A growing ‘ice’ problem gripping the western suburbs has prompted warnings of an epidemic by drug and alcohol experts.
Ambulance call-outs for crystal methamphetamine across Melbourne more than doubled in 2011-12, from 282 to 592 compared to the previous year; the biggest increase was among people aged 15 to 29.
Associate Professor Craig Fry, of Victoria University’s Centre for Cultural Diversity and Wellbeing, said anecdotal evidence pointed to growing problems with abuse of methamphetamines and other substances. “The clinicians and support workers I speak to in the west are saying that methamphetamines are a growing problem out here and urgently need to be dealt with.”
Associate Professor Fry said tackling the problem was made difficult by ‘metro- focused’ drug research data that left a patchy picture of drug trends in the western suburbs.
“It’s this lack of evidence that’s holding back appropriate action.”
Associate Professor Fry has taken on the role of convener of the new Western Alcohol and Other Drug Health Research Network. It is drawing together drug and health researchers and practitioners to push for a stronger response to the region’s drug and alcohol problems.
“The significance of this network is that it will truly be ‘of the west, for the west’ with a focus on harnessing local expertise in research, health and social services to address local problems,” he said.
Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre figures released in May show 768 alcohol- and drug-related ambulance call-outs in Maribyrnong in 2011-12 and 564 in Hobsons Bay.
Maribyrnong was a heroin overdose hotspot, with almost 200 heroin-related ambulance call-outs.
Ice ambulance attendances tripled to 15 in Maribyrnong and rose to 18 in Hobsons Bay.
