Ice use was becoming more common in the indigenous community, according to the organiser of a health road show which visited Batemans Bay on Monday.
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NSW Health’s Natalie Beckett said the Times Are Changing road show reflected the changing pattern of drug and alcohol.
“Our focus is on Aboriginal people,” she said.
“We are looking at methamphetamine, alcohol, cannabis, heroin and steroid use.
“The predominant use was alcohol and cannabis, but now we have more meth amphetamine (ice).
“Legal substances are still our primary issues, but methamphetamine is coming up.
“We know families are looking for services and saying ‘how do we deal with our kids or relatives who are affected with meth?’
“They don’t know what to do about it.
“With meth, there seems to be more domestic violence, thefts, mental health issues.
“There are more presentations to health services.”
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