New 'Drug Aware' ecstasy prevention campaign for Western Australia

A new campaign targeting ecstasy use by young people over the summer holiday period was launched today by the State Government.

The 'Drug Aware' campaign challenges the myth that ecstasy is a safe drug, by focusing on the physical and mental health impacts associated with its use.

Mental Health Minister Helen Morton said while overall illicit drug use in Western Australia was declining, the reported use of ecstasy had remained stable.

"The latest National Drug Strategy Household Survey showed 4.1 per cent of WA survey participants had used ecstasy in the past year, similar results to 2001 and 2004," Mrs Morton said.

"With a range from one to 80 per cent in purity, there is no way of knowing what an ecstasy pill will do to the user, and there is a growing body of research suggesting ecstasy is harmful in both the short and long term.

"This campaign targets young people aged 15 to 17, as this is a key transition time when teenagers are highly influenced by their environments and social networks.

"The campaign incorporates new ways of reaching and communicating with young people, which research tells us is how they want to be informed of these issues."

The $270,000 multi-media campaign will feature:

·             video interviews with experts on the issues, giving young people access to credible information right from the source

·             a new youth-oriented ecstasy campaign website interface on the 'Drug Aware' website

·             supporting strategies to promote the videos such as radio, press and online advertising

·             a new website function allowing young people to chat confidentially and free of charge to a qualified counsellor from the Alcohol and Drug Information Service.

'Drug Aware' is the longest-running public education campaign on illicit drugs in Australia.

For more information visit http://www.drugaware.com.au or phone 9370 0333.