ICE turned Jackson Oppy into a cheat, a liar and a thief, but he hopes by sharing his story with 1600 Orange teenagers this week he can convince them to think twice about trying the drug.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
“Ice is a game changer when it comes to drugs, and anyone who thinks they can use it recreationally without it having grave consequences is kidding themselves,” Mr Oppy said.
Melbourne-based Mr Oppy, who is general manager at the Ray Hader Clinic which specialises in drug and alcohol rehabilitation, will travel to Orange this week to take part in four Rotary Club of Orange Calare ice forums.
The forums are pitched at year 10, 11 and 12 students from Orange High School, Canobolas Rural Technology High School, James Sheahan Catholic High School and Kinross Wolaroi School.
Mr Oppy will join representatives from NSW Police, NSW Ambulance and drug and alcohol experts as they talk about ice and the impact it’s having on the people they deal with everyday.
“I want to be frank and honest when I talk to them about what’s waiting for them if they try ice,” Mr Oppy said.
“It ripped my life apart.”
Mr Oppy said he applauded organisers of the forum for their up-front approach to talking about the drug.
He said he hoped his words of warning would hit home with the students.
“I think you have some credibility when you’ve got some experience,” he said.
Mr Oppy said the average age of people being treated for ice addiction was around 25, but it wasn’t uncommon for teenage addicts to seek help.
Rotary Club of Calare president Paul Cox said the idea of staging the forums came from the club’s youth director Peter Gilbank, who was keen to educate young people about ice and empower them to say no when offered it.
“We know ice is definitely in this town and we want to send a strong message that you don’t get a second chance when it comes to ice,” he said.
“The forums, which will run for about 45 minutes, will be short and sharp. We also want to send a message that drug dealers are not welcome in this town.”
Mr Cox said the presentation, which will include a message from Prime Minister Tony Abbott, will be recorded to be used as an educational DVD.
Mr Cox said while some people may be surprised to hear the Rotary Club of Orange Calare was organising the forums, it fell within the organisation’s brief to address issues of community concern.