editorial comment And we need experts for that???

SENDING drug users to jail is not always the best way to deal with the problem, according to a local drug rehabilitation group.

St John of God's South West Community Drug Service Team manager Bev Morton said there were times when jail was the only option, particularly in cases of trafficking and drug-related crimes.

But in cases of personal use, intervention programs such as counselling were often far more effective.

Her comments come as amphetamine use continues to skyrocket in Bunbury, with speed overtaking cannabis as the drug most dealt with by her group.

And Ms Morton's claim has been backed by a Bunbury woman who was addicted to heroin and amphetamines for 17 years – almost half her life.

Sophie (not her real name) was sent to jail for her habit. She said her time in prison did not deter her from using drugs.

"As I walked out of jail I got in the car and took two Rohypnol (a powerful sedative also known as the "date rape" drug)," she said.

"As part of my parole I had to do counselling with Caroline. Caroline is one of the reasons I'm still here."

Caroline Vigar is a project officer for a court diversion program that works with the South West Community Drug Service Team to help drug users break free of addiction.

"I was someone receptive to counselling. I really wanted to get free," Sophie said.

"I went to a doctor and told him I was ready to throw myself in front of a bus and I needed to get to a hospital, but the doctor told me to go away.

"I was able to call Caroline, who was able to speak to the doctor and help me."

Sophie said sometimes a counsellor was a more effective help than a family member, because of the family's emotional involvement.

"Counselling is a lifeline for some people," she said.

"Caroline was willing to listen and helped me realise I was a better person. I needed someone to make me believe that. I have not used drugs for six-and-a-half years now."

Both Ms Morton and Sophie said counselling was not always the best option and it depended on the receptivity of the drug user, but it was important to have it as a viable alternative to prison.

The comments come following recent criticism of drug diversion programs for not being a deterrent for users.

BY SCOTT MACLEAN

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