Meth misery: drug abuse at all-time high
Widespread abuse of illicit drugs and an increase in the use of crystal meth has earned Rockingham the nickname "Crackingham".
Rockingham's drug services say there's been a significant increase in reported methamphetamine use, but the problem is not confined to the area and is a growing issue for WA.
While alcohol remains the primary drug of concern for health workers, the percentage of Rockingham people seeking help for meth abuse has increased by 6 per cent in the past year.
Rockingham Drug and Alcohol Services said 14 per cent of clients had this year identified amphetamines or methamphetamine as their primary drug.
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Crystal meth use in Rockingham was thrust into the national spotlight last week when it was revealed Navy junior sailors based at HMAS Stirling had taken their lives after abusing ice and alcohol.
Family and friends claimed there was widespread illicit drug use at the Garden Island base and sailors had abused drugs while serving on the HMAS Toowoomba.
The father of Stuart Addison, the first of three close Navy mates to take their lives, spoke to the Telegraph about his son's ice addiction.
Mark Addison said he believed drug and alcohol abuse at the base was a symptom of the sailors' mental health issues and depression.
Prime Minster Tony Abbott last week announced an ice taskforce would be created to tackle the growing problem, which he described as a "national epidemic".
The quickly addictive drug can profoundly change someone's mental state and behaviour, causing aggression, violence and acute psychosis.
The accessibility, affordability and destructive nature of the drug have emerged as major problems confronting health workers and law enforcement.
Drug and Alcohol Office executive director Neil Guard said the side effects of amphetamine use were an ongoing concern as they resulted in damage to people's health as well as social and economic side effects for individuals, families and communities.
The Telegraph will bring readers in-depth coverage on this issue in coming weeks and explore how crystal meth is causing turmoil in the Rockingham, Kwinana and Mandurah communities.
