous new drug being sold as LSD.  It's a hallucinogen called 25B-NBOH - and similar synthetic drugs have caused deaths in New Zealand and internationally.  The Drug Foundation's chief executive, Sarah Helm, spoke to Jimmy Ellingham.

For some ignorance and hate is all they are willing to accept into their lives. That is the only way that a sane person can reason with the hate crime that was committed against Franklin "Ken" Kennedy Eaton Jr. while his daughter lay asleep in the next room. CONTENT WARNING: Todays case involves a hate crime and graphic violence. If you or someone you know needs help please contact: Crime Victims. National Center for Victims of Crime. Phone: 1-855-4VICTIM (1-855-484-2846) Be sure to follow us at: Twitter: @rarwpodcast Instagram: @rarwpodcast Contact us at: E-mail: redrumandredwinepodcast@gmail.com All music written and produced by: Savasas savasas | Free Listening on SoundCloud Resources: Amyl nitrite. Amyl Nitrite - Alcohol and Drug Foundation. (n.d.). Retrieved December 19, 2022, from https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/amyl-nitrite/ Delafosse, K. (2022, November 7). Couple who exploited gay men stabbed Iowa teacher to death while daughter slept in Next room. Iowa News. Retrieved December 19, 2022, from https://localtoday.news/ia/couple-who-exploited-gay-men-stabbed-iowa-teacher-to-death-while-daughter-slept-in-next-room-43533.html HABHAB, J., & SACKETT, J. (dissenting). (1990, March 27). State v. Green. Legal research tools from Casetext. Retrieved December 19, 2022, from https://casetext.com/case/state-v-green-514 Healing hearts & opening minds. The Ken Eaton Foundation || Hate Crime Support Groups, Crimes against Gays, Valentines for Victims, Victims Advocate Groups, Victims Advocate Speaker, Victim Advocate Foundations, Des Moines Iowa Foundations. (n.d.). Retrieved December 19, 2022, from https://healingheartsandopeningminds.org/

Festival-goers are being warned to get their drugs tested before they head to gigs this summer. The Drug Foundation says nearly a quarter of the "highs" circulating at festivals aren't what they claim to be. But despite testing being legal for two years now, most major festivals have missed out on the service because the organisations running it don't have enough kit or capacity. Lauren Crimp has been checking out the scene.  

US President Biden announced last Friday he would be pardoning thousands of cannabis possession charges, signalling a change of course in drug policy from the home of the War on Drugs, and a path towards decriminalisation of cannabis in the States.  Cannabis has been completely banned in Aotearoa since 1961 after the signing of the UN Convention on Narcotic Drugs, a treaty pushed heavily by the US. Between 1980 and 2022, over 120,000 people have been convicted of cannabis use or possession. In the wake of Biden's announcement, the New Zealand Drug Foundation has renewed calls for reform and launched a petition calling on the government to decriminalise cannabis and pardon possession charges. Spike Keith spoke to New Zealand Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm about the effects of cannabis criminalisation here, and what decriminalisation would look like.

Alcohol had long been a part of Danni Carr's world, from her early days growing up in central Victoria to her career as a gigging musician. Over the years, drinking impacted so many areas of her life – until one day she decided to team up with her husband and friends to go sober together. And it changed everything. Now, Danni uses her lived experience to help others, both through her work as a sober coach and as the host of the podcast How I Quit Alcohol. In this episode, I chat to Danni about her sobriety journey and the confronting moment that sparked a change. Plus, she gives practical strategies for addressing our relationship with alcohol, becoming a more mindful drinker, and navigating the sober – or sober curious – life.SHOW NOTES:Find Danni on Instagram @howiquitalcohol and at iquitalcohol.com.au Support resources: Alcohol and Drug Foundation https://adf.org.au/ 1300 85 85 84 Beyond Blue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ 1300 22 4636 Lifeline Australia https://www.lifeline.org.au/ 13 11 14 CREDITS: This podcast was hosted by WH managing editor Alex Davies and produced by WH editor-in-chief Lizza Gebilagin with additional sound editing by Abby Williams.For more from Women's Health Australia, find us on Instagram, visit our website or find the print and digital editions of the magazine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Health Minister will get official advice on a bunch of new recommendations for reducing methamphetamine harm before deciding whether to adopt any of them. A report released by the Helen Clark and Drug Foundation advocates for a health-based approach that includes fully decriminalising possession of small quantities of any drug, including meth, a pilot where addicts are given a substitute stimulant or methamphetamine in tightly controlled circumstances if two attempts at rehab have not worked, and providing incentives for clear drug tests. The report concludes its approach may surprise some, but the alternative has failed to address meth harm. Lisa Owen asks Health Minister Andrew Little if the government is prepared to decriminalise meth.

The Helen Clark Foundation and the Drug Foundation say a health based meth addiction scheme is working well to reduce harm. It's called Te Ara Oranga, and it's a trial programme for meth addiction. It's currently just in Northland and Murapara - and now there are calls for it to be rolled out nationwide. Ian Mckenzie, General Manager of mental and health and addiction services at Te Whatu Ora Northland says the community partnership aspect is important to the purpose of the organisation. “You can't think of drug use and substance misuse in isolation. You are a part of a community, and you become very connected, and if it permeates through, it's really hard for people to get away from it. I think having a community on board is just fundamental, critical.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's tough-on-crime approach to meth has failed. That's according to a new report from The Helen Clark Foundation and the Drug Foundation, which says we should take a health-based approach instead. The report says Te Ara Oranga, a trial programme for meth addiction run in Northland, should be rolled out nationwide. The executive director of the New Zealand Drug Foundation, Sarah Helm, spoke to Susie Ferguson.

The NZ Drug Foundation is proposing a trial of an overdose prevention centre in central Auckland, providing a safe, medically-supervised setting for people who are taking drugs. The three year pilot programme would also provide basic health, harm reduction and support services. The Drug Foundation hopes it will take drug use off the streets, reduce harm and save lives. Its main focus will be those experiencing homelessness, and people who are taking synthetic cannabinoids, a drug which was caused at least 51 deaths between 2016 and 2020. Kathryn speaks to Sarah Helm, executive director of the Drug Foundation.

Auckland CBD could soon be a safe haven for homeless at risk of overdosing, but some are unconvinced an overdose prevention centre will make a difference. The Drug Foundation unveiled the plan at the City Mission today, with the proposal now with government ministers for approval and licencing. The Foundation says harmful drugs, like Fentanyl, could reach our shores and take hold of those living on Auckland's streets. But some who work on the coal face doubt the city's homeless will flock to the centre. Here's Nick Truebridge and cameraman Nick Monro.

Sarah Helm: Drug Foundation executive director on wanting easier access to naloxone after fentanyl arrivalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Drug Foundation is warning New Zealand is grossly underprepared to respond to a widespread fentanyl outbreak with a limited supply of the life-saving drug Naloxone. 

Today you'll hear about The Narcotic Farm in Lexington, Kentucky, addiction, science, wacky graham crackers, jazz, prison, unethical medical experimentation, and a weird diversion about William S. Burroughs that I really didn't plan on talking about but that made me feel very indignant.Connect on Facebook or at the Failed Utopia website.Links & ResourcesAddiction Help:USAThe Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) findtreatment.gov or 1-800-662-HELPThe National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) can also help with drug and alcohol abuse.Faces & Voices of RecoveryThe Partnership at Drugfree.org for parents of teens (1-855-378-4373)NIDA's DrugPubs Research Dissemination Center UKA list of UK resources CanadaA list of helplines for provinces and territories in CanadaAustraliaAlcohol and Drug Foundation 1300 85 85 84Mental Health Help (USA):National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741 741Domestic Violence Helpline: 1-800-799-7233VictimConnect, a referral helpline for victims of crime: 1-855-484-2846For veterans, Make The Connection Official website of The Narcotic Farm documentary and book BBC's Hitting the High Notes (Dr. Sally Marlow's excellent program about jazz musicians, addiction, and The Narcotic Farm includes interviews, footage, and some recordings of jazz concerts at Narco.) Claire Clark's The Recovery Revolution: The Battle Over Addiction Treatment in the United StatesWilliam White's Slaying the Dragon: The History of Addiction Treatment and Recovery in AmericaWritten and produced by Anna RobertsBurning palm tree artwork by Perry VasquezIntro music by Elliot MiddletonSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/failedutopia/donations