Pubdate: Thu, 03 Jul 2008
Source: Northern River Echo, The (Australia)
Copyright: 2008 TAOW P/L
Contact:  http://www.echonews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4736
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

NEW CLINICS FOR CANNABIS USERS

Recently-established cannabis clinics in Lismore and  elsewhere on 
the north coast are providing a range of  support to the increasing 
number of people suffering  from health and lifestyle problems as a 
result of their  addictive use of the drug.

The clinics are being operated by North Coast Area  Health Service 
(NCAHS) counselling staff in Lismore,  Nimbin, Ballina and Casino and 
at other locations and  follow the success of four state government 
funded  trial clinics in Sydney and the central west in 2006.

Area director of NCAHS drug and alcohol services John  Leary said 
cannabis (marijuana) was the most commonly  used illicit drug in 
Australia, with around a third of  all Australians having used it at 
least once in their  lifetime.

"While recent population surveys indicate that regular  use of 
cannabis is now decreasing, research has proved  that there is a risk 
of developing a dependence on  cannabis with regular use," Mr Leary said.

The evaluation of the trial clinics found them to be a  successful 
model of treatment and more clinics are now  being funded around the state.

The north coast clinics are mostly being provided in  Community 
Health Centres in an effort to attract people  into treatment who may 
not wish to attend drug and  alcohol facilities.

"The clinics will offer individually tailored treatment  to people 
who identify cannabis as their primary drug  of concern. This support 
will be based on cognitive  behavioural therapy (CBT)," Mr Leary 
said. "The clinics  will also aim to identify any cannabis users with 
a  mental health disorder and provide special assistance.  Clinic 
staff members will also be available to offer  brief advice and 
support to parents or carers of  problematic cannabis users, as well 
as other service providers."

Access to the cannabis clinics are through a dedicated  line, 1300 664 098.

A trained health professional will ask the caller a few  questions 
over the phone and provide them with an  appointment time at the 
nearest health centre where  clinics are held. All information will 
be kept  confidential.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom