Summary
Date: 8 June 2015
The RCAGP submission to the Ice Taskforce covers the impact of ice in our community, the focus for government to combat the use of ice, efforts that would be effective to combat use of ice and what should be considered when developing a national Ice Action Strategy. These issues are related to the role general practice and GPs in the Australian general practice context.
In 2013, 2.1% of Australians used methamphetamines or amphetamines at least once. While there was no rise in use of amphetamines between 2010 and 2013, there appears to have been a change in form, with more people using methamphetamine in crystal form and people using more frequently.
This may have led to an increase in risk of harm for individuals using these substances. In addition it is likely there are a group of users who don’t perceive themselves to be at risk of harm and who are also unlikely to seek help from specialist drug and alcohol or mental health services.