Tim Wright is causing Caos for the Salvos.
BRISBANE: City drug rehab programs are struggling to meet demand after a spike in the number of young people seeking treatment for amphetamine and cannabis addiction. Staff at the Salvation Army’s Brisbane Recovery Services Centre (Moonyah), at 58 Glenrosa Rd, Red Hill said the centre’s waiting list is “the longest ever” due to large numbers of people seeking treatment for alcohol, drug and gambling problems. Moonyah case worker Mike Carter, 32, who runs a 10-month, live-in rehabilitation program, said the centre caters for up to 86 people, at varying stages of addiction. “Our program has been running at full-time capacity for ages,” Mr Carter said. “There’s been a big increase in the amount of young people coming to the our program under the age of 30.” Mr Carter said the average age of an amphetamine and cannabis addict was getting younger. “Young people are finding themselves addicted now, at very young ages,” he said. “People are experimenting socially, then increasing their drug usage, then struggling with addiction. By the time they come to us, their lives have spiralled out of control. “You also have to factor in the increase in potency of amphetamines and cannabis.” Mr Carter said his centre helped people form new healthy habits so they could kick their addictive lifestyles. He said it was vital the community supported the Salvation Army’s National 2010 Red Shield Appeal to help fund Moonyah’s addiction recovery services. This year’s Red Shield national target is $75 million, with the national doorknock on May 29-30. * To give to the Red Shield Appeal or volunteer to be a doorknock collector, phone 13 SALVOS, visit salvos.org.au, donate at any Westpac branch, or post your cheque to PO Box 9888, Brisbane 4000. Visit salvos.org.au.
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