From lab coats to late nights: the science of safer drug use
The use of recreational drugs is fraught with risk. From the drugs themselves to the way people consume them, there is significant potential for harm for users. Much of this risk, however, comes from prohibition. This leads to problems such as drugs either being mis-sold or not being what they claim to be. To experience the most effect from a limited supply, some users are also more likely to try injecting drugs.
Join Dr Rhys Ponton as he discusses his research exploring the risks of recreational drugs and attempts to develop approaches to reduce harm for users. As Rhys will explain, research in this field is not straightforward – it can be viewed as condoning drug use, there can be funding challenges as stigma against this group is strong and legal barriers are commonly encountered.
Bio
Dr Rhys Ponton is a senior lecturer in the School of Pharmacy. A registered pharmacist with nearly 30 years of experience, Rhys has a longstanding interest in approaches to substance use. His research explores multiple aspects of recreational drug use, with a particular focus on safer consumption by people who inject drugs and the use of Drug Checking legislation to enable research. Rhys has contributed to international drug policy discussions and previously served as the pharmacist on the UK’s Independent Scientific Committee on Drugs.
Event
8:00pm @Good George, 1 Jellicoe Street, North Wharf, Auckland 1010
Also speaking at this location at 6:00pm is Merryn Tawhai
