Shocking number of children looking for drugs and alcohol



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A shock 13% of Australians treated for drug or alcohol use in the last fiscal year were children, some of whom were only 10 years old.

The latest report from the Australian Institute of Health and Wellness, released today, reveals that the number of people needing professional help with addictions has gone from 118,760 in 2013-2014 to 130,031 in 2017-2018 – of which more than 16,000 were children.

More than a third needed help with alcohol abuse, a quarter for amphetamines, 21% for cannabis and 5% for heroin. Publicly funded alcohol and drug services provided just under 210,000 treatment episodes.

"We have increased the number of treatment services in Queensland, and it's good that so many people are looking for help," said Rebecca Lang, director of the Network of Alcohol and Anti-Alcohol Agencies. addiction to Queensland.

"Children who are struggling in homes with high levels of violence or other difficult situations are more likely to self-care, and if these children get the help they need early, their future will be better, there is a 60-70% chance of success. "

Dr. Dilip Dhupelia, President of the Australian Medical Association of Queensland.

Dr. Dilip Dhupelia, President of the Australian Medical Association of Queensland.

Over the last 10 years, the number of treatment agencies has increased in Canada, from 653 in 2008-2009 to 952 in 2017-2018.

The report of the AIHW, Alcohol and other drug treatment services in Australia , shows that counseling is the most common treatment, but it also focuses on education and diversion programs. Some use a structured drug-free framework with abstinence-focused interventions to prevent relapse and to develop skills and attitudes that help clients make changes.

Dr. Dilip Dhupelia, president of the Australian Medical Association of Queensland, said that alcohol and drug use was "a causal factor" in about one in every 20 deaths in Australia each year.

"These patients should have the best support and the best treatment available," he said, adding that the causes of the abuse should be addressed.

He added that new policies and investments in innovative trials and new prevention measures would help fight the scourge of drug abuse.

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