Multiple Drug Use

The latest Illicit Drug Report highlights the issue of multiple drug use-

One in three regular ecstasy users report a lifetime use of Ketamine.

One in five regular ecstasy users report a lifetime use of the drug GHB.

Six in ten regular ecstasy users reported using LSD in their lifetime.

Half of regular ecstasy users have ever used benzodiazepines.

Seven in ten injecting drug users reported using hallucinogens mainly LSD in their lifetime.

Half of injecting drug users reported having recently used morphine.

(Source: Australian Crime Commission Illicit Drug Data report 2006/7)

DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL COMMENTS-

Illicit drug users commonly use other illicit and legal drugs in a cocktail which has serious impact on their mental and physical health.

The effect of combined drug use can cause violence, aggression, paranoia, hallucinations and psychosis.

Health professionals now complain about having to deal with multiple drug affected patients that present at emergency departments.

These multiple health impacts will present multidisciplinary complications to Australian health authorities.

Early intervention requires that multi drug users be rehabilitated before the health problems occur.

Australia should use its courts to direct multi drug users into detoxification and rehabilitation to get them drug free before the health problems occur.