WA minister wants compulsory rehab sooner

Plans for a rehabilitation centre where drug addicts would be forced into treatment will be pursued as soon as possible, Western Australia's new Mental Health Minister Andrea Mitchell says.

Ms Mitchell, who took over the portfolio from Helen Morton late last month, says something has to be done to address the psychological problems suffered by drug users and the impact on their families.

WA's rates of methamphetamine use have been above the national average in recent years.

This week Ms Mitchell proposed establishing by 2020 a rehabilitation centre where addicts and also alcoholics could undergo compulsory treatment, but now says it should happen sooner.

"I've got to do something now. I can't wait. It's not fair to families, good families who are going through this," she told 6PR radio on Monday.

The proposal could be achieved through amending the existing Mental Health Act or require separate legislation.

The minister noted some people didn't believe treatment could be forced.

"We've got to be able to protect the community and we do have a duty of care to that individual, so it is a balancing act," Ms Mitchell said.

"I certainly would hope that the opposition would see the benefit of an amendment to the act so we can provide this service."