More turning to cocaine

Geelong experiences ‘slight increase’ in young addicts

MORE young people got hooked on cocaine during last year’s COVID-19 lockdown, including in the Geelong region.

Reports show the highly addictive stimulant rose in prevalence during the pandemic, despite the high prices and damaging side effects that usually deter young drug takers.

Geelong-based service Barwon, Child, Youth and Family (BCYF) reported it experienced a “slight increase” in the number of young clients seeking treatment for cocaine and GHB use last year.

The Drug and Alcohol Review Report, released this year, found there was “increasing availability and prevalence of cocaine use in Australia”, with the rates of cocaine-related hospitalisations and treatments also rising.

“These findings are concerning given the lack of efficacious treatment options, and reinforce the need for harm reduction interventions targeted at reducing overdose, injuries and other harms,” the report found.

BCYF’s manager of mental health and alcohol and other drug services, Josie Taylor, said the team supported 250 young people and their families seeking treatment for substance abuse over the past 12 months.

The service’s family team also supported around 500 people and their families during this period.

“BCYF offer a wide range of programs for people who may need support in relation to alcohol or other drug use,” Ms Taylor said.

“This includes child, youth, adult and family alcohol and drug services that provide support for people who use drugs and also those who are affected by the drug or alcohol use of a loved one.”

Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association executive director Sam Biondo said cocaine had “traditionally not featured strongly” as a drug of concern.

“However, we have noted small increases in some regions, which became more evident during the application of the COVID-19 restrictions,” Mr Biondo said.

Barwon Health did not have any specific data on hospitalisations linked to cocaine use, but said the hospital had treatment programs for patients experiencing substance abuse.

Addiction psychiatrist Harry Hill said serious longterm effects of cocaine use could include sleep disorders, cardiovascular problems, stroke, psychosis, paranoia, depression and anxiety.

“Barwon Health offers a community-based service to treat people who use cocaine,” Dr Hill said.

“Clinicians in our drugs and alcohol services provide a range of time limited, integrated clinical treatment and other interventions for people aged 26 years and above who have moderate to severe substance use disorders.

“The team has a special interest in providing integrated care for people with co-morbid mild to moderate mental health disorder, such as depression, anxiety and trauma.”

Mr Biondo said alcohol continued to be the “most significant drug of concern” for the largest portion of Australians in treatment and contributed to 4.5 per cent of the nation’s disease burden.