Methamphetamine (ice) resources

Methamphetamine (ice) resources

Murray PHN has partnered with the Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) to create a suite of resources for the community and health professionals to use about the effects of the drug methamphetamine (ice). In addition, information on local services and local data has also been provided on this page.

Murray PHN is measuring improvement through increased access and referral to treatment services, increased culturally appropriate treatment/interventions, a reduction in ED presentations, stronger patient pathways across AOD, mental health, and primary care, and uptake of health service support tools such as CATPlus.

The ADF's resources below, cover the effects of ice on individuals, their families and communities. They also explain where someone can get help if they have a methamphetamine problem or want to support someone else who is struggling with an addiction.

Resources and information

What is methamphetamine (ice)?
Methamphetamine, also commonly known as 'ice', is a stimulant drug, which means it speeds up the messages travelling between the brain and the body. Ice is generally stronger, more addictive and has more harmful side effects than the powdered form known as speed.

  • Click here to read or to download this resource.

Methamphetamine (ice) use in the family
There has been an enormous amount of attention in Australia on methamphetamine (ice) use, much of which has been sensationalised. It is important to break through these negative stereotypes and see the person rather than the drug.

  • Click here to read or to download this resource.

Harm reduction and methamphetamine (ice) use
While all drug use poses risks, some people will continue to use drugs and it is important that they know how to reduce harms and protect their health.

  • Click here to read or to download this resource.

Treatment from methamphetamine (ice)
Help should be sought if methamphetamine use is affecting physical and/or mental health, family, relationships, work, school, financial or other life situations.

  • Click here to read or to download this resource.

Withdrawal from methamphetamine (ice)
Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe, and it is important to remember that withdrawal is the first step in a longer journey and that additional, ongoing treatment and support options should be considered as part of the treatment planning.

  • Click here to read or to download this resource.

How to run a forum
If you want to organise a forum in your community about methamphetamine ('ice') and/or alcohol and other drugs, access this 10-step guide.

  • Click here to read or to download this resource.

Healthy spirit, healthy community
The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) in partnership with the Victorian Koori Alcohol & Other Drugs Workers and the Alcohol and Drug Foundation with support from the Victorian Government, have created a resource for health professionals and community members as an educational and informational resources about drugs that are most used in the Victorian Aboriginal community.

  • Click here to read or to download this resource.

Strong Boorais, Bright Futures - Keeping healthy during pregnancy
Created in collaboration with The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Inc. the below video is a resource for mothers, fathers and families about keeping healthy during pregnancy and provides advice for reducing and stopping the use of alcohol and other drugs during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Boorai is an Aboriginal word used in Victoria and means baby.

The full 18 minute version is available to watch online here.

For more resources, including for the CALD communities and online learning modules, visit the Alcohol and Drug Foundation's website here.

Data and reports

A key role of Murray PHN is to identify and analyse health and service needs within our region and prioritise activity to address those needs.

Murray Exchange is an online population health information resources available for free to community members, services providers and planners across the Murray PHN catchment. Click here for alcohol and other drug information by local government area.

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation has also collated information for Murray PHN by Local Government area, that includes: ambulance attendances and episodes of care by substances, two yearly comparisons.  Click here  for details.

Additional materials

Services and support

Information on local services who provide support to individuals and families in the Murray PHN is listed below.