144. PAPUA NEW GUINEA 35 The problem of drug abuse is confined to small expatriate communities. There are, however, obvious indications that the problem is extending fairly rapidly to the national population. Although there are no accurate figures available as to the number of persons abusing drugs, it is pointed out by the Government that there is sufficient information to suggest that drug abuse might become a major problem in and around the cities and towns in the future.
145. NEW CALEDONIA
Only a few drug offences relating to cannabis reported.
146. NORFOLK ISLANDS Some cases of cannabis abuse (smoking) and also some cases of abuse of barbiturate-type drugs (orally) have come to the attention of the
There were also a few drug offences. Behavioural problems, disorders in family patterns and relationships, social non-acceptance and intolerance are the main problems associated with drug abuse.
authorities.
B.
Main characteristics of drug abuse in Oceania
147. The major drug abuse problems in this region may be outlined as follows: (i) multiple drug abuse is the dominant pattern of drug taking; (ii) widespread abuse of opiates, psychotropic substances and cannabis; (iii) prevailing amphetamine abuse; (iv) abuse of heroin and amphetamines is predominantly a problem among young people; this is also true with regard to the abuse of cannabis and hallucinogens; (v) barbiturates are more commonly abused by middle-aged people; (vi) an increase in the number of persons charged for drug offences as well as an increased number of drug seizures.
148. Opiates have been most commonly abused by those drug-dependent persons who came to the attention of the authorities. Heroin is predominantly taken by young people, mainly male. Synthetic narcotics (methadone, pethidine) have mostly been abused by persons over 30 years of age. Opiates are commonly taken in combination with other drugs. Serious social and health problems, such as crime, prostitution, unemployment, hepatitis, deterioration of family and social relationships were associated with addiction to opiates.
149. Cannabis has been mainly abused by young people, often in multiple drug abuse. Judging from the seizures of cannabis (including liquid cannabis) and cannabis offences, the cannabis-related problems seem to be on the rise.
150. The prevailing abuse of amphetamine-type drugs by young people (orally or by injection) is also a drug abuse problem. Uncontrolled aggression and a diminished sense of reality, are associated with the abuse of amphetamines. The abuse of hallucinogens was also predominant among young people, mainly males, while barbiturate abuse was more common among persons over 30 years of age, mainly females. Disorders in family life and social relationships were the main problems. associated with the abuse of psychotropic substances.
151. An increased tendency towards multiple drug abuse is one of the major characteristics of drug abuse. The most common combinations include opiates (heroin, morphine, pethidine) with cannabis, methaqualone, alcohol, barbiturates; also prevailing were cocaine, morphine or dextromoramide.
35/ Information obtained from the Government by the Secretariat.