Forum discusses heroin and other illicit drugs

31/5/00
The treatment and care options for users of heroin and other illicit drugs was the focus of a Health Consumers' Council seminar in Perth today.
Health Minister John Day said recent surveys indicated that illicit drug use by Western Australians was increasing.
"While the legal drugs - alcohol and tobacco - still account for 96 per cent of total deaths in Western Australia, the majority of other drug related deaths are due to heroin," Mr Day said.
"Data available on hospital admissions reveals a dramatic increase during the past five years, in the number of people being treated for illicit drug use.
"Illicit drug use also takes the lives of users, on average, 35 years before their time - making this an issue of particular importance to our youth."
The State Government has already made significant progress in its work to address drug use and abuse, with the establishment of localised drug strategies at more than 15 regional health services around WA.
"The community methadone program is a good example of what has been achieved in recent years to change the way alcohol and drug services are provided," Mr Day said.
"Prior to 1997 country patients requiring methadone had to travel to Perth for treatment, now methadone is provided to more than 2,200 patients from all corners of the State.
"Patients in hospitals have access to drug and alcohol counselling and information and last year the Government committed an additional $2 million for naltrexone treatment options and trials.
"However, it is vital that Government agencies and related services work together with the community to deliver a co-ordinated response to drug problems."
Mr Day said treatment services, counselling and education all had minimal effect without community involvement and the role of family and friends was particularly important.
"It is from discussions such as that held today through the Health Consumer's Council forum, that many take those first important steps in seeking knowledge and education about drug use and abuse," he said.
Media contact: Carole Cowling - 9213 6600