What is Cracks in the Ice?
Cracks in the Ice (www.cracksintheice.org.au) is an online toolkit providing trusted, evidence-based, and up-to-date information and resources about crystal methamphetamine ('ice') for the Australian community. Cracks in the Ice is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and was developed by the Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use in consultation with over 500 members of the Australian community. The toolkit was developed in response to the Final Report of the National Ice Taskforce (2015), which stated:
“The first priority must be supporting families, workers and communities to better respond to people affected by ice.”
Resources for Health Professionals
Cracks in the Ice provides access to a range of evidence-based resources to guide professionals in their practice when faced with issues related to 'ice'. These resources are designed to support professionals working across a range of sectors, including:
- General Practitioners
- Frontline workers in hospital settings and emergency departments
- Frontline workers in alcohol and other drug settings
- Mental health practitioners (e.g. psychologists, social workers and counsellors)
- Paramedics
- Police Services
You can find a range of factsheets, guidelines, quick tips and online training packages. We also provide access to resources to support worker wellbeing to support the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sector, which has been significantly impacted since the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Visit www.cracksintheice.org.au/health-professionals to access these resources, including our recent factsheets on telehealth and ‘ice’ use during pregnancy.
Telehealth Support for Alcohol and Other Drug Use
Telehealth consultations have become increasingly accessible as an adjustment to life beyond the pandemic. This new factsheet available here, discusses how telehealth appointments can help patients and their loved ones access support and treatment of alcohol and other drug use (such as ‘ice’ use).
The factsheet can be easily shared with patients and families, so they know what to expect from a telehealth appointment and includes practical tips on how to ensure the appointment runs smoothly.
‘Ice’ use during pregnancy
‘Ice’ use during pregnancy can increase the risk of serious health complications for both the mother and baby. This new factsheet summarises how ‘ice’ use can affect the mother’s health as well as the physical and mental development of the baby.
The factsheet also provides information on treatment and advice for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers who use ‘ice’ and how health professionals can support them in stopping or decreasing their use. Access the factsheet here.
