Increase in drug problem spurs program

[Tom]

RISING dependence on cannabis is the driver behind a Wodonga program to help users quit the drug.

 

The first session of Cautious with Cannabis will be run at Wodonga’s Upper Hume Community Health Service on November 12 at 6pm.

 

Service rural outreach diversion worker, Nick Bannon, said about 300,000 Australians used cannabis each day.

 

Mr Bannon said there is no specific usage figures available for the North East.

 

“But the number of cannabis users is always growing. It’s growing on a daily basis,” he said.

 

Cautious with Cannabis is aimed just as squarely at family and friends as cannabis users.

 

“It explains exactly what cannabis is and how it is used, the effects of cannabis, legal implications and most importantly, explores the skills required to quit cannabis,” Mr Bannon said.

 

“It also contains information that may help someone you know to quit cannabis.

 

“The scientific evidence shows a very clear link between regular or heavy use of cannabis and some mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety.”

 

The program, formulated by Melbourne drug treatment agency Moreland Hall, has existed for several years, but had been open only to people who had received a cannabis caution from police.

 

Mr Bannon said the benefits of the program were believed so considerable it was decided it should be offered to all in the community.

 

Moreland received government funding to do so and from this year has begun rolling out the program across Victoria.

 

“The program raises awareness among the community,” Mr Bannon said.

 

“(Cannabis dependancy) is absolutely something we need to address.”

 

Mr Bannan said 1.8 million Australians had used cannabis at least once in the past 12 months.

 

He said the most important aspect of the program, which would be open to 10 people in each session, would be giving people strategies.

 

“We do think there will be quite significant numbers of people attending.”

 

The free two-hour session will be run by accredited alcohol, tobacco and other drug clinicians.

 

After the initial session, the program will run on the second Monday of every month.

 

Registration is essential.

 

Anyone interested is urged to contact Mr Bannon at Upper Hume Community Health Service on (02) 6022 8888.

 

The service is at 155 High Street, Wodonga.

 

Author: NIGEL McNAY

Date: 23/10/2007

Source: http://www.bordermail.com.au/news/bm/local/984192.html

Copyright: © 2007 The Border Morning Mail Pty Ltd.