A growing ‘ice’ problem gripping the western suburbs has prompted drug and alcohol experts to warn of an epidemic.
Ambulance call-outs for crystal methamphetamine (‘ice’) across Melbourne more than doubled in 2011-12, from 282 in the previous year to 592.
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,” he said.
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,” he said.
Professor Fry has taken on the role of convener of the Western Alcohol and Other Drug Health Research Network, established earlier this month. The network draws together drug and health researchers and practitioners to push for stronger responses.
“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,” Professor Fry said.
North-west paramedic Matt Di Toro said paramedics were encountering an increasing number of unpredictable and aggressive patients, many of whom were under the influence of crystal methamphetamine.
He said patients under the influence of drugs exhibited strength and aggression they would not otherwise, and they often became increasingly confused and disoriented when paramedics arrived to assist them.
Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre figures released in May show legal and illegal drugs accounted for 620 ambulance call-outs in Moonee Valley last year. ‘Ice’ ambulance attendances doubled from six to 12.
