Pubdate: Tue, 23 Oct 2007
Source: Border Mail (Australia)
Copyright: 2007 Border Mail
Contact:  http://www.bordermail.com.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1017
Author: Nigel McNay

DOPE PLAN FOR USERS

Increase In Drug Problem Spurs Program

RISING dependence on cannabis is the driver behind a  Wodonga program
to help users quit the drug.

The first session of Cautious with Cannabis will be run  at Wodonga's
Upper Hume Community Health Service on  November 12 at 6pm.

Service rural outreach diversion worker, Nick Bannon,  said about
300,000 Australians used cannabis each day.

Mr Bannon said there is no specific usage figures  available for the
North East.

"But the number of cannabis users is always growing.  It's growing on
a daily basis," he said.

Cautious with Cannabis is aimed just as squarely at  family and
friends as cannabis users.

"It explains exactly what cannabis is and how it is  used, the effects
of cannabis, legal implications and  most importantly, explores the
skills required to quit  cannabis," Mr Bannon said.

"It also contains information that may help someone you  know to quit
cannabis.

"The scientific evidence shows a very clear link  between regular or
heavy use of cannabis and some  mental illnesses such as depression or
anxiety."

The program, formulated by Melbourne drug treatment  agency Moreland
Hall, has existed for several years,  but had been open only to people
who had received a  cannabis caution from police.

Mr Bannon said the benefits of the program were  believed so
considerable it was decided it should be  offered to all in the community.

Moreland received government funding to do so and from  this year has
begun rolling out the program across  Victoria.

"The program raises awareness among the community," Mr  Bannon
said.

"(Cannabis dependancy) is absolutely something we need  to
address."

Mr Bannan said 1.8 million Australians had used  cannabis at least
once in the past 12 months.

He said the most important aspect of the program, which  would be open
to 10 people in each session, would be  giving people strategies.

"We do think there will be quite significant numbers of  people
attending."

The free two-hour session will be run by accredited  alcohol, tobacco
and other drug clinicians.

After the initial session, the program will run on the  second Monday
of every month.

Registration is essential.
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MAP posted-by: Derek