SOUTH West Christian clergy told addiction medicine specialist Doctor George O’Neil they were ‘hungry for help and support’ to tackle the issue of illicit drug use in the region.
Fresh Start Recovery Programme Medical Director Dr George O’Neil addressed more than 80 concerned clergy men and women at the Esplanade Hotel in Busselton last week.
Fresh Start is a medical treatment facility in Perth which offers holistic care to drug and alcohol patient’s nation wide.
Dr O’Neil provided information about his plans to construct and run a respite centre on a proposed lease at Locke Estate.
He said the centre would reunite families separated through the impact of drug and alcohol addiction.
“There is a big problem in the South West with methamphetamine, opiates and prescription medication use,” Dr O’Neil said.
“Addiction doesn’t discriminate methamphetamine is widely used and hugely affecting our next generation.
“The Fresh Start Recovery Programme treats a lot of people from Busselton, Dunsborough, Margaret River and Bunbury.”
During a question and answer session a local clergy man said parents were not educating their children about drug abuse and more needed to be done in local schools.
Dr O’Neil volunteered to visit high schools in the region and speak to students about the impact of drugs.
He also offered to treat anybody struggling with an addiction at his clinic in Subiaco.
“If I can find a volunteer driver we are more than happy to offer this service,” Dr O’Neil said.
Fresh Start Recovery Programme Chief Executive Officer Jeff Claughton said it wasn’t the first time the organisation had drawn a crowd in Busselton and Dunsborough.
“People respond to us here for a reason and I think it’s because everyone knows there is a problem,” Mr Claughton said.
“We believe addiction is a serious brain injury which can be cured.”
To find out more about Fresh Start Recovery Programme contact 9381 1333.
