'So cheap': Young father films himself smoking ice to highlight local meth crisis
WARNING - GRAPHIC CONTENT: An ice-addicted young father who said the drug is now easier to get "than pot or alcohol" has filmed himself smoking the deadly drug to highlight just how much damage it can do.
Anthony James, 27, said ice has “taken over regional Australia” and that he has been hooked since he was just 18 years old.
While at first it was used purely as a "party drug", the Melbourne local told the Daily Mail that he now uses it "just to get through the day".
“I don't sleep and I am up for four days at a time and I know I shouldn't be doing it but I keep going back for more,” he said.
“I quit my job because the drugs have got to me a bit and I just don't know what is going on at the moment, all I know is I am completely f***ked and I blame ice.”
Despite not being able to pay his bills, he said the steadily dropping price of ice means he still finds ways to “fill his pipe”.
“In the last two years the price has been cut in half and the more you buy the cheaper it is… but once you are a full user you could still spend $400 a day on it,” the long-time ice addict revealed.
He added that dealers would provide the first few hits for free, knowing they were creating a new customer for themselves.
With more and more cooks making the banned substance, Mr James said it was more common to find a pipe in someone’s house than a bong, adding that it pained him to see the rising popularity of the drug that has destroyed his beloved home town.
Describing the shocking footage of him inhaling the drug as “really embarrassing and sad”, Mr James said he hoped it would convince anyone to stay away from it altogether.
He said attempts to quit were often foiled by friends popping around and before he knew it, he would be filling up his pipe to “get back on it”.
“Or you will answer the phone to the wrong person or people you know are dealers will pop up on you Facebook feed so you just hit them up,” the Melton resident added.
If you are concerned about the mental health of yourself or a loved one, seek support and information by calling Lifeline on 13 11 14.
