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INDEPENDENT
NO POKIES MEMBER OF THE
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THE SHOCKING LINK
BETWEEN DRUG USE AND MENTAL ILLNESS One of the State’s leading forensic
psychiatrists has revealed – following his r Dr Craig Raeside, a forensic
psychiatrist who practises extensively in the criminal justice system, has
recently completed a r Dr Raeside recorded the type of
drug taken as well as the prevalence of mental illness and drug use. The figures
he collated show both high rates of drug use and mental illness amongst those
charged. DRUG USE IN ASSESSMENTS 2001 – 2005 Offenders
Psychiatric
Diagnosis
Dr Raeside said: “These figures show very high rates of
both mental illness and drug use of those before the Courts”. “While these figures relate to a
particular sub-group of the population, it raises serious questions about the
need to address drug use in tackling the prevalence of mental illness in the
community with all its unfortunate consequences.” “I am convinced that if you significantly
reduce the level of such drug use in the community, you will see a substantial
reduction in both mental illness and crime.” “What I have observed in the last two
decades is that the mental health system has come under increasing pressure
because of dramatically increased levels of drug use.” Dr Raeside also emphasised the
need for better coordination between mental health services in SA and drug and
alcohol services to tackle the problem more effectively. No Pokies MLC Nick Xenophon
approached Dr Raeside for the information following the release of last week’s
Mental Health Council of Australia’s report – Not
for Service – a scathing indictment of
“It’s time Governments around the
country – and particularly our State Government – woke up to the alarming
link between drug use and mental illness. When OECD figures point to The figures obtained by Mr
Xenophon will be discussed at The People’s Drug Summit to be held this weekend in
Written and authorised by Nick Xenophon, 653 Lower North East Road, Paradise, SA 5075
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