THE rate of ecstasy and amphetamine use in WA is among the highest in the world, a State Government inquiry has found.
The interim report from the Education and Health Standing Committee, tabled in parliament today, addressed illicit drug issues in WA.
It found usage of every type of drug had dropped since 1998, except for ecstasy and cocaine.
Committee Chairman Dr Janet Woollard said it was imperative the State Government developed and funded a plan to reduce the use of these drugs.
“These drugs are so dangerous within our community," Dr Woollard said.
"We heard from hospital emergency departments and treatment services how difficult it is to deal with a person who is high on amphetamines. They become aggressive, threaten staff and other patients, and generally soak up more resources.
"The Police are doing their bit by finding and prosecuting the back yard labs. The Government must do more on the prevention side to reduce the prevalence of these drugs.”
The report also says reducing harm to children from parental drug use must be a priority for all government departments. It found children with parents who were drug dealers often ended up caring for parents who had drug and or mental health problems, and caring for younger children in the family.
Ms Woollard said she was concerned about the effect of drugs on children because it could lead to their failure to thrive emotionally, socially and academically.
Children surrounded by drugs could suffer poverty, inadequate supervision, domestic abuse, social isolation and exposure to criminal activities such as drug dealing and stealing.
"We need to protect children, so reducing the harm to them from parental drug use must become a priority for the government,'' Dr Woollard said.
The inquiry revealed while there had been a large drop in the use of drugs like cannabis in WA since 1998, there were still problems with drugs such as ecstasy and cocaine.
In 2001, 17.5 per cent of people had used cannabis in the previous 12 months but by 2007, it had dropped to 10.8 per cent.
However, the inquiry identified some regional areas of WA, such as the Kimberley and Goldfields, had significantly higher usage rates than other areas.
Drug and alcohol rehabilitation services for people in prison was also a priority, as well as the under-resourced Drug Court, Ms Woolard said.
The inquiry has been underway since May 2009, with the first interim report addressing the effectiveness of alcohol restrictions in the Kimberley.
A final report on alcohol issues in WA will be tabled in parliament before the end of June.
