The Wire

The Federal government’s latest anti-drug TV ad campaign again pushes the idea of abstinence, as an answer to the increasing use of party drugs. But what if you could get a drug that is a good quality, mild amphetamine that’s fully legal and available over the counter at clubs, pubs and convenience stores? Matt Bowden is the creator of a supposedly low-risk amphetamine substitute in New Zealand and he is hoping to bring the product to Australia. The party pills produce mild euphoria and excitement and it’s claimed they are helping to reduce drug problems in that country. The profits from the sale of the drugs are being channeled back into a harm reduction strategy, whereby so-called “rave angels” are employed to distribute health information at clubs and other events. Shamin Fernando spoke to Dr Cameron Duff Director of the Centre for Youth Drug Studies in Melbourne and asked him what the pills are, and how it is that they can be sold over the counter.