There’s more evidence of the alarming growth of amphetamine, or ice addiction in Queensland.

A Salvation Army report has found the problem has doubled over the past five years.

And while the charity has helped many addicts, it says the job’s becoming more difficult.

Jenny Archdall reports.

TRANSCRIPT

Nick Stoneman is one of thousands of ice addicts the Salvation Army has helped on their recovery journeys in Queensland.

And he couldn’t be more grateful.

Nick Stoneman, Recovering Addict: ” This place has saved my life, it really has. But I’ve put the hard yards in to make it work.”

The rise in people seeking rehabilitation from ice addiction however means the waiting lists are getting longer.

Rehab centres just can’t cope with the growing demand.

And this could be deadly.

Nick Stoneman, Recovering Addict:”I think there needs to be more places like this, more training for staff, more staff as well otherwise it’s just going to end in death, institutionalisation or prison.”

The rapid increase in amphetamine addiction appears to be a result of accessibility.

And the problem isn’t just affecting highly populated areas.

Major Neil Dickson, Qld Funding Secretary Salvation Army: “It’s interesting that with ice and accessible drugs that it’s becoming more prevalent in country areas so it’s a widespread problem.”

Nick Stoneman, Recovering Addict: “You don’t realise how high you are, I don’t think until you actually come down off it.”

And the ramifications extend far beyond the addicts themselves.

Major Neil Dickson, Qld Funding Secretary Salvation Army: “It’s not just the individual that’s affected, there are family members, there are co-workers there are many people who are impacted by someone’s addiction.”

The journey to recovering for many is both physical and mental.

Links between mental health issues and drug addiction have also become apparent.

With between 50 and 70 per cent of patients now reporting psychological effects.

But never too late to reach out for help.

Jenny Archdall QUT News.