There is a scourge on our society at the moment. Its name is ICE (or Crystal Meth) and it is having a devastating impact on our homes, community and young people. It is the worst drug to ever hit our streets and young people are more susceptible to its lure than others.

Young people who value their minds stay clear of this dangerous drug. The drug is responsible for increasing homelessness, mental illness, family breakdowns, thoughts of suicide or self-harm amongst young people.

All of our services deal with ICE on a daily basis. It is now the second most used drug among the young people we treat. ICE changes the way they look and their mental state in a profoundly negative way.

Young people are often flat and depressed when they try to break free from the drug's grip. What they're experiencing is a severe drop in dopamine levels, something that isn't easily treated. Alongside these feelings is a hunger and anxiousness for the drug. This can lead to erratic behaviour and potential violence. The solution to this problem is to get young people to value their minds. The amount of damage it does to the mental state of a young person is horrific. No one who values their mind would ever choose to do this drug.

However, not all communities have access to an alcohol and other drug program. Communities across Australia are calling out for more information on how to combat ICE. At Youth Off The Streets we focus on at least providing education around the impact of alcohol and other drugs on young people across all our programs and services. 

ICE is one of the most addictive drugs and one that does not discriminate against age, race, or family background. Youth Off The Streets is committed to providing programs that help to not only to address the addiction, but to prevent it by teaching young people to value their mind.

Father Christ Riley, CEO and Founder of Youth Off The Streets