Port Macquarie Drug Action Team supports community in addressing adolescent substance abuse

The team conducted a survey to determine what action the community wants on drug issues, with the outcome being more support in addressing adolescent drug use.

Mid North Coast Community College board member and Port Macquarie Hastings Local Drug Action Team committee member Dr Robbie Lloyd said the issue of alcohol and drug use in young people is a concern.

"It's an ongoing problem in the area and we know that it's a chronic problem on the whole of the North Coast," he said.

"There have been people getting involved in these habits of using drugs and alcohol as young as primary school.

"We're also seeing a trend in Year 9 and 10 students who have been kicked out of school and then fallen into these patterns of using alcohol and drugs to cope."

Dr Lloyd said alcohol can sometimes be overlooked as an addictive substance because it's legal.

"We have found that with substance abuse, alcohol is easier to get hold of and can sometimes be a gateway substance which can then progress to drugs," he said.

"The parents of the younger generation are shocked at how young some people are when they develop these harmful habits."

The aim of the workshops will be to help address adolescent drug and alcohol use by providing support to the organisations working with people who are addicted, as well as providing education and support to the families to help improve the outcomes for their loved ones.

"The individual might not be fully addicted, but these habits can worsen over time," Dr Lloyd said.

"These workshops will help support carers of a young person with an addiction as well as the organisations that work with them."

Dr Lloyd said there are a number of damaging health impacts from forming an addiction to drugs and alcohol at a young age.

"It does really impact their mental and physical health and can cause them to be isolated from people around them," he said.

"The health system isn't coping with this issue and it really is a health issue, they need help. We need to work in the community to support people in their recovery and in managing their addiction."

Attendees at the workshops will hear from Amy Steven from Family Drug Support who will speak about the importance of supporting the family as well as from Donna Stephens from Wholehearted Living about the benefits of wellbeing and emotional resilience.

Service providers will also have the opportunity to network and provide information to community members about the services they offer.

Dr Lloyd said people can sometimes feel shame when seeking help, but he encourages family members to support their loved one and attend the workshops.

"This will be the first step in the journey to a more balanced life for many people," he said.

The Port Macquarie Hastings Local Drug Action Team, in partnership with the Mid North Coast Human Services Alliance, will hold the Community Engagement Forum on June 24 from 5pm to 7pm at the Panthers Port Macquarie in the Rushcutter Room.

Supper will be provided and community organisations and carers will be invited to sign up to upcoming workshops.

Future workshops:

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