By JESSE GRAHAM
STORIES about the damage that ice can cause are often told by police, medical officers and paramedics, who have seen first-hand the destruction and chaos that the drug can bring.
But much of the sentiments about the drug’s destructive capabilities have been echoed by James (not his real name), a resident in the outer east who has previously used the drug.
James, who is in his twenties, told the Mail that, when he had used crystal methamphetamine (ice), the experience left him feeling dirty, underwhelmed and “highly strung”.
“It felt dirty – it didn’t feel like a nice experience,” he said.
He said that, while on the drug, it was easy to lose track of entire days, and that coming down from the drug was a “horrendous” experience that could last anywhere up to three days.
James said he felt that experience alone was a deterrent from continuing to use the drug, but that he had also seen people “completely destroyed” by long-term ice use.
“It’s very rapid in that it quickly affects your mind,” he said.
“They had almost developed full-on paranoia – they thought their friends were talking about them when they left the room.
“And as you come down, the paranoia gets more intense, and more intense, and more intense.”
These sentiments were echoed by Turning Point clinical director Doctor Matt Frei, who told the Mail last week the drug was associated with sleepless nights, paranoia and violent behaviour.
Other emergency services workers have said that violent rages are common for ice users, with stories of users with seemingly the strength of 10 men, and OC foam having no effect on quelling violent rages.
James said that, after experiencing the drug first-hand and seeing the damage it could so easily bring, a brush with ice was not something he wanted to repeat.
