Student Development and Counselling
Addictive Behaviour Resources
Ice
This page contains relevant information and resources for students concerned about using Ice and related issues.
Ice, also known as 'meth', "glass' or 'crystal meth', is an illegal recreational drug in Australia. 'Ice' is a street name for crystal
methamphetamine hydrochloride, which is a powerful, synthetic stimulant drug that speeds up the messages going to and from the
brain. Ice often appears as large, transparent and “sheet-like” crystals that may have a hint of pink, blue or green colour.
The immediate effects of taking Ice include: feelings of excitement or euphoria; anxiety; incessant talking; extreme irritability;
purposeless, repetitious behaviour, such as picking at skin or pulling out hair; sleep problems; violent behaviour; and a false sense of
confidence or power. Longer term use of Ice can be associated with: disinterest in previously enjoyed activities; severe depression;
sores in and around the mouth; weight loss; irritability and aggression in addition to medical complications such as increased blood
pressure, damaged blood vessels and skin abscesses, acute lead poisoning, ice psychosis and damage to dopamine-producing cells
in the brain. Extreme care must be taken if you choose to use Ice, please ensure you have a sober, trustworthy friend with you who is
able to keep an eye out for dangerous side effects or accidental overdose. Many people may turn to drugs such as Ice to cope with
difficult emotions or social situations, and for this reason, and the withdrawing effects, quitting can be very difficult. Speaking with a
counsellor, or another health professional, however, can help you to better deal with these emotions and develop healthier ways to
cope in difficult situations.
Due to the associated health risks, and the fact that much about Ice is still unknown, the consumption and production of Ice is illegal in
Australia. Though the penalties vary from state to state, being charged with possession, dealing or producing Ice usually results in
expensive fines and/or imprisonment. If you or someone you know is using Ice, there are a number of confidential and dedicated
services in the community that can help you.
Swinburne University Services and Resources
 Student Development and Counselling - For one-on-one counselling to help you deal with your reasons for using Ice and
develop strategies to help you quit [http://www.swinburne.edu.au/stuserv/counselling].

Swinburne Health Service - Offers a friendly and accessible service including first aid, medical consultations, health
counselling, health promotion and health information. These services are provided at no cost in a strictly confidential manner
[http://www.swinburne.edu.au/stuserv/health].

Swinburne Psychology Clinic - For one-on-one, or group, counselling to help you stop using Ice and address related
issues [http://www.swinburne.edu.au/lss/psychology/pc].

Local Community Council Databases - Search for your local community services that offer assistance with drug use and
addiction [http://www.swinburne.edu.au/stuserv/communitylinks.html].
Other Services and Resources
 Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia - A National, non-government organisation representing the interests of the
Australian alcohol and other drugs sector, providing a national voice for people working to reduce the harm caused by
alcohol and other drugs [http://www.adca.org.au].

CounsellingOnline - CounsellingOnline is a website where you can communicate with a "live" professional counsellor about
an alcohol or drug related concern [https://www.counsellingonline.org.au].

Eastern Drug and Alcohol Service (EDAS) - Provides free and confidential drug and alcohol counselling, support,
education and training to residents and workers in the
Eastern Metropolitan Region [http://www.edas.org.au].

Somazone Drug Fact Sheets - Fact sheets and tips
about drugs and drug testing
[http://www.somazone.com.au/fact-sheets/index.php].