Queensland Health has boosted its effort to support anyone experiencing problems with crystal methamphetamine (commonly known as ice) use, including the families and friends supporting loved ones with their recovery.
Following the success of the first campaign three years ago, the new Ice Help Campaign website features a comprehensive list of support services available, treatment and recovery information, along with the addition of three new video testimonials featuring people who are on their recovery journey as well as the loved ones who support them.
Executive Director of the Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs Branch at Queensland Health, Associate Professor John Allan, said that despite considerable and ongoing efforts by Government agencies, services, families, communities and individuals themselves, ice use was continuing to place an increased burden in Queensland, including on emergency services, community services, the health system and its staff.
"We know ice can be a difficult drug to stop. And we know there are many families who want to support their loved ones make a positive change," he said.
"It's why Queensland Health launched the Ice Help Campaign. It doesn't matter who you are; if you're someone who wants information, support or treatment or if you're a family member or friend, we're here to tell you recovery from ice is possible."
In Queensland, the rate of hospital admissions for methamphetamine use has increased by 35 per cent from 4,425 in 2017-2018 to 6,813 in 2019-2020. However, positively, the rate of community treatment for methamphetamine use has increased by 19 per cent from 5,754 in 2017-2018 to 6,825 in 2019-2020.
Director at Queensland Health's ADIS; 24/7 Alcohol and Drug Information Service, Dr Hollie Wilson, said it was helpful for people to know how to support a loved one experiencing problems with methamphetamine use, and the treatment services on offer for those seeking help with their recovery.
"We don't just receive calls from people using methamphetamine, we get call calls from parents worried about their children, partners worried about their significant other. It can affect more than just the individual" she said.
"In many cases, fear, shame and stigma are what stop people from seeking help. We're here to tell you you're not alone. Help is available."
"At ADIS, there are experienced and skilled counsellors you can talk to 24 hours, 7 days a week. Their advice is free and confidential," Dr Wilson said.
"To date, we have responded to more than two million calls. I want to encourage people to keep coming forward."
37-year-old Lawry Rogers said he thought he was in control of his life while using ice, but twelve months into his recovery, is now starting to get back what ice took from him.
"Ice can affect anyone. I had a great childhood and have an extremely loving family. I was never raised around drugs or violence, but I started using ice after a few traumatic experiences at the age of twenty-five," he said.
"I had a good career, a loving family with two children and ice ruined my life. It stripped me of who I was. I'm now starting to get those relationships back to where they used to be. And I couldn't be happier."
Lea-Anne Williams said she had no idea her husband experienced problems with ice for almost five years, until he opened up to her.
"I think people are afraid their loved ones will leave them if they found out. I think there's a lot of shame and stigma, but they're just normal, everyday people, doing everyday things.
"Recovery is hard but worth it. My children have their father back and I have my husband."
