The Waitaki District Council has come up with measures to help people suffering from withdrawal symptoms of ''legal highs'', working in conjunction with several agencies.
Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher, who was outspoken in his opposition to the sale of the psychoactive substances in the district, said the community could not ignore the possible withdrawal effects now the substances had been banned.
He wanted people affected by withdrawal to be aware of support services and community organisations available to help.
Although Oamaru police and emergency services have not reported any issues yet in North Otago, there are fears that may be because of stockpiling by users.
Working alongside police, the Ministry of Social Development, mental health services and other agencies, the council was taking measures to ensure adequate information was freely available to those who needed it.
Information had also been given to schools so pupils were aware of the harm, side effects and what to do to get help.
''There is no doubt that the entire community will be better off without psychoactive substances. However, it's important not to ignore the withdrawal effects that some people will experience,'' he said.
There were several organisations that had very good experience in helping people withdraw safely from drugs.
''As a community we all have a responsibility to help each other and I encourage everyone to help where they can,'' he said.
There was a real possibility people would find loopholes in the legislation and that new psychoactive substances would be sold in the future.
The council was working to address this by developing a local approved product policy, which would include measures such as restrictions on where psychoactive substances could be sold, particularly in relation to schools, playgrounds and other child-focused areas.
''While we may not be able to prevent the sale of psychoactive substances when they might be approved, we will adopt measures to keep children and our communities as safe as we possibly can,'' he said.
Agency Support
• Waitaki Community Mental Health Service: phone 433-0002
• Supporting Families Waitaki: phone 434-1130
• Youthline: phone 0800 376-633
• Lifeline: phone 0800 543-354
• What's up: phone 0800 942-878
• Narcotics Anonymous: phone 0800 628-632
• Website support Ministry of Health (www.health.govt.nz/our-work/mental-health-and-addictions/psychoactive-su...)
• The LowDown (www.thelowdown.co.nz) NZ Drug Foundation (www.drugfoundation.org.nz)
