Annie Bleeker from Australian Drug Foundation is one of three special guests who will speak at ‘breaking the ice in our community’ on February 16.

Working in the alcohol and drug sector for more than 25 years, Ms Bleeker focuses on community education.

”I’ll be setting the scene of the prevalence of crystalline methamphetamine in Australia.

“According to national data one in 14 people have tried the drug over the age of 14 and about one in 50 tried the drug last year,” she said.

Ms Bleeker will highlight why crystal meth seems to be more popular then ever before and the dangers it presents, not only to the community but to the individual and their family.

“There is more people using the more potent form of the drug called ‘ice’ so we’ll be looking at how it effects the body and the brain,” she said.

Purity of the drug and a drop in price has also contributed to its popularity.

Stigma will be a large topic covered during the forum along with treatment, law enforcement and community support.

“One of the things stopping people from seeking treatment earlier is the fear of being stigmatised.

“It takes on average 10 years for someone to access treatment which is a long time for an individual and their family to be struggling.”

Doctor Adrian Dunlop, an addiction specialist, will highlight beneficial paths of treatment and the health risks associated with the drug.

“People may think the only treatment is through residential rehab but that is not the case,” she said.

Detective Inspector David Silversides from Barwon LAC will talk about the drug from a policing perspective.

“He’ll discuss how police are handling the issue. Police are very candid about the importance of working close with the community to respond to this drug.”

Ms Bleeker also noted one third of forum-goers from previous events had been directly effected by the drug.

“Families get a sense of ‘oh I’m not in this alone, I’m not the only one going through this’.”

She hoped the community would leave the forum with a better understanding.

“A lot of people get their information from the media which isn’t always accurate and usually shows the more sensational side of the drug.

“We want to present a more balanced approach to the issue and acknowledged the harm it does to the individual, families and communities.

“We know for every person who dies from methamphetamine 65 people die from alcohol so we’re trying to put it all into perspective. Not to minimise the impact of the drug but to also highlight other problems in our community.”

Ms Bleeker urged community members to attend and learn how they could support individuals and encourage them into early treatment.

“You’ll be more informed, more understanding.”

Funded by the NSW Ministry of Health, ‘breaking the ice in our community’ has educated thousands of people throughout NSW already.

“We’ve delivered 20 regional forums in big hot spots and funded different CDATs to run similar forums in smaller communities,” she said.

Five facts sheets, translated into Vietnamese, Arabic and Mandarin have been released, as well as other forms of education on the drug.

“Aboriginal health workers around the state have had further education, including in Moree in August last year. We’ve been building the capacity of the Aboriginal workforce.”

E-Learning modules and a DVD to combat stigma have also been released.  

“We’ll open the forum by playing the DVD on stigma.”

The forum will also explain strategies for families to seek support locally and how the community can assist.

“Looking very much into more youth friendly activities to keep them connected with the community.”

The forum will be held at Moree and District Services Club from 6pm on February 16.

To attend the event head to stickytickets.com.au/46935