Patients have also claimed their prescriptions were stolen.

The Wimmera Problematic Prescription Drug Use Working Group ? a sub-branch of the taskforce - surveyed doctors at a conference last year.

Taskforce chairman Janine Harfield said the statistics were alarming.

"Problems commonly faced in dealing with people who suffer from problematic prescription drug use include asking for prescriptions early, unwillingness to try non-pharmacological treatments and unwillingness to take non-schedule medicines," she said.

"In the Wimmera, 67 per cent of people have asked for their prescription early, while 33 per cent of people have verbally abused their GP or threatened physical harm to their GP or clinic staff.

"Sixty-seven per cent of people have been unwilling to try non-pharmacological treatments, while 61 per cent have been unwilling to take non-schedule medicines such as paracetamol."

Ms Harfield said the group had invited Wimmera GPs to join the committee and had welcomed Dr Tint San of Tristar Medical Group.

"The next step is to work collectively with GPs and assist them in managing the problem," she said.

"The GPs know there is a problem, but need help to deal with it.

"As a result, the taskforce is planning a health professionals 'think tank' for April 24 and have invited addiction medicine specialist Dr Rodger Brough of South West Healthcare to be guest speaker.

"Dr Brough will explain what has been done elsewhere and help the taskforce and health professionals strategise ways to deal with problematic prescription medication issues in the Wimmera."