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Much publicity has recently been given to the
increased numbers of young people and others appearing before
the Courts in connection with the illegal use of drugs. There
is no doubt that this aspect of modern life presents a serious
medico-social problem. To a community physician the problem is
a symptom of a sickness affecting a section of society. The great
majority of those who become drug-dependant do so because of previous
mental or physical inadequacy. Young people should not require
the artificial stimulation of drugs to enable them to achieve
their pleasures, nor should it be necessary for them to seek release
from the world in which they live by escaping into a fantasy world
created by sedatives and hallucinatory drugs. Experimentation
is part of the normal process' of growing up - it must however
be guided and controlled by adult experience and a peimissive
attitude on the part of adults in connection with the taking of drugs
for improper purposes is to be deplored. The person who takes drugs
for "kicks" is taking the first steps down a very slippery slope.
If he reaches the stage of dependancy upon drugs which are truly
addictive, he has probably passed the point of no return and will
possibly die from a self-inflicted disease for which there is no
certain cure. No punishment is too severe for the drug pedlar
or the drug taker who recruits others into his vicious circle.
By all possible means youngsters must be made aware of the true nature
and consequences of drug taking. The great majority of them are
healthy minded people to whom drug taking is repellant. They, probably
more effectively than anyone else, are in a position to prevent this
disease from spreading amongst themselves, both by stiffening their
own resistance to it and by exposing the sources from which it spreads.
It is my pleasure to record my appreciation of the support
and encouragement given to the department by all members of the
Council and in particular by the Chairmen of the Health and Welfare
Committees. The first full year of the department's work has not
been without its difficulties. Much progress has, however, been
made in all sections of the work and this is attributable in no small
degree to the interest and encouragement of the members. It is my
further pleasure to acknowledge the help I have received from officers
of all departments of the Council and in particular to the loyal support
of members of my own staff who have worked with great spirit to
overcome the problems "they have had to face.
P.WESTCOMBE, M.B., B.S., D.P.H.,
Medical bfficer of Health
Principal School Medical Officer.
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