THE prevalence of the drug ice in Orange and other regional areas is taking second place to the impact of alcohol on the community, according to Orange-based drug and alcohol experts.
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Lyndon Withdrawal Unit deputy chief executive officer Dr Julaine Allan and Western NSW Local Health District drug and alcohol clinical nurse consultant Melissa Romeo say the release of NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics figures showing a doubling of ice use in rural areas in the last year needs to be measured in the context of overall drug use in the area.
“There should be no need for panic - in the last 12 months we have recorded only a slight increase in the number of clients seeking help to curb their addiction to ice at the Lyndon Withdrawal Unit,” Dr Allan said.
“But we are the end of the line for people.”
In Orange people charged with being in possession of ice and other drugs are usually referred by the local court magistrate to the Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) program for intensive counselling over several weeks, before a report is prepared for the court.
Ms Romeo told the Central Western Daily in her experience many of the people experiencing problems with ice already have a history of drug addiction.
“But what we have seen in these people with poly addiction is an increase in ice as the primary drug of use, and because of the nature of the drug it is more problematic, often bringing people before the courts or presenting at emergency departments.”
Ms Romeo said she and Dr Allan were on the same page when it came to alcohol posing a bigger problem in the community.
“The issues of alcohol-fuelled violence in our community remain enormous,” Ms Romeo said.
Dr Allan said the number of young teenagers affected by ice was small but parents needed to remain vigilant and continue to have the conversation with their children about the risks of drug taking and alcohol consumption.
“For very young teenagers using ice this has usually come about because of their difficult living circumstances and the environment to which they are already exposed,” she said.
Another Orange health professional, who preferred not to be named, said the majority of people affected by ice in Orange were young men aged in their 20s and early 30s, and strong police intervention was often required to control people affected by the drug.
“They are so out of control and cause harm to themselves and people around them - even capsicum spray doesn’t have any affect,” the health professional said.
“They need to be tasered so they can be sedated and taken to hospital for ongoing treatment.
“This drug isn’t like heroin, for example, where you can give someone an injection and then they thank you for saving their life.
“People on ice are just so aggressive and want to fight you.”
If you or someone you know needs help with drug and alcohol issues call the WLHD drug and alcohol helpline on 1300 887 000.
janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au