Better treatment warranted for drug addled of the North East

The Labor Government leader came to Wangaratta to highlight his administration's determination to tackle the problem of crystal methamphetamine.

"It is important that we are really frank with the Victorian community and acknowledge this drug has got away from us and we need to redouble our efforts," Mr Andrews said at the time.

"These are the things that cannot wait, but there is going to be a lot more hard work over many months and indeed years."

Those words echo through a new report which shows Wangaratta stands out in the North East for ice-related ambulance callouts.

As Rotary Club leader Dave Clark notes there is more action required and a particular demand for a detox centre which would take away the need for addicts to travel to Melbourne for help

It is important resources are poured into this area, but sadly ice is not the only drug being abused in the community.

The ambulance report shows a shocking jump in alcohol abuse in Benalla and indicates cannabis, antidepressants, antipsychotic medication and painkillers all continue to be concerns.

There needs to be a considered approach to tackling these problems, but there also should not be an unnecessary delay as families watch their loved ones succumb.

Community organisations such as Gateway Health should be speaking out.

As an agency at the forefront of drug and alcohol treatment, the public should know how it views the substance abuse levels in the community.

Similarly politicians and councils should be helping organisations, such as Rotary, in securing more services for addicts.

Police also have a role to play, particularly in cutting the flow of these illegal drugs into the community.

There are no remedies that are likely to be cure-alls, but there needs to be more treatment available in the North East.

Don't forget each ambulance callout represents someone struggling who should be able to offer more to their family and community.