RESEARCHER LOOKS FOR TRUTH ABOUT P

Recreational drug scientist Bruce Russell has developed a greater
empathy for methamphetamine addicts since he started studying them.

The West Harbour resident is assessing the damage P does to the
brain.

He says about a fifth of the population have a natural predisposition
to addictions.

"I think I've become less judgemental compared to other people," he
says.

"One of the problems is that addicts are seen as just having a lack of
will power.

"But these people are normal like you and me."

He says all drugs provide an intense feeling of reward for a minimal
amount of effort. But P is one of the most dangerous.

"The results from P are far more intense and happen so quickly," he
says. "That's why it's easier to get addicted to it than alcohol.

"Bingeing on it can lead to a psychotic episode and that's when the
crimes happen."

Dr Russell became interested in recreational drugs after finishing a
pharmacy degree at Otago University in 1993.

"I just sort of fell into this area," he says. "It's definitely no
personal crusade.

"I can't allow morals to affect my judgement as a scientist. I have to
remain neutral and I can't say this is evil."

Dr Russell believes one of the problems with drugs is the stigma
around the subject. "Society's opinions about drugs aren't often based
on scientific evidence," he says.

"If it was, alcohol would have been made illegal by
now."

Breaking down the negative stereotypes about substance abusers has
been another revelation for Dr Russell.

"I work with a lot of people addicted to drugs," he says. "They are
actually quite nice people and they are usually quite keen to be
involved with the research because they hope it will help others."

Dr Bruce Russell is giving a lecture on his research on May 27, at 7pm
in Auckland University's Owen Glen lecture theatre. Call 021-274-2659
if you would like to volunteer as a research subject.