MEDIA RELEASE - Addiction specialist provides insight for the community
December 2015
The function room at the Gateway Hotel was filled with people on Tuesday this week, for a presentation titled Methamphetamine - the past, the present, the future, given by addiction specialist Dr Mat Coleman.This Shire of Manjimup initiative was in response to growing concern on the rising incidence of methamphetamine use and associated crime in our communities.
Shire President Wade DeCampo explained that the issue of methamphetamine use has been at the forefront of Council's priorities for quite some time. "It is something we all need to take responsibility for - it is not an issue that only the judicial and health systems can address, we need to look at what we can do as a community, as family members and as friends."
Dr Coleman talked about effects that methamphetamine has on a user's brain, saying it is a "neurological hijacking of the reward pathway" and far more potent than other addictive substances such as nicotine and even narcotics. Outlining the negative health and mental side effects for the user, he mentioned that they generally also overuse other psychostimulants, alcohol, prescription medication and nicotine, which cause additional health risks and side effects. "The problems just go on and on, but the real problem from my point of view, is how people recover when they stop," said Dr Coleman.
Dr Coleman explained that when people stop using methamphetamine, there is a period of acute withdrawals, followed by 12-18 months for recovery, adding that "the most beneficial treatment, by far, is residential rehab." Cr DeCampo said that "in ongoing discussions with the mental health commissioner and Minister's office, Council has been trying to address the lack of residential rehabilitation that is available in the regions."
Approximately 85 attendees from the region included general practitioners, ambulance officers, police officers, nurses, social workers and teachers, with some attendees travelling from Nannup and Walpole to attend. St John of God provided financial assistance for the event.
"The effects that meth use has on society is the reason why so many people turn up for these talks; because you are all concerned about what you are seeing out in the community," said Dr Coleman. "I find it extraordinary that the Shire of Manjimup is so involved and engaged in trying to help this part of our population."
Please see below for a brief biography of Dr Mat Coleman, additional information, statistics and a photo.
-ENDS-
Authorised by Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer, Shire of Manjimup
Contact: 9771 7777
Contact Gina Nieuwendyk, Public Relations Officer, Shire of Manjimup
Contact: 9771 7777
Contact for comment: Wade DeCampo, Shire President
Contact: 0427 094 081
Dr Mathew Coleman
Dr Mathew Coleman is a Consultant Psychiatrist specialising in addiction, with a background as a Child Psychiatrist. He currently works out of the Great Southern for the WA Country Health Services and is a Senior Clinical Lecturer with the Rural Clinical School for the University of WA.
Together with Kelly Ridley, Dr Coleman published a paper in the journal of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists titled The epidemiology of amphetamine type stimulant-related admissions in Albany, Western Australia: 2008-2013. The purpose of the paper was to explore the usage of these stimulants in a regional centre, to observe changes over the six year time period and to compare the demographics to national trends.
Dr Coleman's experience, both in the field and as a presenter, have meant his recent speaking engagements in Albany were booked out well in advance. Feedback on Dr Coleman's advice and insight into addiction has been incredibly positive.
In response to growing interest and concern from the community regarding issues surrounding the use of methamphetamine locally, the Shire of Manjimup has arranged for Dr Coleman to visit the region to present to people within the health services industry on the issues surrounding addiction, in particular, ICE addiction. He will help the audience to gain an understanding of how ICE affects users physically and mentally and how best we, as a community, can respond and attempt to combat this problem together.
Additional information
- Where can methamphetamine users get help, guidance and follow-up support?
- Australian Drug Information Service (ADIS) - 9442 5000, 1800 198 024 (WA only)
- Where can the parents and friends of methamphetamine users get help, guidance and follow-up support?
- Parents and family drug support line - 9442 5050, 1800 653 203 (WA only)
Statistics from Dr Coleman's presentation
- Within the Methamphetamine using population, between 2007 and 2013, the amount of people using daily has doubled to 16% of all people who have used methamphetamine in the preceding year.
- The age of regular users is going up - in 2001 it was 24 years old but in 2013 it was 28 years old.
- WA has the highest rate of use nationally - 3.9% of the poulation.
