Drug abuse is on the rise in Wyndham, with new figures showing a sharp rise in drug-related ambulance call-outs.
The latest figures from alcohol and drug centre Turning Point reveal that the number of call-outs across Wyndham for crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as “ice”, almost doubled from 2011-12 to 2012-13.
Paramedics were called to 28 ice cases in the municipality last financial year, up 47 per cent from 19 cases in 2011-12.
Turning Point researcher Belinda Lloyd is calling for a community-wide approach to tackle the rise in ice-related call-outs.
“Government, health agencies, law enforce- ment, community groups, businesses and local residents must come together to address these issues and discuss possible solutions,” she said.
Wyndham’s only full-time alcohol and drug treatment service, Stepping Up, warns that crystal meth use has become so widespread that middle-aged and successful residents are turning to the drug.
The organisation said people who had not previously used drugs were taking ice, rapidly increasing the number of people using the drug.
Across Wyndham, there was a 44 per cent increase in cannabis and amphetamine-related call-outs, while incidences of analgesic abuse rose 52 per cent. The municipality also recorded a spike in alcohol-related ambulance call-outs, from 208 to 250.
Dr Lloyd said people needed to be made aware of the physical and mental effects drugs can have, and their impact on families, friends and communities.
“We must continue to work hard to get the message out about what drugs can do to the individual as well as those close to them,” she said. “Whether it’s ice, alcohol or even prescription drugs, people need to be aware of the risks involved.”
