An ‘ice’ helpline has opened as part of a $45.5 million state government action plan to help families and drug users.
Mental Health Minister Martin Foley said the Ice Help Line would direct users and families to the treatment and support services they need.
“The ice advice line will give users the treatment they need and families the support they deserve,” Mr Foley said.
“People in rural and regional Victoria are suffering disproportionately from the effects of this vicious drug.
“Through the helpline, we’re making it easier for families to get advice and easier for their loved ones to get treatment.”
The helpline – 1800 ICE ADVICE (1800 423 238) – is now taking calls, which are free from landlines.
The service also offers clinical advice to health professionals working with ice users.
The helpline is available 24 hours, seven days a week and is operated by Turning Point, which has experience providing phone-based support.
The helpline launch coincides with that of a new website, www.ice.vic.gov.au, which provides updates on the state government’s efforts to stop ice on the streets and its source.
The website details treatment services and how the community can get involved in tackling this drug.
The Department of Health and Human Services has also released tenders for the government’s new Family Drug Education Program to help families recognise when someone has a drug problem and what to do.
