DOPE PLAN FOR USERS

Increase In Drug Problem Spurs Program

RISING dependence on cannabis is the driver behind a Wodonga program
to help users quit the drug.

The first session of Cautious with Cannabis will be run at Wodonga's
Upper Hume Community Health Service on November 12 at 6pm.

Service rural outreach diversion worker, Nick Bannon, said about
300,000 Australians used cannabis each day.

Mr Bannon said there is no specific usage figures available for the
North East.

"But the number of cannabis users is always growing. It's growing on
a daily basis," he said.

Cautious with Cannabis is aimed just as squarely at family and
friends as cannabis users.

"It explains exactly what cannabis is and how it is used, the effects
of cannabis, legal implications and most importantly, explores the
skills required to quit cannabis," Mr Bannon said.

"It also contains information that may help someone you know to quit
cannabis.

"The scientific evidence shows a very clear link between regular or
heavy use of cannabis and some mental illnesses such as depression or
anxiety."

The program, formulated by Melbourne drug treatment agency Moreland
Hall, has existed for several years, but had been open only to people
who had received a cannabis caution from police.

Mr Bannon said the benefits of the program were believed so
considerable it was decided it should be offered to all in the community.

Moreland received government funding to do so and from this year has
begun rolling out the program across Victoria.

"The program raises awareness among the community," Mr Bannon
said.

"(Cannabis dependancy) is absolutely something we need to
address."

Mr Bannan said 1.8 million Australians had used cannabis at least
once in the past 12 months.

He said the most important aspect of the program, which would be open
to 10 people in each session, would be giving people strategies.

"We do think there will be quite significant numbers of people
attending."

The free two-hour session will be run by accredited alcohol, tobacco
and other drug clinicians.

After the initial session, the program will run on the second Monday
of every month.

Registration is essential.