THREE GENERATIONS OF HEROIN USE

Melbourne's drug problem had become so entrenched that drug workers were now
seeing second and third-generation heroin addicts, the Salvation Army said
yesterday.

Speaking after the launch of a Salvation Army report on drug, alcohol and
gambling services, Major David Brunt said inter-generational drug addiction
was a growing problem.

Major Brunt said workers were now witnessing a third generation of heroin
addiction in the one family.

Drug and alcohol specialists said yesterday that as the availability and use
of drugs increased, more drug addiction would be seen between generations.

Professor Margaret Hamilton, the director of the Turning Point Alcohol and
Drug Centre, said research suggested that children who had a drug-dependent
parent were at an increased risk of becoming dependent on drugs.

A parent's heroin use took up resources, disrupted family relationships and
could be a breeding ground for emotional and social trouble, she said.

The Salvation Army report, Reaching Out into the Community, provides more
evidence on the growing drug menace.

Last year the Salvation Army helped 31,000 people with drug and alcohol
addiction and gambling problems nationwide, a 55 per cent increase on the
1996 figure.

The increase was attributed to the worsening community drug problem and a
change in the delivery of Salvation Army services. The group now has a
greater focus on outreach programs.

This financial year the Salvation Army will spend $2.9 million on drug and
alcohol rehabilitation.

Major Brunt called for government funding for community and suburban youth
groups that fostered healthy activities and social interaction as a
preventive measure to tackle drug use.

He also called for the fast-tracking of the drug Naltrexone - a drug that
treats alcoholism and heroin addiction - on to the pharmaceutical benefits
schedule.

Major Brunt said he would not oppose a scientifically sound heroin trial for
people who had failed other programs, but said it would have to be strictly
evaluated.

Meanwhile, Salvation Army programs already in place have changed the life of
Mr Troy Patten, 35.

A year ago, with the help of the Salvos, he beat a cycle of heroin use that
had lasted almost 20 years.

Mr Patten had been a recreational user for about 15 years and had been
dependent for two-and-a-half years. But now he has a home, a job as a
kitchen hand and feels better than ever.

Last week he survived a major and tragic hurdle when his mother died
suddenly. He had the money to buy heroin, but stayed drug-free.

His new outlook was crucial, and so too was Salvation Army counselling and
support, he said. "They certainly saved my life and turned it around."