FROM ICE ADDICT TO REHAB CENTRE CO-FOUNDER

Melbourne, Victoria: (Ryan Hassan) What started as recreational fun, with a fit, healthy and smart guy, turned into a complete dependence on the drugs Ice and GHB. Eventually becoming a dealer to support his habit, which lead to police chases and being locked up several times - has now completely turned around his whole life and is opening a centre so people can receive the same treatment that he did and provide education to the community and families.

In Australia, the number of methamphetamine users who prefer ice over other types of methamphetamine has doubled, from 27% in 2007 and 22% in 2010, to 50% in 2013. The proportion of people using it at least weekly has grown, from 9.3% in 2010 to 15.5% in 2013.

There has also been a significant increase in smoking as the main route of administration, from around 20% of regular users to 40%.

Other data show an increasing purity of ice, from an annual average of 21% in 2009, to 64% in 2013. The purity of traditionally lower-grade speed has also been increasing, from 12% to 37% between 2009 and 2013.

The price of both crystal and powder methamphetamine, based on purity, is now
more similar than in previous years, making ice a more economical purchase for users.

• There has been a corresponding increase in people seeking treatment at drug and alcohol clinics. The proportion of treatment “episodes” where methamphetamine was the principal drug of concern doubled from 7% in 2009-10, to 14% in 2012-13.

• There has been an 88% increase in ambulance call-outs in metropolitan Victoria and a 198% increase in call outs for methamphetamine-related incidents in some regional areas. People in regional areas are twice as likely to use methamphetamine as those in major cities (and are more likely to drink at risky levels and smoke cigarettes).

• Hospital presentations for methamphetamine-related problems are the second-highest among the four major illicit drug types, with 182 “separations” per million people in 2010-11.

• Finally, arrests for methamphetamine-related crimes have increased by 30% between 2010-11 and 2011-12. And a review of more than 80,000 Queensland roadside drug-tests between 2007 and 2012 found methamphetamine to be present in 41% of positive results.

Data we are currently analysing from the government’s National Drug Strategy Household Survey suggest these changes are driven primarily by those who use more than once a month. This group is more likely experience harms from regular use, such as dependence, mental health problems and sleeping troubles, and would benefit from early treatment.

We also know that for every dollar spent on drug treatment we save A$7 to the community, compared with A$2 for stronger policing. We need to ensure that treatment is a significant part of the solution to the problems created by changes in methamphetamine use.

The unique and innovative program that we run actually get to the root cause of the reason why they have been taking the drugs in the first place, teaches them the tools for emotional intelligence to deal with the present moment and helps them find their purpose and direction. This is a natural ‘high’ that is brought about with long-term success and they are able to handle being in the same environment (unlike other programs which allows detox away from their normal environment which can easily cause relapse). We also treat cases of anxiety, depression, stress and pain management and life guidance counselling which means that any other issues in the client themselves and also support and information for loved ones and family member.

About: The above statistics just show that the treatments and options that are being provided are either too costly or the waiting list long and it may be too late.

We are proud to be one of the most effective yet affordable private rehabilitation and mental health centres in Australia. To see our website click here.

Along with the experience of Ryan (he is happy to share any part of his story freely with his photo/recording etc) if you have any questions.