Western Regional Drug and Alcohol Centre says rising numbers of people seeking assistance underpins its lobbying for a residential rehabilitation centre.
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The number of residents seeking assistance for alcohol-related problems has taken a sharp upswing, increasing by 10 per cent since COVID restrictions eased.
WRAD operations manager Mark Powell said the COVID pandemic had a noticeable impact on residents, particularly during September and October. He said it was pleasing people were seeking help for their problems.
"The earlier someone seeks help for a substance use issue the better their outcomes are," Mr Powell said.
"WRAD has a lot of success in helping people who have alcohol-use issues."
WRAD delivered its annual report at its AGM on Monday night. "We continue to remain hopeful for the establishment of a residential rehabilitation program as the demand for longer stay programs has grown considerably and our community deserves to have access to the full range range of services within their own region," Mr Powell said in the report.
It is awaiting state government backing for The Lookout, a proposed rehab centre at Dennington.
The report reveals 1060 clients sought assistance from the service with alcohol the principal drug of concern for 44 per cent.
The principal drug of concern for almost 30 per cent of clients was cannabis, followed by methamphetamine (18.7 per cent).
WRAD's financial position improved over the 2020/21 financial year, with a loss of $6148 - compared with $70,857 in the previous period.
Treasurer Scott Dickie said it was a good outcome as the service had budgeted for a loss of about $190,000.
"The WRAD balance sheet continues to remain strong with net assets valued at $3,372,735 down from $3,378,884," Mr Dickie said.
Coronavirus lockdowns proved a challenge for the service, which delivered its Sliding Doors Therapeutic Day Rehabilitation Program primarily through video conferencing programs.
"When restrictions had eased sufficiently to enable small face-to-face sessions in the group room at WRAD, Zoom options remain available at all times," Sliding Doors co-ordinator Angela Alexander said.
She said it was encouraging participants had responded positively. "Positive results have included improved relationships with family, reunification with children or increased regular access visits, beginning studies, starting full-time or part-time work and taking up healthy habits and pastimes," she said.
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