By NOEL MURPHY
YOUTH worker Les Twentyman has lashed out ice abuse problems in Geelong as the drug scourge continues to rage across the region.
The drug crisis was affecting communities from Geelong to Colac and as far as Portland, Mr Twentyman said.
Other regional areas such as Bendigo were also suffering the effects of the highly-addictive, highly-damaging methamphetamines, he told the Independent.
Agencies such as Geelong’s Time for Youth backed Mr Twentyman’s concerns, saying ice abuse presented as a problem in up to 20 per cent of its client base.
The agency deals with up to 800 clients a year and, according to its youth and family option program co-ordinator, David Jefferson, ice use is not only a problem for young people.
“We have teenagers whose adult parents are using ice,” he told the independent.
“It’s hellishly addictive and it makes people very aggressive, so in situations where you already have family violence it makes things 1000 times worse.
“And, like Les’s point, it’s not just in Melbourne, that’s true. It’s easy to get for anyone who wants it.
“I worry because kids get free samples to begin with.
“Another problem is that people think they can make it themselves using industrial-based chemicals and taking on all sorts of impurities.”
Mr Jefferson said ice use was placing pressure on Geelong support agencies but was far from the only significant drug issue, with marijuana and synthetic drugs also popular and freely available.
However, alcohol remained the region’s biggest drug problem, he said.
“And kids won’t try ice cold – they’re usually high on dope or alcohol, their inhibitions are down.”
Mr Twentyman last week told a Victorian parliamentary committee of an “epidemic” gripping communities.
“Ice is having a devastating impact on our youth,” he said.
“I have visited regional centres such as Bendigo and Geelong through to new suburbs such as Point Cook to the inner city of Melbourne .
“The impact of ice is being felt right across the state.”
