Time to move on
In the middle of 1999 a drug summit was held in the gay and lesbian community in response to concerns over an increasing number of hospitalisations due to the use of a comparatively new drug on the scene, GHB.Â
Law enforcement were increasingly concerned about what was going on in the gay nightclub and dance party scene and for the first time we were regularly seeing ambulances being called to venues on the Oxford St strip.
There was much discussion on what could be done to address a range of alcohol and other drug issues (not just GHB) at the summit. Not long after, the then editor of SSO approached me and asked if I would write a weekly column to help provide good quality, accurate information to the community on the topic.Â
To our knowledge nothing like this had ever been done before and I still believe SSO was extremely brave to go ahead with what was a very controversial idea. Now, 450 columns later, I have decided to call it a day.
The community has changed greatly since I first started writing for the SSO -” I believe that we are in far more conservative times. New law enforcement strategies and changing attitudes have significantly affected the way people party.Â
Over the past nine years we have seen issues such as GHB overdoses, the crystal epidemic, drink spiking, and the introduction of sniffer dogs and roadside drug testing become front page news.Â
Possibly the greatest change, however, has been the move to people partying at home, particularly recovery parties, raising a whole new range of possible health and legal consequences.
To all the people who have contacted me over the years, whether to give ideas for articles or just to say they have read what I have written, thank you for making the effort. I do hope to continue to maintain my relationship with the SSO and when issues come up I may put together a feature or two.Â
Although I received a great deal of flak for the tag line for this column over the years, in today’s more conservative world, it is more important than ever before.
Remember: If you do not want any negative consequences, do not use the drug and no matter how many times you have used a substance -“ never be blase.
Sorry to see you go Paul. I started reading your column long before becoming a journalist and columnist myself and its been a mammoth undertaking to watch unfold. Always informative and never hysterical- something which is so hard for so many to avoid with the drugs debate.
In the laissex-faire world of Oxford Street and drugs, yours was a vital lighthouse showing people their are dangers to drug use.
Good on you mate . People like you are easily rewarded in their knowledge that they have done so much to help others.
Your efforts are greatly appreciated and admired .
Paul – Thank you for an informative and well researched column. Its been a pleasure to read. All the best in your new endeavours.