TAMWORTH Youth Homeless Services say the complex issues associated with the use of the drug ice means finding a workable solution will be just as complex.
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The service said not all of the young people it helps have drug problems, but all of them are “great kids” just looking for a direction.
Helping them find a way could be easier if the latest recommendation identified by the local Ice Action Group to establish a local referral model to help those ready to kick the habit and find the right help when they need it comes to fruition.
“Our priority is to assist them to find a way,” Tamworth Youth Homeless Services team manager Joely Brennan said.
The service acknowledges ice use among Tamworth’s young people “is huge” but not all have hideous problems with its use.
It said, while ice is highly additive, there is a culture of young people who use it socially and this number could come as a surprise to the community.
The service’s team say it isn’t a drug that addiction takes over from the first use, but how each person reacts to its use is unpredictable.
“It comes down to the individual, if a person has an addictive nature, of course there is a high chance they will develop an addiction,” Mrs Brennan said.
She said, while casual users will not exhibit the extreme behaviours that has become the perceived stereotype of ice users, not all, but most, will experience a volatile response when “coming down”.
Heavy users have admitted to The Leader to carrying weapons for self defence due to feelings of paranoia.
“Ice is a dirty word and the stigma attached to its use could be stopping social users from seeking help,” Mrs Brennan said.
The service’s team said the reasons for trying the drug include the fact it is cheaper and easier
to get than other “feel good” options such as alcohol or marijuana. It also lists boredom and a limited number of activities and events for young people, peer pressure and life experiences.
It said the stigma and a shortage of local professional services qualified to assist are among the major issues for those who want to kick the habit.
The team said a common sticking point for young people is the decision to enter a rehabilitation centre a long way from home.
It said while making the decision to stop using is a big step, being removed from supportive family and friends for a long period of time to recover was a massive leap.
Closed-door detox and rehabilitation centres are located in Armidale, Newcastle, the Central Coast and Sydney.
The service said the establishment of a rehabilitation centre in Tamworth to service the inland region ‘makes sense’ and that more funding should be made available for more local, specifically trained, counselling professionals.
