NEW ILLICIT DRUG FUNDING TO TARGET “ICE”
The Member for Berowra, Philip Ruddock MP today said that the Federal government is to give an additional $111.6 million in new funding is provided through the health portfolio in the 2007-2008 Budget to continue and expand the Commonwealth Government’s fight against drug and alcohol abuse.
“A special target of the new funding was use of the drug “ice” which has shown a worrying increase in recent years which is worrying for local constituents whose families may be affected by this drug,” Mr Ruddock said.
“Young Australians need to be informed about the real dangers of illicit drugs such as ice, and people who have made the mistake of using them need access to good treatment.”
“The new funding announced in this Budget will address both these angles to reduce the pain and suffering caused by illicit drugs to users, and to those around them.”
Ice, or crystal methamphetamine, is a highly addictive drug that can make users aggressive, paranoid and psychotic. This can make it very difficult for drug rehabilitation centres and health professionals to cope with users during their treatment and management.
Treatment centres will be able to apply for funding through this program to improve or expand their facilities and equipment to deal with these drug users, for example training or engaging staff with existing expertise in how to deal with these patients.
The package commits $79.5 million of new funding over four years to drug rehabilitation and detoxification centres through the Non-Government Organisation Treatment Grants Program.
“It will also help support for families which will assist constituents. For example, there will be more flexible family therapies and detoxification arrangements. Importantly, this will allow parents with drug addiction and their children to receive services in one setting,” Philip Ruddock said.