DRUG use is forbidden under Islam, which could have made it a taboo subject among Muslims attending Newport Mosque.
But an initiative between Muslim community leaders and Hobsons Bay police has started a conversation on drugs, aimed at lessening their impact in the Islamic and broader community.
Positive role models like AFL footballer Bachar Houli, who prays at Newport Mosque, have spoken at regular forums.
About 90 people attended the last one, asking questions on everything from the effects of drugs to treatment options.
Community leader Abdul Kamareddine, who also attends the mosque, said there was an extra stigma with drug use in his religion.
“You can say there’s a bit of shame in it and people, if something like that happens with their kids, they tend to cover it … but this will make the problem more serious.
“We focus on the youth. We believe that the second generation, which is the future for tomorrow, is under a lot of risk.
“Drugs are not a problem with the Muslim community only; there’s drugs everywhere.”
Hobsons Bay’s Inspector Bill Mathers said: “All young people are exposed to drugs and it’s just good to generate some conversation.
“I think we need to look at our treatment and see what options are available,” he said. “I think we need to look at how we deal with people who have drug addictions and to market successful treatment – which I’m not sure if we’ve got yet. There was discussion of some very contentious things, like, should drugs be legalised? I know from my point of view, legalising drugs is almost an admission that we’ve failed.”
Anyone with drug issues can call DirectLine, a free 24-hour service, on 1800888236.
