REPORT COVERS USE IN STATE

THE first comprehensive picture of drug use in WA will be released next week.

Indicators of Drug Use: Regional and State Profiles Western Australia
brings together statistics from various sources into one report to give an
accurate picture of drug use in WA.

Compiled by the Drug and Alcohol Office, it will be used to identify trends
and target prevention and treatment initiatives.

The information in the report has helped in the development of drug and
alcohol plans for the three metropolitan and seven country health regions
as part of the State Government's Putting People First strategy.

It is the first time separate regional analyses have been developed to help
with drug and alcohol planning.

Each of the regional reports provides information which can be updated
annually as more data becomes available.

Drug and Alcohol Office practice development director Steve Allsop said
drug taking was a hidden activity, especially among young people, so
getting an accurate picture was difficult.

Researchers had to rely on hospital admission rates, police data, treatment
use figures and surveys to get an overview.

"We need good data so that if there are changes in practice then we can
monitor the impact," he said.

Health Minister Bob Kucera said it was recognised after the 2001 Community
Drug Summit that the Government needed to pull together all data associated
with drug and alcohol use in the community. This way the situation in WA
could be compared with other States, and regions could be compared.

"It means that we can now set targets about what we want to achieve in this
area and be able to plan accordingly," he said.

"It also offers insight into trends and gives the Government the
opportunity to plan budget allocations and funding against key areas of need."