The concept of pill testing is not foreign to anyone these days, and something we’ve written about numerous times in recent years. Now, in the opinion of an expert in the field, it looks like we could be seeing pill testing as early as this coming festival season.
As reported by Musicfeeds, pill testing expert Dr David Caldicott spoke to ABC Radio National to state that the need for the service at events, where drug use is rampant, “has never been greater”. More importantly, he has “great faith that it’s going to happen within this [festival] season”. Dr Caldicott is well-versed in the issue, working as an Emergency Consultant at the Emergency Department of Canberra’s Calvary Hospital.
The main problem that has been facing pill testing for some time now is the concern that it actually legitimises and encourages drug use – an understandable point of view, as the purpose of pill testing is ultimately to provide a safer way to consume drugs. But as discussed in the past, it seems as though pill testing actually leads to reduced drug use, which is exactly what those who oppose pill testing are after anyway.
Dr Caldicott, however, is a firm believer in the merits of pill testing. “Those who falsely accuse us of somehow endorsing drug consumption should probably come and have a look and see how it’s done properly,” he stated, suggesting that he, too, is sick of being accused of promoting drug use.
Following on from recent incidents at festivals which have seen hospitalisations and deaths as a result of drug use, the call to introduce pill testing is once again at the forefront of people’s minds.
“Anybody with a medical, or university degree; all of the experts are unanimous with their support of this approach,” Dr Caldicott said. “It’s largely political opposition at this stage, which is a shame, because I guess one of the things that parents rather expect of their elected representatives is that they’d take advice from experts and act upon their advice.”
Dr Caldicott also pointed out that pill testing is far from experimental, stating that European countries such as Holland have been implementing pill testing for years, with a great deal of success.
“Fortunately, we’re not inventing the wheel here,” he said. “The European union has good practice guidelines that have been in place for nearly a decade, and they’ve been doing this sort of undertaking for nearly two decades.”
Obviously it remains to be seen whether or not pill testing will be introduced into Australian festivals soon, but with a drug-related deaths still happening at an uncomfortable rate, the pressure is mounting from various sources.
