SWCADS helps guide response to methamphetamine use in the South West

20 Jul 2020

SWCADS provides counselling and support for people with AOD issues and their families free of charge.

As part of the Mental Health Commission’s Community Advisory Group, over the past two months SWCADS has provided recommendations on how to address gaps in the provision of Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) short-term, critical intervention services as well as recommendations on whether current interventions could be adapted to meet this growing need.

The Community Advisory Group was established as part of the State Government’s immediate response to the recommendations from the Methamphetamine Action Plan Taskforce, which included a recommendation of compulsory treatment as a solution for meth users in crisis, particularly as an alternative to incarceration.

SWCADS AOD Management Prevention Officer, Christina Mann welcomed the small group consultations and public forums, which she hoped would provide valuable information and insights from individuals and family members directly affected by meth in the community.

“The aim of the forums was to engage with WA’s south west community to inform the development of an AOD Crisis Intervention System Service Model,” Christina said.

“In particular, it sought to explore what the ideal future of crisis intervention would look like as well as specific challenges and opportunities relating to current service delivery.”

Other areas of focus included defining what ‘safe’ meant for people experiencing AOD crisis and identifying current challenges and gaps in AOD crisis intervention in the South West region.

“There is considerable community concern about the effects and impact of meth use in the South West and we hope the consultations were an opportunity for the community to make recommendations and provide feedback about their experience,” Christina said.

Visit the SWCADS web page for more information on how the service supports Western Australia’s south west communities.