30 November 2005

Prevention and treatment plan to tackle 'party' drugs

NSW Minister for Health, John Hatzistergos, today released a NSW Health plan to address the problem of amphetamines, ecstasy and cocaine use in the community.

"NSW Health has developed the Amphetamines, Ecstasy and Cocaine: A Prevention and Treatment Plan to guide the health sector's response to the use of these drugs," Mr Hatzistergos said.

"This Plan provides the framework for the health system to deal with the abuse of psychostimulants."

Some of the actions the plan outlines include:

• developing protocols between mental health services, NSW police, emergency departments and drug services for the treatment of drug-induced psychosis
• improving the skills and knowledge of GPs to enable them to recognise and treat psychostimulant health issues
• develop appropriate information campaigns targeting different age, social and user groups ranging from those who have not started using to those who are heavy users
• formalising the "alerts" system to ensure clinicians can respond rapidly to emerging trends in psychostimulant use (like the warnings issued about 'red mitsubishis' or paramethoxyamphetamine: a new strong form of amphetamine which caused numerous overdoses)
• developing early interventions for cocaine users and training clinicians in their use
• researching and developing strategies to address psychostimulant drug use in the long haul trucking industry
• researching psychostimulant use in rural and regional areas
• working in partnership with a broad range of government agencies, drug agencies, clinicians, industries and other groups

"Psychosis, mental and physical health problems, blood borne viruses and crime are the terrible consequences which can result from the use of stimulant drugs," he said.

"The seriousness of the problem should not be underestimated. There are an estimated 12,000 Sydneysiders dependent on 'ice' or crystalline methamphetamine.

"Amphetamines are now the second most commonly used illicit drugs after cannabis. Up to two thirds of regular methamphetamine users are classified as dependent on the drugs.

"We are concerned by an increasing number of people using amphetamines whilst use of other drugs is falling.

"That is why we have developed this comprehensive prevention and treatment plan to guide the health response to this very serious drug issue," Mr Hatzistergos said.

The plan targets key groups who are particularly at risk with these types of drugs:

• Young people
• Long-haul truck drivers
• Aboriginal people
• People with mental health issues
• Non-English speaking background people
• Injecting drug users

"It covers information and education; early intervention; treatment approaches;
research, monitoring and evaluation; and partnerships," said Mr Hatzistergos.

"Clinical guidelines have been developed to improve the skills and confidence of health workers in the recognition, assessment and treatment of psychostimulant use," said Mr Hatzistergos.

"We have allocated $400,000 over the next two years to implement the actions in the Plan, including research into the use of pharmacotherapies for treatment of psychostimulant dependence.

"NSW Health is also implementing a range of initiatives from the Plan to address this serious issue of psychostimulant drug abuse.

• "We have provided funding for the University of NSW to investigate psychostimulant use by long distance truck drivers, which will inform initiatives to address methamphetamine use among this group.
• "In conjunction with Sydney South West Area Health Service, a campaign is underway at the University of Sydney aiming to improve the knowledge of and discourage the use of psychostimulants amongst young people on the campus.
• "In addition, a 'train the trainer' program for health workers is being developed to assist them to assess and treat psychostimulant drug abuse.

"These tools will support prevention programs aimed at stopping and reducing the use of these substances, as well as support health workers to identify and respond appropriately to drug misuse," said Mr Hatzistergos.

Amphetamines, Ecstasy and Cocaine: A Prevention and Treatment Plan and Clinical Guidelines for the Assessment and Management of Psychostimulant Users are available on the NSW Health website at www.health.nsw.gov.au

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au