Chris Stiles took his own life in August after a long battle with mental illness after taking Mefloquine. The drug, otherwise known as Lariam, has been linked to a number of suicides among veterans.
Many call it the “suicide pill” for a reason.
Those who take it claim to suffer horrific side effects including hallucinations, depression, anxiety, nightmares and thoughts of ending their own lives.
During the early 2000s it was effectively forced down the throats of Australian Defence Force personnel as a prevention for malaria. The problem was that those administering the treatment — and those taking it — didn’t properly understand the risks. And saying no was not an option.
Those who survived say they were the lucky ones, but luck is subjective. They still live with the demons that arrived shortly after their first dose and never left.
On Thursday, after the ADF absolved itself of responsibility, survivors spoke with news.com.au about their experiences. Their stories paint a picture of lasting pain and frustration.
Colonel Ray Martin is standing up for soldiers who have suffered because of an anti-malaria drug trial in the early 2000s.
READ MORE http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/veterans-talk-about-lasting-impacts-of-guinea-pig-drug-trials-in-timor/news-story/b9c736efcb3e5687635bd51406c47596
For support and information about suicide prevention, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
The Defence All-hours Support Line (ASL), a confidential telephone service for ADF members and their families, is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1800 628 036.
Crisis support and confidential counselling is also available by calling the Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS) on 1800 011 046.
Article by News.com.au Reporter Rohan Smith dated 6 October 2016
