Ep15: Methamphetamine – Beyond the Hype

Crystal methamphetamine, or ice, has been sensationalised in the media over the past decade. While raising awareness of the drug, such reporting has also stigmatised its users—both on the street and in the wards. In this episode of Pomegranate, some of Australia's leading addiction researchers and clinicians explain how misleading the dominant narrative is and put straight some of the facts and figures behind the so-called ice 'epidemic.' They also discuss how characterising crystal methamphetamine as 'the most addictive drug ever' discredits the effectiveness of available and upcoming therapies.Guests Prof Alison Ritter (National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW) Dr Gilbert Whitton FAChAM (Bankstown Hospital, Sydney) Prof Amanda Baker (Calvary Mater Hospital, University of Newcastle) Assoc Prof Nadine Ezard FAChAM (St Vincent's Drug and Alcohol Service, University of Sydney).Production This episode was produced by Mic Cavazzini with music from Ben Carey ('Transference'), Mark Neill ('Threshold', 'Right Strafes Derision'), and David Szesztay ('Snow'); photo courtesy Sean Naber. The production manager was Anne Fredrickson. Editorial feedback was provided by RACP Fellows Dr Bruce Foggo, Dr Michael Herd, Dr Murray Hunt and Dr David Lloyd-Jones.  This episode was produced in partnership with NSW Health.Please visit the RACP website for a transcript embedded with citations. Fellows of the College can claim CPD credits for listening and additional reading.