PSYCHOTIC DRUG PATIENTS SOAR

An Increasing Number Of Territorians Are Being Hospitalised For Psychotic
Drug Use, Including Cannabis, It Was Revealed Yesterday.

Police and health authorities said more dangerous forms of cannabis and
amphetamines were being used across the NT. Patients are suffering from
drug-induced symptoms of paranoia, hallucinations and an inability to cope
with everyday tasks. They also suffer mood swings, an inability to
concentrate or sleep and increased levels of aggression. In the 2002-03
financial year there were 324 admissions of people with a first diagnosis
of psychosis due to drug abuse. The figure represents a 40 per cent rise in
the past four years. Police said users of hydroponic cannabis, which has a
far higher level of THC, the chemical which triggers psychosis, is part of
the problem. The purity of amphetamine available on the streets is also
increasing. The Health Department said last night newer methods of drug
taking were being blamed for the increase. "A possible reason, based on
anecdotal reports, is changed methods of drug ingestion, such as injecting
rather than swallowing speed, which can result in enhanced effects," Public
Health Physician Dr Steven Skov said. "Intravenous ingestion means the
substance goes directly into the blood stream, bypassing the digestive
system. These methods expose people to higher, concentrated levels of the
drug during a shorter space of time." The Health Department said the
psychotic episodes were lasting longer, sometimes over several years.
Community Services assistant secretary Carol Peltola said the rise in drug
psychosis presented the health system with problems. "Significant rates of
co-occurring mental health and substance abuse problems have several
implications for assessment, treatment and ongoing care," she said. "These
types of disorders are more likely to become chronic and have a poorer
prognosis."

http://www.napnt.org