The drug ice is increasingly a factor in family breakdown,domestic violence and the number of children being placed in care,a special inquiry has heard.
An experienced social worker has painted a devastating picture of hungry and neglected children living in filthy conditions who were exposed to sex and violence.
ice inquiry hears the amphetamine doesn't discriminate between rich and poor,old and young. Many recreational users think they can control it,but many fail and become addicted.
Drugs were so readily available in prisons that it was often easier to score inside than out,the inquiry heard on Tuesday.
The head of NSW's special commission of inquiry into ice wants another six months to investigate key issues including the potential decriminalisation of personal use of the drug.
Hearings at the special commission of inquiry into the drug to the drug ice have focused on the impact the stimulant is having on children,adolescents and their families
Chris Minns said he was"concerned"by the Premier's comments opposing pill-testing before her government's inquiry had completed its hearings.
Children as young as 12 are using ice,but NSW doesn't provide any detox facilities for children under 16 other than prison.
The drug is causing crime sprees,violence and homelessness,yet users who want to get help often are forced to wait weeks,an inquiry heard.
Ice use in Dubbo and in the far west of NSW is an"epidemic",the commission heard on the first day of hearings.
Children are being removed in greater numbers from families because of ice,the special commission of inquiry into ice heard on Friday.