Cheap heroin fears for city
GEELONG’S drug rehabilitation centres are preparing for a spike in patients addicted to cheap heroin.
An influx of the deadly drug has pushed prices right down and it is readily available in the city.
The Geelong Advertiser understands a hit of heroin can be bought for less than $20.
Barwon Child Youth and Family acting chief executive Max Broadley said local centres had been preparing for a surge in those looking for rehab treatment “for some time” and the demand for help had already risen.
GEELONG drug rehab centres are preparing for a surge in patients addicted to cheap heroin as a growing supply of the illict substance continues to make its way into the city.
Experts say the deadly drug, that ravaged the state in the late 90s, is still killing Geelong residents.
According to Alcohol and Drug Foundation data, 39 people died from heroin overdoses in the region in 2014-15. Statewide the drug claimed 190 people last year, up from 172 overdose deaths the previous year. That number is expected to rise.
The Geelong Advertiser understands a hit of the drug can be scored for around $20 and is readily available in Geelong. Barwon Child Youth and Family acting chief executive Max Broadley said local centres had been preparing for a soaring need for rehab places “for some time” and that the demand for help had already risen.
“At the moment the supply of heroin has really pushed the prices down,” Mr Broadley said.
“We are preparing to treat more people for addiction because of this.”
Mr Broadley said staff and clients were being trained to spot signs of heroin addiction to reduce the likelyhood of heroin-related deaths.
“Anytime a person takes heroin, they are risking overdosing,” Mr Broadley said.
“The key with heroin is to seek support and seek support early.’
Alcohol and Drug Foun- dation policy manager Geoff Munro said experts feared the soon-to-be introduced ban on off-the-shelf codeine would increase the demand for heroin.
Recovering heroin addict Gavin Lockens began experimenting with speed and bongs in the early 90s. The then 19year-old quickly transitioned to shooting up heroin with a group of mates who were all using the drug.
“Melbourne was flooded with heroin – all of us tried it, the moment I did that – I gave up everthing else,” Mr Lockens said.
Six-months into his treatment at Foundation 61, the now 41-year-old said heroin controlled his life for more than two decades.
“For me (the addiciton came because) when I take heroin I immediately feel content,” Mr Lockens said.
“The thing for an addict is that you know the drug will bring you happiness. But you have to realise there is more to life.”
Mr Munro said the resurgence of heroin in Melbourne and Geelong reflected patterns in the US. He has urged the State Government to equip all emergency service workers with opiod blocker naloxone.
“We’ve seen (the effects of heroin) before, we will continue to see a big increase. Heroin is a drug that kills people more easily than methamphetamine.”
Mr Broadley said anyone suffering addiction should seek support from several local services that “were flexible” and adapted to meet the needs of all addicts.
However, Foundation 61’s Rob Lytzki said most of his clients were addicted to ice with some addicts “dying on the waiting list”, with the clinic unable to keep up with the demand for services.
“At the moment the supply of heroin has really pushed the prices down ... We are preparing to treat more people for addiction.”