Getting help for ice (crystal meth) use

Getting help for ice (crystal meth) use

Ice might affect you in a number of ways (see ice fact sheet). If you are using ice regularly and feel like it is affecting your life in a negative way, you might want to get some help to get it under control. It may be a good idea to talk to a doctor, drug and alcohol worker or other health worker about the treatment options that are best for you.
For more information about treatment options you may want to check out the fact sheet on getting help for drug use or contact the Alcohol and Drugs Information and Counselling Service. More numbers are listed in the 'Getting more info / Support' section at the bottom of the page.

Treatment for ice use

It has been reported that users of ice and other methamphetamines are less likely to access treatment services than other drug users. Research from Australia suggests that possible treatments should include both psychosocial and behavioural approaches specific to methamphetamine users (e.g. counselling, psychotherapy), as well as medication.

Withdrawal

Some of the symptoms people may experience once they have stopped using ice include:

• Disorientation
• Hunger
• Extreme fatigue and exhaustion
• Decreased energy, apathy and the limited ability to experience pleasure
• Anxiety, irritability and depression
   craving ice.

If you are in the process of withdrawing from using ice, and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important that you look after yourself. Surround yourself with the support you need to get through what might be a difficult time.

You might want to talk with your doctor, drug and alcohol worker, other health worker, or the Drug and Alcohol Counselling Service (see contact numbers at the bottom of the fact sheet) about strategies for getting through the withdrawal symptoms.

The Law

Some amphetamine-based drugs can be prescribed by doctors for conditions such as narcolepsy. Ritalin, a dexamphetamine, is used to treat hyperactivity in children. Other than these few specialised cases, possession, use, supply and manufacture of amphetamines is illegal.

Getting more info / support

If you use ice and are finding that this is having a negative impact on your life, there is help out there for you and people you can talk to. This might be your doctor, a drug and alcohol worker, a counsellor, the Drugs and Alcohol Counselling Service (see contact numbers at the bottom of the fact sheet).

You might be able to talk with them to get support and to find out about the treatment options that might work for you.

Drug information and advice services

Phone numbers within Ireland

Headsup - You can search for drug treatment centres in your area.   http://www.headsup.ie/outsidehelp.php

Drugs and Alcohol Programme (Information and Counselling) DAP provides live helper-interactive services, telephone & mobile help-line services and various other online services for drug and alcohol issues. Visit www.drugs.ie or call 01 8360911

Narcotics Anonymous NA is a non-profit fellowship of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. They are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. Visit http://www.na-ireland.org/

Merchants Quay Ireland provides a range of services for people affected by drug use and the associated problems of HIV infection, crime, homelessness, unemployment and poverty.
Visit www.mqi.ie or call 01 5240160

Drug Misuse Research Division The Drug Misuse Research Division (DMRD) of the Health Research Board (HRB) hosts the National Documentation Centre on Drug Use which provides information and research on drug misuse in Ireland (and internationally).
Visit www.hrb.ie/ndc

National Drugs Awareness Campaign Linked to the National Drug Awareness Campaign as part of the National Drug Strategy this website provides advice, guidance and information on a wide range of issues relating to drugs. Visit www.drugsinfo.ie

Drug Treatment Centre Board
Website of the Drug Treatment Centre Board (Trinity Court) which is the longest established treatment service in Ireland.
Visit www.addictionireland.ie, Call - 01 6488600 or Email - info@dtcb.ie

Acknowledgement:
Adapted from 'Ice', Fact sheet 1.28, revised April 2006, DrugInfo Clearinghouse, Australian Drug Foundation, with permission'

 

www.adf.org.au
www.druginfo.adf.org.au

Thanks also to Drug Treatment Centre Board.