The Addiction Practitioners’ Association (DAPAANZ) welcomes the government’s announcement that it will make it easier for those with addiction problems to get treatment and that it will crack down on the suppliers of synthetic drugs. It does, however, have questions about how the new policy will be implemented.

“It is great to see the government act decisively following the deaths of over 50 people from synthetic drugs over the last year. It’s great that they recognise that it’s a public health issue and that they are going after the manufacturers and distributors of these highly dangerous substances,” says the Executive Director of the Addiction Practitioners’ Association Aotearoa New Zealand (DAPAANZ), Sue Paton.

“However, Addiction Practitioners also hope that police will take into account the reality of life for many synthetic drug users when they use their discretion and consider using the diversion option.

For example, people sleeping rough who are using synthetics will find it hard to access services and are more vulnerable to falling through the cracks of any diversion system.

“ DAPAANZ strongly advocates for those most affected to be front and centre of any policy that is developed. This is users and ex-users, addiction workers and iwi ,”Ms Paton said.

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