‘Immediate need’ to increase to treatment for alcohol and drug addiction as PHN rates rise above state averages

A former drug addict who now helps others turn their lives around says it is difficult for people battling substance abuse to put their hands up for help.

Power in You Project AOD co-ordinator Jayden Rippon. Picture: Alison Wynd

People battling drug and alcohol addiction need better access to treatment in the Geelong region, key industry figures have warned.

The percentage of people with 12-month substance use disorders in the Western Victoria Primary Health Network area, which includes Geelong, is above the state average.

Overall it is 3.4 per cent of the population compared to 2.8 per cent in the state.

The biggest difference is in the 16 to 25 year age demographic, with the area experiencing a rate 2.1 per cent higher than the state average.

Power in You Project alcohol and other drug (AOD) co-ordinator Jayden Rippon battled addiction from the age of 16.

He is now helping others access help in Geelong.

“I have been through my own challenges with all types of drugs,” he said.

“I made my way to Geelong about six years ago to a rehab, got myself clean, had a relapse and more challenges along the way, and I knew I wanted to do something to help people navigate the system.”

The 32-year-old said he was lucky when he put his hand up for help.

“I had my mother alongside me who was on the phone with rehab and we were pleading to get in straight away,” he said.

“In this region when you put your hand up for help the wait lists can be two to three weeks and a lot of times when people finally get in some just say ‘no thanks’ and keep using drugs.”

Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association chief executive Chris Christoforou said there was

increasing demand for treatment and support in Geelong and surrounding regions, which was increasing wait times.

“Excessive wait times for treatment (sometimes months) remains a strong deterrent to addressing problematic AOD use, which in turn increases the risks of preventable harms, including overdose,” he said.

“Geelong has a robust illicit drug market as well as easy access to alcohol which contribute to high rates of dependence.”

Mr Christoforou said in 2022-23, there were 2191 paramedic attendances in Geelong relating to alcohol and other drugs.

“Geelong is particularly vulnerable to an incursion of potent synthetic opioids in the illicit drug market, such as fentanyl and nitazenes, which could lead to catastrophic consequences for people who use drugs but also for those on the frontline who are required to respond to a health emergency,” he said.

“There is an immediate need to increase the capacity of treatment services to ensure that people who are ready and willing to get help can access support when they need it, instead of having to wait for months.”

Mr Rippon said Power in You Project’s programs saw complex or high-risk clients and sessions focused on the future.

“We try to re-establish hope and trust, and empower the individuals instead of just focusing on ‘don’t do drugs’,” he said.

Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association chief executive Chris Christoforou. Picture: Supplied

Meli director of youth, housing and south west services Josephine Taylor said the organisation had seen about 65 people aged 12 to 25 for AOD support this year, with demand for support was steady compared to recent years.

“The young people we see have often had complex traumas, underlying mental health concerns and experience difficulties accessing supports, so improving the availability and accessibility of a range of supports could make a real difference,” she said.

In the 2024-25 state budget the Victorian Government committed $9.7m to drug use harm reduction initiatives in relation to drug use.

Originally published as ‘Immediate need’ to increase to treatment for alcohol and drug addiction as PHN rates rise above state averages