The figures are showing a high prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders with a low service utilisation. I then question; are the services culturally appropriate, are the services available at times and locations that are accessible to the people requiring them and are there appropriate early-intervention programs engaging the youth early. In regard to addiction services, are the outreach services plentiful enough to cover the geographical areas of the South West in timely and consistent patterns, are clients required to travel long distances for detox, counselling or rehabilitation services. Regional and remote areas are notoriously underfunded leading to partial staff hours available and high staff turnover. High staff turnover or rotation reduces connection to the client creating barriers to trust and communication.

I also can't help but notice that natural trajectory from early addiction in the earlier years of life through to the chronic diseases later in life effecting coronary, respiratory, muscle, joint and bone health. This would make an interesting longitudinal study.