Drugs challenge

By Bridget Cook
THE City if Casey has recorded one of the highest numbers of ambulance call-outs for drug and alcohol overdoses in the state.
Figures released by the Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre last week have revealed that Casey was ranked 6th in Victoria for alcohol and drug related attendances by ambulances.
Ambulances were called to 1166 drug and alcohol overdoses in 2010/11, with 887 of those being for drugs.
The figures are up on the previous year with 1119 cases recorded in 2009/10.
The research included call-outs related to alcohol, cannabis, heroin, ecstasy, cocaine and a range of prescription medications.
Ambulance Victoria chief executive Greg Sassella said paramedics provided specialised treatment for drug and alcohol overdoses.
“Victorian paramedics have led the way in the treatment of drug affected patients,” he said.
“Any delay in calling an ambulance for any drug overdoes can cost lives. Our role is to save lives, not make judgements.”
Alcohol recorded the highest figure compared with any other drug, which peaks during the summer months.
Turning Point researcher Dr Belinda Lloyd said it was important people understood the danger of excessive alcohol consumption.
“The risk of injury and disease increases the more you drink,” she said
“Mixing alcohol and other drugs – either illegal drugs of prescription drugs – can cause serious health problems.”
In the state-wide figures, the next highest number of callouts was for benzodiazepines, a drug commonly prescribed for sleeping and anxiety issues. There was a significant drop in the use of illegal drugs including ecstasy and cocaine.
Dr Lloyd said the rate of high risk use of prescription medication should be looked at closely.
“While much attention is paid to illicit substances, we should also be mindful of the potential health problems that excessive consumption of prescription medication can cause,” she said.
Turning Point Director Professor Dan Lubman said an all-community approach was needed to tackle the issue.
“Government, health bodies, law enforcement agencies and even local residents and businesses can all play an important role in finding solutions to the challenges we are facing,” he said.