In the Midst of an Ice Age
An insight into the inevitable destruction caused by crystal methamphetamine
Dubbed an ‘epidemic’, crystal methamphetamine, or what is commonly known as ‘ice’ or ‘meth’ is ripping through Australian cities, wreaking havoc on families and communities.
What exactly is crystal methamphetamine?
A highly addictive stimulant drug, crystal methamphetamine is only one type of methamphetamine, characterised by its ice-like appearance, hence its street name ‘ice’. Users of the drug are known to smoke, inhale through the nose, inject or even consume it orally as a pill. It is also easily dissolvable in water and alcohol and due to its easy consumption, it is a popular party drug.
What are the effects of ice?
The effects of crystal methamphetamine are vast with multiple short and long term effects. These include:
Short term effects
- Loss of appetite
- Increased heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature
- Dilation of pupils
- Disturbed sleep patterns
- Nausea
- Bizarre, erratic, sometimes violent behaviour
- Hallucinations, hyper-excitability, irritability
- Panic and psychosis
- Convulsions, seizures and death from high doses
Long term effects
- Permanent damage to blood vessels of heart and brain, high blood pressure leading to heart attacks, strokes and death
- Liver, kidney and lung damage
- Destruction of tissues in nose if sniffed
- Respiratory (breathing) problems if smoked
- Infectious diseases and abscesses if injected
- Malnutrition, weight loss
- Severe tooth decay
- Disorientation, apathy, confused exhaustion
- Strong psychological dependence
- Psychosis
- Depression
- Damage to the brain similar to Alzheimer’s disease, stroke and epilepsy
Source: http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/crystalmeth/the-deadly-effects-of-meth.html
Why do people do it?
Many people are not educated on the short and long term physical and psychological effects of methamphetamine use, making them vulnerable and curious to try the drug. In addition, ice can be seen as a deceptive drug, initially acting as a stimulant which gives an almost instant euphoric feeling of energy and confidence to those who use it. Almost straight away, users become addicted to the drug, becoming highly dependent in order to function.
People experiment with crystal methamphetamine for a variety of reasons, particularly out of curiosity, boredom and a multitude of other factors including:
- Peer pressure
- To medicate pain
- To fit in
- It is easily accessible
- Able to be easily consumed
- To escape reality/ poor life circumstances
- For fun
- No longer satisfied by gateway drugs such as marijuana
- To avoid withdrawal symptoms
- Not educated on its negative effects
Why is it an issue?
Due to its damaging effects on individuals and their families, ice is outlawed in Australia, although this generally does not deter users. In fact, “regular users of ice have more than doubled in the past four years”, making the issue harder to tackle.
One of the most alarming effects of ice usage is the violent and irrational behaviour that accompanies, making it a driver for violent crime in Australia. Unfortunately, children are increasingly vulnerable to domestic violence and neglect as a result of parents or family who are ice users. According to a report released by The Australian Crime Commission, ice “poses the highest risk to the Australian community”, with a stack of crimes being associated with the drug such as robbery, money laundering, assault, firearms trafficking, domestic violence and even murder.
In an interview with 60 Minutes Australia, CEO of The Australian Crime Commission, Mr Chris Dawson acknowledges that in his opinion, ice is “the most harmful illegal drug that Australia is facing”, also adding that “it is presenting a problem everywhere”.
“1.3 million people have admitting to using ice at least once in their life”- Chris Dawson, CEO
In particular, the issue is prominent in western Sydney in areas such as the Hawkesbury, where just early this year two men were charged for supplying ice over the counter in a tobacconist store in George Street, Windsor.
Where do we go from here?
Already outlawed, ice is impacting Australian communities more than ever. So the question remains- how do we eradicate this epidemic?
The problem with ice being illegal in Australia is that many people are simply afraid to seek help for their addiction in fear of prosecution. Authorities could tackle this problem by focusing on prosecuting drug manufacturers and dealers, essentially cutting off the supply to users. Instead of punishing users with jail time and fines, authorities could also take a more constructive approach to tackle addiction by sentencing ice users to mandatory stays at government-funded treatment and rehabilitation facilities, only facing jail time when they refuse to attend.
In addition, many drug users are unsure of where to go for proper treatment as there are only a small number of treatment facilities within Australia that recognise ice addiction. A relatively new drug treatment facility, Dooralong Transformation Centre was established by The Salvation Army. The centre acknowledges the difficulty of overcoming all types of drug addiction and also aims to provide “opportunity for participants to move back into the community transformed and renewed”. Although this treatment facility is extremely useful and effective in rehabilitating ice users, it is not easily accessible to everyone and funding generally relies on public donations. It is therefore reasonable to say that the government needs to stop “sweeping” the issue under the carpet and establish government funded facilities that aim to rehabilitate as opposed to punish drug users.
How do we deter people from using ice?
Another solution to eradicate ice use in Australia is to completely deter the public from experimenting with it through educational programs. This is easier to implement in schools, where as mentioned previously, police representatives can come out and educate youth on the harmful effects of drug use. In addition, educational programs would be further effective if they were ran by rehabilitated drug users, providing first hand insight and experience with the effects of drug use.
An app called “Ice Effex” is also a unique way to educate the public on the negative effects of ice usage. Users of the app are able to upload an image of their face in which the app creates an overlay that depicts what their face would look like if they were addicted to ice throughout a period of twelve months.
As well as being educational, the app also acts as a deterrent as it is confronting and shocking, particularly with users being able to upload their own image.
Although many current treatment and educational programs are in place, with the growing number of regular ice users it is simply not adequate. It is therefore essential for the government to acknowledge that even though it is illegal, ice addiction is a still a growing issue and there needs to be government facilities offering support and rehabilitation to users.
Do you have a personal experience with crystal methamphetamine? Share your story below, you might be able to help someone!
Where to get help
If you or anyone you know is affected by drug use, seek help before it is too late.
Family Drug Help
1300 660 068
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Lifeline
13 11 14
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
More help available at: http://www.druginfo.adf.org.au/contact-numbers/help-and-support
