Methamphetamine and Moral Panic
We’re constantly hearing reports that Australia is in the grips of an Ice epidemic.
Yesterday, a study in the Medical Journal of Australia estimated that regular methamphetamine use is soaring in Australia with just over 2% of the population are regular users.
There’s no denying that methamphetamine addiction can take a horrific toll on people’s lives. And it’s a message backed by government ad campaigns that show us terrifying visions meth users – often young and male – acting erratic, violent and downright scary.
But do these scare campaigns help or hinder us in treating and preventing methamphetamine addiction?
And do reports such as these merely add to the moral panic or do they show us what we should do next?
To find out more Mitch talks to Associate Professor Mark Stoové from the Burnet Institute in Victoria.
