Pill testing has been acknowledged as a necessary measure in Australia due to the widespread use of illicit drugs. The ‘just say no to drugs’ approach has not been effective, with more than 1 million Australians using cocaine in the past 12 months. There is a need to be realistic and acknowledge that some people will continue to use drugs, and measures should be in place to reduce harm associated with drug use. A bill to allow a pill-testing trial is set to be introduced to the Victorian parliament.
The policy of pill testing has been described as common sense, with evidence showing that it reduces harm and saves lives. Mental Health Minister Ingrid Stitt has emphasized the importance of having pill testing services ready for the next festival season. The exact design of Victoria’s pill-testing strategy is not yet complete, but it is likely to center on technologies such as FTIR and liquid chromatography.
Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) works by hitting a sample with infrared light and analyzing the light signature to identify chemical contents. This technology is quick but has limitations, as it cannot detect chemical traces lower than about 5 percent. Liquid chromatography, on the other hand, is more accurate but takes several days to get an analysis done. Some drug-users in other countries visit the service before attending a music festival to have their drugs tested.
It is important to note that the effectiveness of pill testing depends on the technology used and the accuracy of the results. While FTIR is quick, it may struggle to identify impure mixtures of multiple low-quality compounds. Liquid chromatography can provide more accurate results but may take longer. Despite these limitations, pill testing has been recognized as a valuable harm reduction strategy.
Overall, the introduction of pill testing in Victoria is a step towards acknowledging the reality of drug use in Australia and taking proactive measures to reduce harm associated with drug consumption. The implementation of pill testing services at music festivals and events can help prevent drug-related incidents and save lives. It is essential to continue research and development in this area to improve the accuracy and efficiency of pill testing technologies.
