Those of us old enough, remember a time when the widespread use of crystal methamphetamine, or ice as it is commonly known, was not an issue.
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In recent years the statistics show there has been growth in the use of the drug across the country or certainly that the impacts on society are more visible.
When compared to the use of some drugs, the use of ice on a national scale is still relatively low, but the cost on people and communities has proven to be huge.
The addictive power of the drug, it’s impact on the user and everyone around them has had it labelled with all sorts of tags, “scourge” being one of the most common.
Data has also indicated rates of methamphetamine use is higher in regional and rural areas and therefore the impact of the drug’s reach has been felt far and wide across the country. Communities have been united in trying to find a solution to combat the impacts of ice.
The power of the drug is found in the strength of the high it gives the user, creating an almost “euphoric” release of dopamine – the body’s “pleasure chemical”.
While the use of medication to suppress the cravings of addicts is common with other drugs, there is no yet approved medical treatment for ice addicts.
Addicts have to rely on counselling, education, support groups and drug tests. Yet there is now new hope.
Wollongong, Melbourne and Geelong have been selected for a world-first trial which hopes to change the treatment of ice addiction.
Researchers are investigating whether N-Acetyl Cysteine – or NAC – can reduce the cravings for the drug in addicts and therefore limit their desire for use.
University of Wollongong researcher Associate Professor Peter Kelly is looking for local addicts to join the trial.
“The fact that there hasn’t been an established medication for methamphetamine addiction is a barrier – with users seeking treatment having to access outpatient counselling or residential rehabilitation services,” he told the Illawarra Mercury.
“So exploring different treatment strategies and coming up with better interventions is an important area of research.”
We can only pray this trial offers some sort of hope not only to those addicted to this drug, but also the family, friends and communities who have to live with the consequences too.