Youth drug problem taxes health service
Growing drug problems among young people could eventually swamp the country's mental health services
30 December 2004
Substance abuse experts say growing drug problems among young people could eventually swamp the country's mental health services.
The warning comes from WellTrust, an agency established in Wellington to help young people with drug and alcohol problems.
Director Pauline Gardiner says the average age of those now being referred is 11 and a half.
Several 7 and 8 year olds are also being treated, some displaying early signs of illnesses such as paranoias and hallucinations.
Pauline Gardiner says with more than half of Capital and Coast Health's mental health services budget already spent on those in their 20s with drug problems, things do not look good for the future.
She says parents who are aware of drug and alcohol abusers in their families should ensure that they point out the risks to their kids.
Ms Gardiner says parents need to be open with their children about the prevalence of those problems in the family.
She says they could discuss it, along with other hereditary family traits such as a predisposition to red hair or diabetes.
© 2009 NZCity, IRN
