CRYSTAL methamphetamine hydrochloride is a filthy drug.
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More commonly known as ice, it is highly addictive, can cause stroke, memory loss, anorexia, heart problems and sleep problems.
It can make you look years older than you are, damage your teeth and cause skin lesions.
It causes hallucinations and paranoia. Users often become aggressive and violent.
The drug releases monoamines and can eventually destroy the brain’s receptors, leading to a point where the user cannot feel pleasure without further ice use.
Police say they are doing their best to combat the ice scourge, but admit they need help, which is why Fairfax Media launched the Breaking the Ice campaign earlier this year.
Ice is a “whole of community” problem, not just impacting the users themselves but also causing trauma and financial hardship for families, as well as wider social issues.
It also clogs up our police resources and court systems.
We are grateful that the former Eurobodalla mum, featured in our news this week, shared her story.
The sad fact is, her story is not altogether unique.
NSW Police reports that for every 10,000 people in our shire, there are between 700 and 1000 drug offences.
There are possibly hundreds of people keeping their addiction hidden in our community.
NSW Police this month launched Operation Baud, otherwise known as the ‘dob in a druggie’ campaign, targeting illicit drug offences, whether it be dealing, use, cultivation or manufacturing.
Residents with information can phone a special line on 4478 9937, and leave their report anonymously on an answering machine.
For those addicted, help is available.
Speak to a doctor, counsellor or other health worker, or the Australian Drug Information Network, which provides comprehensive information about drugs, their effects and where to get help.