Getting help for ice use

Getting help for ice use

Ice might affect you in a number of ways (see the Ice fact sheet for more info). 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. Have a look at the Who can help you section on this site.

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 Service (ADIS). The numbers for ADIS 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 is currently being conducted into the most appropriate treatment models for ice and other methamphetamine users in Australia.

Possible treatments 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 and 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 really difficult time.

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

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, or ADIS (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 + advice services

NSW Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) - (02) 9361 8000 or 1800 422 599 in rural and regional NSW.

Directline (Victorian Based)- 1800 888 236

SA ADIS - (08) 8363 8618 or 1300 131 340

WA ADIS - (08) 9442 5000 or 1800 198 024

QLD ADIS - (07) 3837 5989 or 1800 177 833

Tasmanian ADIS - (03) 9416 1818 or 1800 811 994

NT ADIS - 1800 629 683 or Alice Springs (08) 8951 7580 or Darwin (08) 8922 8399

NT Amity House - (08) 8944 6565 or 1800 684 372

ACT ADIS - (02) 6205 4545

DrugInfo Clearinghouse - 1300 858 584

Family Drug Helpline - This is a Helpline you may want to call if you have a family member with drug problems. They provide education programs, free booklets, support groups and telephone support. Call 1300 660 068 or (03) 9573 173.

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