STRENGTHENING the lines of communication between 'ice' addicts and their families will be a focus of a community forum in Bacchus Marsh.
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Speakers at the forum, at Bacchus Marsh Town Hall on February 21, include the chief executive of the Self Help Addiction Resource Centre, a senior clinician and Bacchus Marsh police youth resource officer Jim Ross.
'Ice' is a street name for crystal methamphetamine hydrochloride. As reported by the Weekly in August, counsellors have seen an increase in local use of the powerful stimulant.
"We want to create a conversation between addicts and their families, children and their parents," Senior Constable Ross said.
"People want to hear stories and to be heard. Families of addicts need as much help as they can get. We will also show people attending some drug paraphernalia so families can understand what addicts use."
It follows a similar forum late last year which was attended by more than 200 people and shed light on the growing problem of drug use in the region.
"I'm getting people ringing me and knocking on my door asking 'Where do I go? Who do I talk to about this'?" Senior Constable Ross said.
"It feels like the community are talking a bit more openly about it after the last forum we held."
A family drug support group will also be launched. The forum starts at 7.30pm and a light supper will be served. Bookings: 9573 1784 or 0437 981 316