Bridges chief executive psychologist Sharon Sarah explains meth problem in Bundaberg

An expert with a unique insight into Bundaberg’s drug scourge has revealed the dangerous chemicals some are unknowingly ingesting with “cheap” meth on the rise locally.

Psychologist Sharon Sarah sees the other side of the region’s meth pandemic.

As chief executive officer of Bridges Drug and Alcohol Service, she knows more than most.

Everyday residents face Bundaberg’s courts for meth use. They’re just the ones caught by the law.

In reality, the drug is being used by people from all walks of life, including blue and white collar workers.

Ms Sarah said meth use accounted for 30 per cent of people presenting at Bridges, still coming in behind alcohol at 50 per cent, but eclipsing cannabis use which sits at just 15 per cent.

“Roughly 50 per cent are casual recreational meth users compelled by the courts to get treatment after being busted with an illegal substance, while the remainder have a more serious addiction,” she said.

Ms Sarah said while numbers hadn’t been changing dramatically, it did seem more young people were seeking help, which was a good thing.

“Lots of young people use it as an experimental or party drug, and at music festivals,” she said.

“Probably more males than females will use meth regularly and at raves, but people who use meth are from all sorts of industries – blue and white collar and not just young people.”

Bridges chief executive officer, psychologist Sharon Sarah, explains who is using meth and why. Picture: File

The allure of the drug comes from its effects on the brain, she said.

“It’s a stimulant which increases the amount of the natural chemical dopamine in the brain,” Ms Sarah said.

“Dopamine is involved in body movement, motivation, and reinforcement of rewarding behaviours.

“The drug’s ability to rapidly release high levels of dopamine in reward areas of the brain strongly reinforces drug-taking behaviour, making the user want to repeat the experience. It’s short acting and is out of the system quicker than other drugs like cannabis.”

But danger lies in the use of the drug, making it an extremely risky pursuit.

“There is some poor-quality meth getting around at the moment locally and it is cheap to buy which means it's probably being made with some really dangerous ingredients,” Ms Sarah said.

“You don’t know what people who are producing it have put in it. It could have weed killer or paint stripper in it, so please don’t use it.”

Ms Sarah said it was important to tackle meth use without judgment and with a positive outlook.

Meth is often cut with dangerous chemicals.

“Our role is to try and minimise the harms and risks associated with using drugs, so education, counselling, and support and if things get out of control, help people get back on track,” she said.

“Bridges is the largest provider of drug and alcohol treatment services in the Wide Bay region, with offices in Bundaberg, Hervey Bay and Maryborough and outreach to the North Burnett and small communities.

“We assist people who have problems with drugs and alcohol but also offer counselling and support to families and loved ones impacted by someone else’s drug or alcohol use.”

According to recent police data, while drug use is still high in the region, reported cases have decreased slightly in the past two years.

Information shows reported drug crime cases peaked at 141 in March 2021, and had dropped to 73 in September, 2022.

There have been 2177 drug offences reported in the Bundaberg electorate area since October 25, 2020.

Earlier this year, an Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission report found Australians are the highest per capita users of meth, cocaine and MDMA.

To seek help for your own drug use or someone else’s, call Bridges’ free number on 1800 263 274.