By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
IN HIS father’s eyes Greg’s not a drug addict – he’s a victim.
Greg (not his real name) is one of many Casey youths who have been addicted and tormented by the drug ice.
He started using it with mates when he was 18 and by 21 was having it every day. That was the case for a year and half.
Now, at 23, Greg and his family have spotted light at the end of the tunnel with the help of the Ice Meltdown Project, a rehabilitation group based in Drouin.
Greg’s family have been attending the group’s community meetings for the last six months or so.
His dad said the group has been the first rehab initiative to really get through to his son and had been of enormous benefit to their family.
Greg’s dad called for the volunteer organisation, which pays for everything out their own pocket, to receive government funding.
This year the group started petitioning Mental Health Minister Martin Foley for funding to help the project rehabilitate more addicts.
In two months the petition, listed on Change.org, has gained the support of almost 2500 people.
Greg’s sister told Star News it was the “personal touch” that made the Ice Meltdown Project stand out from other rehab groups.
“You know when you go along to these community nights that everyone’s in the same boat, there’s no judging,” she said.
“They’re very big on confidentiality as well so when you are in a group you can be very open and you feel comfortable enough to be open about your own personal issues.
“Because it’s a big thing to sit in a group, when you first start especially, it’s a group of strangers and you’re sitting there talking about your son or your brother’s addiction.”
The Ice Meltdown Project, led by Janice Ablett (sister of former AFL legend Gary Ablett senior), involves weekly community meetings in Drouin, open to both those battling addiction and their families.
Greg has been clean for 40-odd days but it hasn’t been easy for him.
He said he “disappeared” when the “ice took over” and now he’s starting his life again.
His dad agreed.
“People say you’re a drug addict, you’re actually not, you’re a victim,” Greg’s father said.
“You’re a victim of the pusher and a victim of the cook.”
Addiction also affects families just as much, albeit in a different way.
“Our social life stopped as well,” Greg’s mum said.
“We stopped seeing a lot of friends because I guess, whether we’re embarrassed about it, we didn’t want everybody to know.”
But the Ice Meltdown Project has helped address that feeling of alienation, and Greg and his family finally feel like they’re on the right path.
For more information on the Ice Meltdown Project, and to sign the petition, visit www.icemeltdown.org.au or checkout their Facebook page.
