ICE users are doing as much damage to themselves in 18 to 24 months as alcoholics do over 10 or 20 years, according to a North East rehabilitation worker.
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But despite the damage being caused by the drug, it still takes up to six months to access a residential rehab bed on the Border.
Drug and alcohol workers have welcomed a recent government announcement of $300 million for treatment and prevention services and hope they will address the shortfalls.
Users face a lengthy wait for one of 15 beds at Odyssey House south of Benalla with about 80 on the waiting list.
April is the earliest availability.
Program manager Andrew Hick said things could “go downhill very quickly” for methamphetamine users.
Quick access to services was therefore vital to treating addiction, he said.
“People on ice tend to lose in 18 months to two years what it takes 10 to 20 years for alcoholics to lose,” he said.
“We see people who have lost a lot in a very short time.
“It’s financial, health and relationships.
“Their children may now be in the care of another person or organisation.
“We see people from all parts of the community of all ages, from 18 to 65.”
Mr Hick said people were normally driven to rehab by a crisis.
“We do see a number of people who you wouldn’t expect to see in the court system who have come into trouble,” he said.
“It’s a tragedy.
“But nonetheless, we believe people can work their way out of it and very often they do.”
Odyssey House had 12 months of funding confirmed by the Federal Government in a funding announcement.
Albury Wodonga Health clinical nurse consultant Alan Fisher said there was a “catastrophic” shortfall in residential rehab services.
He is hoping the government money could fund Border rehab beds.
If that's not possible, he said funding to run a day program would be the next best option.
“The really hard part of the job is having to tell people it’s going to be three to six months to get them into treatment,” Dr Fisher said.
“If we can get people into treatment when we need to, we could save a lot of money in health costs and human costs.
“I’m so glad the Prime Minister is saying they will consult with clinicians - people people who know the system, know the problems, and know the needs - on how the money will be spent.
“Getting people into rehab in a timely manner is critically important for their welfare and society’s welfare.
“If we can’t have a local rehab, then funding for a day program would be good as well.”
