Between 750 and 850 people are treated for methamphetamine use every year in the Hunter.
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Methamphetamine is an illegal drug in the same class as cocaine, which usually comes in the form of a crystalline white powder.
When this powder is crystallised it becomes the drug known as ice, which has reached epidemic levels of drug use in Maitland.
The number of people Hunter New England Health has treated for methamphetamine use has been consistent for the past two years, and there is no sign of it decreasing.
The figures are not broken into geographical areas and only include the people using the public health system.
“Demand for assistance through the Stimulant Treatment Clinic across the district has been steady over the past couple of years,” HNEH drug and alcohol director Adrian Dunlop said.
The Hunter has a number of public services for methamphetamine users, including assessment and referral, counselling and withdrawal support.
A dedicated methamphetamine treatment clinic was established in Newcastle in 2006 to service the Hunter.
“These clinics provide outpatient counselling in conjunction with education and support for clients and their families,” Mr Dunlop said. “Clients are referred to ancillary services for specific health issues, for example psychiatric consultation and sexual health clinics.”
The HNEH drug and alcohol triage and assessment service can be accessed on 1300 660 059.
