Former drug addicts say kids as young as 12 are becoming addicted to meth in SA

Former drug addicts in recovery have lifted the lid on SA’s crippling meth epidemic, revealing how easily young children get it.

Children as young as 12 years old are accessing methamphetamine more frequently than ever before through social media apps such as Facebook and Telegram, recovering meth addicts say.

The ex-users, who are now members of PsychMed’s ‘MATRIX’ program – an intensive outpatient addiction recovery initiative – told The Advertiser drug addicts were “getting more desperate” and “doing whatever they can to use”, while kids were even “committing crimes” to fund their next purchase.

Southern suburbs recovering addicts, who wished to remain anonymous, said teenagers were able to purchase drugs easily because “everything is on the internet now”.

“Younger people are using methamphetamines – young kids, 12-14-year-olds,” they said

Methamphetamine is running rife throughout South Australian kids, former meth users say.

“Facebook, Telegram – everything is on the internet now. Younger users are using social media to access drugs and the quality of drugs is getting worse as well.

“Busting one (a lab) does not do anything because someone new will come up. It just sends users to the next dealer.”

A SA Police spokeswoman said drug enforcement efforts by officers were “known to assist in reducing supply”, but emphasised their distress for the younger generation.

“We are deeply concerned about young people’s exposure to drug sales – both online and offline. SAPOL’s efforts extend to safeguarding our youth from harmful influences,” they said.

“SAPOL acknowledges the alarming trend of controlled substances being sold on various online platforms. In response, we are committed to innovative strategies that safeguard our communities and apprehend those involved in drug trafficking.

“Drug trafficking poses a dual threat – both in physical spaces and the digital realm.”

A northern suburbs recovering addict and MATRIX member, who also wished to remain anonymous, said they always had “four to five people on call for drugs” if supply from one dealer was cut off.

Kids as young as 12 are buying drugs off social media apps.

“Sometimes they (busts) work, but not always – it depends how big the bust is,” they said. “If one supply gets cut off, then users just find someone else.

“People are starting the use of juice and DMT (dimethyltryptamine) from a younger age. They are going to juice because it is cheaper, and it affects people the most. You can get it for about $1 per ml (and) you may need 3ml to feel high.

“People are buying drugs off the internet. There are Facebook pages dedicated to buying drugs and applications like Telegram which people can access anything – they connect with groups who use drugs.

“People are often exchanging drugs at the pokies, random streets, and even inviting strangers over to their house to purchase drugs.”

An Indigenous member said suboxone was “increasing in my Indigenous community and throughout everyone”.

Clinical psychologist and medical practitioner Dr Quentin Black – who is helping the former addicts with their recovery – said cocaine, methamphetamines, hallucinogens and alcohol were on the rise in young people aged 14-29.

They “continue to create significant disruption to people’s lives,” he said.

In the 2023-24 financial year, SAPOL seized 40kg of meth, 4875 cannabis plants, 132.5L of fantasy, 80g of heroin and 42.5kg of cocaine. 40 clandestine labs were dismantled and 4004 cannabis expiation notices were delivered, its annual report revealed.

The Advertiser has mapped nearly 40 major drug busts across metro Adelaide and regional South Australia this year, ranging from Salisbury and Ingle Farm to Henley Beach, Newton and Mansfield Park – SA’s second-largest cocaine bust on record.

This year also saw the largest marijuana bust at Adelaide Airport, when 26kg was found packed inside checked for a flight to Sydney.

PyschMed runs the most successful treatment program in South Australia and is the major provider for community mental health and AOD help.

Those affected by drug use can access help here.