Star Hume, Star Wallan, Kilmore, Broadford and Star Whittlesea, Mernda, Doreen
By Laura Wakely, 23rd August 2011
PAINKILLERS, sleeping pills and other prescription medication are increasingly being used for recreational drug use across Hume and Whittlesea.
Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre revealed ambulances attended 854 drug and alcohol-related incidents in Hume and 557 in Whittlesea from 2009 to 2010.
Benzodiazepine, a sleeping or anti-anxiety medication, caused the highest number of drug-related callouts in each area, with 140 in Hume and 96 in Whittlesea.
There was also a high number of ambulance callouts for incidents related to anticonvulsants, antidepressants, antipsychotic and analgesics.
Youth Projects chair Melanie Raymond said the use of prescription drugs was increasing in the north.
Youth Projects works with adolescents across the North, tackling issues like alcohol and drug use, as well as mental illness, homelessness and other social issues.
“I don’t think people believe the use of prescription drugs is safe, it’s just an alternative form of drug,” Ms Raymond said.
“Drug use is affected by availability and price.
“They shouldn’t be more accessible, because doctors will know their prescribing limits, but clearly there is a trade in prescription drugs from some doctors.”
Youth Projects program Youth Northern Outreach Team (YNOT) has already seen 27 cases of benzodiazepine use this year, while 16 cases were seen in 2010.
Turning Point also found ambulances attended 44 cannabis-related incidents between 2009-2010 in Hume.
Ms Raymond said cannabis was the most commonly used illegal drug among young people.
“They do have the view that it’s quite harmless,” she said.
“But cannabis is not a safe drug, the links between schizophrenia and cannabis are strong.
“They can’t know what’s in the cannabis or its strength when they’re using it.”
But the highest number of ambulance attendances were for alcohol, with 287 alcohol-related callouts in Hume and Whittlesea.
Ms Raymond said anyone struggling with alcohol or drug use should see their GP, while people who suspect someone they know may have a problem with drugs or alcohol should take a “non-judgemental view”.
“It’s a gradual process,” she said.
“Counsellors need the trust of the person to begin to address all the issues that are going on in their livees.
“Self-esteem, homelessness and family problems are major contributors to unemployment for teenaged clients, ahead of alcohol and drug use.”
For more information on Youth Projects, contact 9304 9100 or visit www.youthprojects.org.au
View the article here.
