According to the latest available data from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, it is estimated that there were at least 8,799 drug-related deaths in 2017 among those aged 15 to 64 years old in Europe. Sadly, most of them could have been prevented, had people had the right education about drugs and their safe usage.
For the most part of our history, people have been using drugs and I think it is safe to say, this will continue to be so. Individuals have different reasons for using certain psychoactive narcotics, but when it comes to the safety of drug use, not everyone is in the know, when it should be the norm. When it comes to overdosing, the right education can prevent the horrific deaths of young people. This non-profit organization in Norway is doing just that – they are trying to educate people about the safe use of drugs and have recently come up with a powerful ad campaign.
More info: Alkemist | Association For Safer Drug Policies
"Thomas did not die when he tried GHB. He avoided alcohol all night and dosed correctly"
Image credits: Alkemist | Association For Safer Drug Policies
“Knowledge can save lives. Accurate and useful information about drugs without moralizing. By informing about the effect, risk, and precautions when using various drugs, we are reducing harm,” the association writes about their campaign.
"Sarah did not die when she tried MDMA. She took just half a dose and waited to feel the effects"
Image credits: Alkemist | Association For Safer Drug Policies
Two years ago, Norway became the first Scandinavian country to decriminalize drugs in a historic vote. The government in this well-off Northern country, are putting more focus on prevention, psychological help, investment in treatment programs and aftercare facilities, rather than mindless punishments of those who’re using drugs.
"John did not die when he overdosed on heroin. He was not alone and his friends had naloxone"
Image credits: Alkemist | Association For Safer Drug Policies
Sveinung Stensland, deputy chairman of the Storting Health Committee, told the media back in 2017: “The change will take some time, but that means a changed vision: those who have a substance abuse problem should be treated as ill, and not as criminals with classical sanctions such as fines and imprisonment.”
"Emma did not die when she overdosed on alcohol. Her friends recognized the symptoms and called 911"
Image credits: Alkemist | Association For Safer Drug Policies
The Association For Safer Drugs policies has a website in which they provide information about various drugs, their effects and the duration of effects, as well. According to the association, their goal is “to prevent injury by providing knowledge of the effects, risks, and precautions when using various drugs.” Unfortunately, the information is only available in the Norwegian language. If you’re interested, you can follow this link to learn more about safe drug use.
"Sophie did not die when she tried LSD. She'd had the substance tested and knew what it contained"
Image credits: Alkemist | Association For Safer Drug Policies
When it comes to drug use (or anything for that matter) – the more you know the better. You never know when this information is going to save somebody’s life.
Here's how people reacted
