By Alesha Capone
The nation’s highest number drug users seeking help for amphetamine, cannabis and heroin use has been recorded in Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs, new data reveals.
Figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show that the North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) recorded the most people seeking assistance for drug-related issues in the nation in the year to July, 2020.
The NWMPHN covers 13 municipalities including Wyndham, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Brimbank, Melton, Moorabool, Hume and Macedon Ranges.
A total of 6077 people from these areas sought treatment for amphetamine use in the 2019-2020 financial year.
South-east Melbourne recorded the second-highest number of people seeking treatment- 3710.
The north and west also recorded the most people seeking help for alcohol (5725), with the Northern Territory coming in second (5268).
Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs topped the list for those wanting help for cannabis use (3110 people) and heroin (1534 people).
Out of the 19,863 people who received treatment for drugs in the north and west, almost 30 per cent asked for support and case management, 25.9 per cent requested an assessment and 22.6 per cent obtained counselling.
A Coroners Court of Victoria report released earlier this month revealed 4551 Victorians died by overdose in the past decade, with 183 deaths in Brimbank, 106 in Maribyrnong, 101 in Wyndham and 93 in Hume.
IPC Health chief executive Jayne Nelson said the organisation provided free services for those in Melbourne’s west struggling with addiction.
Ms Nelson said this included counselling for alcohol, other drug or gambling problems; a needle and syringe exchange program; and GP, medical and allied health services.
“Drug overdose is a devastating problem,” Ms Nelson said.
“As the population grows rapidly in the west of Melbourne, there are more people in need of local community-based health and wellbeing services.
“IPC Health is actively advocating for more services to be provided in the west, and in particular the need to address addiction.”
Western Health’s director of Drug Health Services, Brad Roberg, said: “The general distress caused by lockdowns will have created significant stressors for which substance use becomes a coping strategy for some individuals within our community.”
“Adults in our region experiencing issues arising from their use of alcohol or drugs, and want to seek
treatment, can contact the central intake service at North West Metro Alcohol and Drug Service on
1800 700 514,” Mr Roberg said.
“There are a number of services that can be contacted directly to support young people in our region,
including Western Health Drug Health Services, Adolescent Community Programs. This service offers
support to young people aged 12-25 years and their families, and can be contacted by calling
9689 5570 or 0481 919 975, or by email ACPReferrals@wh.org.au.
“Directline, a 24-hour alcohol and other drug counselling and referral line is also available across
Victoria on 1800 888 236.”
Also for assistance, visit www.ipchealth.com.au, call IPC on 9296 1228 or email your referral to AODServices.Intake@ipchealth.com.au.
