LIFELINE Central West has welcomed a new discussion about the state's drug laws, including suggestions of a more lenient approach to personal possession charges.
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Under the proposal, someone caught with drugs for personal use would receive only a warning for a first time offence.
Fines would be issued for second and third offences, while a fourth offence would lead to a criminal conviction.
Lifeline Central West CEO Stephanie Robinson said a new approach to drug issues could be a step forward.
"We are a service for everyone whether that is people with an addiction, someone impacted directly impacted by drug users, or someone in the wider community, so we understand the situation needs to be addressed," Ms Robinson said.
"Punishment might not always be the best solution the answer as we know that people whose lives have been affected by drugs need support, family and friends might also need assistance and we need to improve the situation.
"We don't condone criminal behaviour, however, looking at a new approach could lead the way forward."
A discussion about the state's drug laws comes as figures from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research show illicit drug use in Western NSW has skyrocketed over the past five years.
In the Far West and Orana region amphetamine use has increased 14.4 per cent over the past five years as crystal methamphetamine (ice) takes a toll on communities around the region.
The region also had the second highest rate of amphetamine use and possession in NSW over the last 12 months and was fourth highest in the state for the report's "Other Drugs" category
It's a similar story in the central west with cocaine use increasing by 47.8 per cent between July 2018 to June 2020, while the use of amphetamines was up by almost 20 per cent.
However, there is some good news.
Last month, Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders announced the city would be home to a new detoxification and residential rehabilitation facility, with $7.5 million allocated to the project in the last NSW Budget.
Mr Saunders said the project would create real change in the region.
"Unfortunately, too many people in the community are either directly or indirectly impacted by drug addiction and the associated societal problems and this is a huge step forward in providing access to services that will help people," he said.
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