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Australia: Public education and awareness campaign

Improved services for drug users with mental ill health

The Australian Government has provided a total of $79.9 million for the Improved Services for People with Drug and Alcohol Problems and Mental Illness measure. This reflects the fact that co–occurrence of substance abuse and mental health problems is commonly associated with poor treatment outcomes, severe illness and high service use, according to Cristopher Pyne, Minister responsible for illicit drug use.

As a result, capacity building grants for alcohol and other drug services and non–governmental organisations are on offer to assist them to better identify and treat more effectively people with substance abuse and mental health problems throughout Australia. These treatment services will be assisted to introduce a variety of service improvements and to develop sustainable partnerships with the wider local health network under the plans.

Mr Pyne reminded communities across Australia of the link between illicit drug use and mental illness. He pointed to the growing body of evidence that links the use of drugs like cannabis to psychotic episodes in some people.

The Minister said the Government is to invest a further $21.6 million as part of a Council of Australian Governments mental health initiative to educate the community about the risk drugs pose to mental health. A national public awareness campaign is expected to commence in early 2008.

For further information visit the Australian Government Ministry for Health and Ageing website at: www.health.gov.au.

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