Paul (not his real name) was introduced to the highly potent form of amphetamine by a friend about two years ago.

It started innocently enough for the father of one, who would swallow small amounts of ice on weekends.

Within months, he had graduated to smoking the drug through a light globe and suddenly, the flirtation had become a full-blown love affair.

“Smoking it was what got me hooked,” Paul said.

“It’s hard to describe how good it feels when you’re on it.

“You have so much energy, your mood is so good, that even cleaning the house is better than anything you could do straight.”

His story comes as communities across the region grapple with the increasing use of ice.

Last year, Paul lost his job as a salesman after stealing from his employer to support his habit. Soon after, his long-term partner left him and took his son.

His slide into the warm embrace of addiction only accelerated.

“I started using it every day and couldn’t even consider leaving the house unless I’d had a hit,” Paul said.

A few months ago, he started injecting the drug to ensure the maximum high for the smallest dose.

He now injects it daily, subsidising his habit by buying larger amounts and selling it off in smaller portions to other users.

Most of his teeth have fallen out or rotted, his body is emaciated and covered in itchy scabs and his arms are pock-marked with needle marks.

“I know it’s slowly killing me but I don’t want to stop ... I can’t stop,” he said.

“I need a few weeks off it to give me some clarity back but I can’t bear the thought of not having it.”

A photo on his lounge-room wall shows him in 2010, looking tanned and healthy, pushing his young son on a swing.

Looking back at him today is like looking at a man 20 years older.

* If you need help with a substance abuse issue call Druginfo on 1300 85 85 84 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.