Ice the hot topic of drug talks

On their first day back for term three the students learnt about the dangers of drugs, in particular methamphetamine or ice. 

Cr Craig Davies organised the forum with the school and Headspace Dubbo to shed some light on the dangers of the drug and he said that was exactly what happened. 

"It was exactly what I wanted them to hear, that ghastly things will happen if they get into this stuff," he said. 

"It was a worthwhile exercise, Headspace were great."

The students were spoken to about drugs by police officers and members of Headspace.

Annie Hartley, clinical leader at Headspace Dubbo, said the forum went really well. 

"It's a hot topic at the moment, so naturally young people are interested. We spoke about the realities around drug use with a heavy focus on ice," she said. 

"We also spoke about how to help a mate and where to go for help." 

Mrs Hartley was very impressed with the questions the local students were asking.

"There were a lot of great questions, which was fantastic. They all wanted to know about our experiences we've had in our respective fields and to have a walk in their shoes," she said. 

Cr Davies was pleased with the density of the information and is certain no one would have left thinking ice was the cool thing to do. 

"They're certainly a lot better informed. We went through the physiology of how it drains your brain, drains you of the chemical that keeps you happy," he said. 

"You can't get that initial high and your body eventually shuts down."

Cr Davies is hoping the forums continue around the region and Mrs Hartley said it's a possibility. 

"We're more than happy to reach out," she said. 

Headspace Dubbo encourages local schools to contact them so they can cater for the school's needs.