30 November, 2009
For Immediate Release
Family, friends and colleagues concerned about the possibility of someone they love or know using or being addicted to P
can now readily find some useful guidance to spotting the symptoms of use.
The Stellar Trust, a charitable trust with a vision to create a “P” Free New Zealand, has made available four fact
sheets on spotting the symptoms and habits of a user.
The fact sheets are available on the Trust’s website http://www.stellartrust.co.nz and are based on existing, well-researched and documented case histories and experience – experience gained by those
involved in treating addiction.
“Part of our mission is providing education to parents, families, schools and work mates of those affected by this
terrible drug,” says Trust Chairman Alistair Burry. “But what we’ve also found is that there is not a lot of good,
helpful material available to those concerned about how to spot the signs of use and some of its associated symptoms.
“As well providing education to people to help prevent them trying and getting involved with P we also want to be able
to offer useful assistance to those with worries about people they know and care about.
“The symptoms and signs of use in the material available on our website range from spotting the physical and mental
changes to picking up changes in social habits, behaviour changes and even petty criminal activity.”
Mr Burry said recent Government policy announcements were a welcome acknowledgement of the depth of the problems facing
New Zealand.
“What we found most encouraging was the wide focus the Government is taking to stop access to ingredients, cut the
supply and distribution chains, and to provide more help and education to those already caught up by addiction and those
at risk of trying the drug.
“Education is a key role of the Trust and making this type of information about the symptoms and use of P readily
available to concerned people in our communities is a small step in that process.”
About the Stellar Trust: The Stellar Trust was formed in late 2008 by the East Auckland Rotary Club of Auckland. The
Stellar Trust is a charitable organisation and its mission is:
*To ensure all New Zealanders are aware of the dangers of “P”
*To work in partnership with other aligned agencies
*To influence political leaders and the bureaucracy to develop a framework to support our vision.
ENDS