In the wake of recent deaths from illicit drug use at festivals, pill testing is once again in the spotlight in Australia with the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), saying drug checking services should be trialled.
In a new statement, PSA National President Dr Chris Freeman said PSA believed further pill testing trials should be conducted at music festivals and other environments where illicit drug use occurs.
PSA’s position supports the recent call by the Royal Australasian College of Physicians as well as other medical groups to implement further pill testing trials at music festivals.
In 2011, illicit drug use caused 2.3% of the total burden of disease and injury in Australia.
Pill testing is a harm-minimisation service that analyses the content of illicit drugs to warn people about unknown and potentially lethal contaminants.
Dr Freeman said PSA considers pill testing to be consistent with the principles of harm reduction. “Pill testing informs people of the risks of illicit drugs without giving the impression that the drugs are safe – they are still illegal and potentially harmful,” he said.
“Pill testing was successfully trialled at the Groovin’ The Moo festival in Canberra last year, and PSA supports further trials in each jurisdiction in Australia.”
Pharmacists have a long and established role in harm minimisation, from Opioid Replacement Therapy, needle and syringe programs to providing naloxone. However, Australia is lagging behind other countries where pharmacists play a more prominent role in minimising harm from illicit drugs.
“Outside of emergency settings, Australia has no ongoing sanctioned pill testing services, even though evidence shows young people are supportive of these services and would use them,” Dr Freeman said.
“Several European countries already provide these services, including the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal and France.
“The evidence from Europe is clear: pill testing saves lives. It’s time to invest in national trials and research so we can make informed decisions about pill testing.
“Law enforcement by itself does not stop people from dying but pill testing, as a supplement strategy, can.”
