ONE of the reasons for my trip to the North Coast of NSW was to intervene in a family situation where one of the daughters was caught in a drug addiction and other police issues. It was a grim situation that required calm thinking and what is sometimes called ‘tough love’.
Ice, Crystal meth or Crystal Methamphetamine is an unforgiving drug of addiction that is now widespread. It makes no distinctions between socio-economic groups or family situation and, as I found, it can be a secret addiction peppered with a trail of lies and paid for by theft and deception.
Nobody is immune. Detoxification is a difficult process but, fortunately, there are programs for counselling and rehabilitation.
But I am no expert and can only say that this drug is potent and hard to manage – it manages you. Please be aware of addiction, its psychological roots and pervasive presence in society.