Drugs not a rural problem - survey

Released on: August 14, 2008, 11:30 pm

Press Release Author: Ourpatch: Regional Australia Guide

Industry: Internet & Online

Press Release Summary: Despite recent speculation about substance abuse problems in
rural areas a recent survey conducted by innovative community web portal
OurPatch.com.au : Regional Australia
Online
has revealed that only 23% of rural Australians believe that there is a
greater problem with substance abuse in rural areas compared with the city.

Press Release Body: Director of OurPatch.com.au Simon van Wyk says: "Whilst most
people believe there is a lack of good education available in rural areas most
people believe that when it comes to drugs the same warnings and education is made
available.



51% of people believe that because drugs are less available in regional areas
contributes to containing the problem. People also believe that drugs don't become
an issue for many rural youth because: the country promotes a healthy lifestyle
(29.4%), because there is a greater emphasis on work life balance (24.5%), because
country people have a greater sense of moral responsibility (23.8%) and because
there are less stresses (15.2%).



"Reports of severe substance abuse problems in certain rural areas is alarming and
cannot go un-mentioned despite the overall reputation of drugs in rural areas being
relatively good. Many account drug problems in the country to a number of problems
including: a lack of choice in other activities to take part in, because there are
greater problems with depression in rural areas, because there is more spare time in
the country and because country youth are under less supervision.



"Whether they are living in the country or the city, youth have to be kept occupied
and have their minds must be stimulated to keep them out of trouble. Many country
communities have excellent sporting, recreational, entertainment and educational
facilities in place which perhaps sets their youth aside from those rural areas
which have a problem with youth substance abuse," van Wyk concluded.


About Ourpatch: Guide to Rural Australia
Australia's most comprehensive and compelling network of local small
business-focused, hyper-local websites.National platform of community websites for
local users that deliver services to local business and community to all country
towns.Provide community and career networking for australia regional
employment.Providing the people with tools to build and rate a local business or
restaurant about Regional Australia.Find local businesses. Be part of your
community- the Ourpatch Guide to Rural
Australia
.OurPatch Orange is your complete community guide to Orange NSW.

For more information or for an interview with Simon van Wyk please contact Gemma
Sims at Markson Sparks Publicity on 02 9775 7000 or gemma@marksonsparkspr.com

Web Site: http://www.ourpatch.com.au/

Contact Details: Ourpatch: Regional Australia Guide
26/37 Nicholson Street,
Balmain, NSW, 2041
(02) 8256-5888

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