PROBLEM TOUCHES ALL GROUPS IN SOCIETY

THE drug problem in Albury-Wodonga has hit home for sections of the
medical community.

In April last year an Albury doctor told The Border Mail how a gang
of mostly heroin addicts constantly harrassed him to provide sleeping
capsules, to be used intravenously.

Dr Ian Weatherlake had been forced to remove the sign from outside
his consulting rooms and disconnect his telephone because people were
demanding temazepam, a minor tranquilliser normally used for insomnia.

He estimated the heroin addicts used the drug to offset cravings for
the harder drug.

"I ask a lot of them why they use it and they say they just like
injecting themselves, they say they like the feel of the steel," he
said.

Other doctors have been the victims of presciption drug addicts who
shop around and then become angry when their demands are not met.

Dumping of syringes is another problem.

Last year the Albury City Council engaged cleaning contractors to
clean up an area on the Hume and Hovell walking track.

Nearby residents reported finding used syringes, spoons, material
which appeared to be stained with blood, and condoms in an area
frequented by children and people walking dogs.