Student's role in party pill ban

Dominion Post

BITTER PILL: P is not a popular alternative to party pills, says Victoria Univestity student Kate Bryson, whose research played a part in the decision to ban BZP.

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Research by a Victoria University student played a vital role in the decision to ban party pills.

Kate Bryson, studying for her PhD in psychology, is conducting research for the Health Ministry into the potential outcomes of banning pills containing benzylpiperazine, or BZP.

She was awarded a grant by the National Drug Policy Discretionary Grant Fund to see whether users would turn to other, more dangerous substances when the drugs become illegal.

Associate Health Minister Jim Anderton announced in June plans to ban by Christmas the ingredient BZP and classify party pills as Class 1 drugs, the same as cannabis.

Supplying, manufacturing or exporting party pills would be punishable by a maximum of eight years' jail, and those caught in possession could face three months' jail and a $500 fine.

So far Ms Bryson has surveyed almost 800 students about their use of party pills.

Almost three-quarters of regular party pill users said they used other illicit drugs such as cannabis, ecstasy, nitrous oxide, Ritalin and even methamphetamine (P).

However, P was a very unpopular alternative to party pills, Ms Bryson said.

"Users of BZP-based drugs were far more likely to turn to ecstasy if party pills are banned."

One-third of party pill users said they would try ecstasy if given the chance, but 85.6 per cent said they would not try P or, if they had tried it, would not use it again.

In addition, respondents classed P as the most dangerous drug and placed it on the same level as heroin.

Ms Bryson said she had always been interested in studying recreational drug use, and especially how party pills fit into drug-using patterns.

"With the media interest, as well, I thought it would be worth finding out what would happen if they were made illegal."

- © Fairfax NZ News