A new survey highlighting people's views on drug policies across the country has been welcomed by Broken Hill residents appreciative of its focus on families.
The not-for-profit organisation Family Drug Support released its Voices To be Heard on Thursday and found that seven times as many respondents wanted resources allocated to harm reduction strategies rather than law enforcement.
More than 600 family members affected by someone else's drug and alcohol use responded, with 87 per cent supporting needle and syringe programs and 85 per cent in favour of pill testing services.
The organisation's Angela Tolley said families were demanding change.
"They want politicians to listen to them, to listen to the experiences of people who have lived through it," she said.
Ms Tolley said the survey was widespread and had taken in a lot of rural areas, particularly in eastern parts of the country.
"We just wanted to give families a voice because that's not happened in the past.
Family perspectives 'important'
Broken Hill alcohol and other drug clinician Andrew House is part of a committee looking to establish a drug and alcohol rehab facility in the city.
He said with a lot of stigma still attached to drug use it was important to hear from those with lived-experience and their families.
"I think there's still a fair bit to go with removing the stigma from alcohol and other drug use and people that have problems with it," he said.
"And I think for families too — like the shame around it.
