SYDNEY, April 30 (Xinhua) -- A state commission into the drug, crystal methamphetamine, has arrived at one of New South Wales’ hardest hit areas to witness first hand the devastation of small town communities.
Commissioner Dan Howard arrived in Wagga Wagga on Tuesday to visit treatment centers and hear from ex-users and health professionals about their experiences with the drug, popularly known as "ice."
The inquiry began in Sydney last month but Howard says that regional communities have been the most affected.
"It is important that the commission hears directly from people in our regions about the impacts of crystal methamphetamine, the availability of services and strategies to reduce harm to individuals and communities," Howard said.
A 2016 study found that only one in 70 Australians had used methamphetamine in the past year however the drug’s unusually severe side effects mean it’s impact has been widespread.
At the opening of the inquiry last month, counsel assisting the commission, Sally Dowling, described ice as highly addictive and devastating to a person's social, mental and physical wellbeing.
“Chronic use of crystal methamphetamine can cause the collapse of the user's health,” Dowling said.
“It is sometimes associated with amphetamine-induced psychosis that, in extreme cases, may manifest in paranoia and violence and sometimes... tragically, in suicidal behavior."
Members of the public have been encouraged to make submissions to the inquiry based on their experiences and suggestions in fixing the problem.
