LABELLING ice users as aggressive zombies and using various scare tactics won’t help them, drug expert Dr Karen Fisher told the Gazette.
The Nepean Hospital clinical director for drug and alcohol services said labelling drug users in ways which created fear made it more difficult for families to open up and be honest about ice use.
Dr Fisher said more and more, the image of out-of-control junkies who pick holes in their skin and scratch their eyeballs out is being blown up in the media.
Although this may be true in a few cases, she said it doesn’t help the users who struggle with ice.
“It’s sending the message that you become a monster if you use ice, and restating a feeling of hopelessness and shame,” Dr Fisher said.
She said in a society which is already hyper-vigilant and scared, these images are making it worse.
‘‘There need to be more messages which show that help is available and that recovery is possible.’’
The government has responded to statistics about ice with mass media campaigns but ice use needs to be examined.
She agreed there was a problem with ice in Australia, but emphasised that alcohol remained the primary concern and reason for horrific domestic violence incidents, assaults and other health issues.
“Fear is being created which generally can cause panic and blur the reality of the situation. There is a perception of an ice epidemic among communities but statistics don’t support this.
“Methamphetamine use in Australia has remained constant since the early 2000s but it’s ice, the crystal form, which has become more popular among existing users. It’s also used more frequently.
‘‘It’s selling better and more people are making it because it’s the preferred drug.
“[Our society is] switched on 24 hours a day. We don’t respect sleep anymore which is why this is the drug of choice. It keeps you awake.”
Dr Fisher said what is shown in the media are extreme cases which don’t often represent the reality of regular users seeking help.
‘‘Not everyone who uses ice commits crimes and turns into zombies. It’s important to educate the community that not every ice user is an addict and out of control.’’
Without downplaying the drug, Dr Fisher said there was no doubt that some users became chaotic and experienced heightened anxiety, psychosis and violence, but it’s important to know not all are like that.
‘‘Ice use unleashes any mental illness and can unmask psychosis. Illnesses ruin families and ice unleashes these illnesses. Don’t harm your brain because even that one time can be catastrophic.”
Nepean Hospital manager of psychology and counselling James Brown said anyone concerned with their ice use should see their doctor or talk to someone.
“Brains can recover with sleep, food and care,” Mr Brown said.
“It’s not hard to recover from the addiction. It’s just taking that first step.
“Most of the world will not try ice; most of the world will never touch it. But for the ones who are hooked, it’s never too late or too early to get the help needed.”
