SEA OF ADDICTION FULL OF YOUNG MEN

More people entered Odyssey House rehabilitation centre for alcoholism
than for any other substance addiction last year.

Cannabis-related admissions accounted for the largest significant change
in illicit drug trends, up by almost 30per cent from 2007.

The centre's recent annual report revealed alcohol was the primary drug of
concern for almost one in three clients entering the Campbelltown facility
in 2007 to 2008.

People aged 18 to 30 accounted for almost half of the 715 clients who
entered withdrawal and residential rehabilitation programs and 70per cent
were male.

But Odyssey House chief executive James Pitts said the continuing steep
rise in co-existing mental health problems was a concerning trend 44per
cent of clients last year cited a co-existing mental illness, with alcohol
misuse and depression the most common.

"If this trend continues, more than half our clients this year will have a
co-existing mental illness, putting added pressure on our services and our
staff," he said.

"The best health outcomes are achieved when substance misuse is treated at
the same time as their mental illness but this requires an integrated
therapeutic approach, more intensive, longer-term treatment and specially
trained staff."

Odyssey House clinical services manager Sharon Mestern advised binge or
ongoing heavy drinkers to seek medical help when withdrawing from alcohol.

"The risks of withdrawal from alcohol dependence include seizures and
delirium tremens, which can be treated with scheduled ongoing assessment
and medications," she said.

"There are greater risks with alcohol poisoning and withdrawal without
professional assistance."

She said the increased admissions for cannabis dependence last year could
partly explain the rising incidence of co-existing mental health problems
among clients entering the program.

"Both cannabis and amphetamine-type substances increase the incidence of
psychosis, particularly if the individual is vulnerable to psychosis," she
said.

"Many people ask about the link between cannabis and mental illness and
which comes first.

"There's an increased risk of schizophrenia being triggered into action by
cannabis use.

"Often, someone already experiencing depression, anxiety and psychosis may
use cannabis in an attempt to relieve their symptoms, without realising
that cannabis and other illicit drugs can only make matters worse.

"The increase in people admitting themselves to Odyssey House for treating
cannabis dependence shows that this drug has begun to create chaos in
their lives, affecting their work, relationships and often their mental
health."