Former Gold Coast ice addict says she wouldn’t wish drugs nightmare on her worst enemy

A FORMER Gold Coast ice user has revealed her terrifying descent into addiction, saying she wouldn’t wish it “on her worst enemy”.

A FORMER Gold Coast ice addict says she was on a waiting list for five months before being admitted into rehabilitation.

In that time Keiah Smith detoxed alone, working the drugs out of her system, “trapped between four walls” as she counted down the days for her life to begin.

The journey was so tough the now 23-year-old said she “wouldn’t wish addiction on her worst enemy” and believed it would be more merciful for her loved ones to die than to suffer as an addict themselves.

Keiah Smith who became addicted to Ice as a teenager Picture Mike Batterham

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The Gold Coast Bulletin on Monday revealed the pressure Gold Coast clinics are under as they struggle to meet as little as 10 per cent of the demand for services driven by ice.

At just 15 years of age, Ms Smith tried ice (crystal methylamphetamine) for the first time. By 19 she was addicted.

Ms Smith says she was sexually abused at the age of 10 and diagnosed with depression.

“I started doing drugs at 13, just pills and that sort of thing, but by 15 I tried ice,” she said.

“It is just so addictive. I was a bit uneducated. I always swore I’d never touch it, (but) I was told it was speed.

“It really does snowball, the way it makes you feel on top of the world like nothing can touch you.

“Particularly when someone is vulnerable and hasn’t had that confidence in their life, it is so addictive.”

Ms Smith said she knew the drug did not make her happy, but was unable to identify that the ice was the problem.

“For some reason the drug manages to get inside your brain,’’ she said.

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Ice

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She soon became addicted to the numbness that followed the high.

Her mental health hit rock bottom.

At just 19, Ms Smith was on her way to end her life when she was pulled over by police.

“I was under the influence and somehow I came across a policeman. I abused them and ended up in a jail cell, thinking what am I doing with my life,” she said.

Instead of simply running her through the justice system, officers showed compassion and referred her to rehabilitation — an act Ms Smith believes saved her life.

“I had a really good experience with them (police). They sat me down and asked me what was going on,’’ she said.

Keiah Smith says ice addiction is “the hardest thing to kick”. Picture: Brendan Radke

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Unfortunately due to limitations, Ms Smith — despite being in a time of need — was unable to be admitted to rehabilitation at a Gold Coast clinic.

So she waited, detoxing with the help of her family until space was available.

“The time in between was the hardest thing I have ever had to do.

“It was a five-month waiting list. It is like you are waiting for your life to begin.’’

But when she was admitted Ms Smith’s life began to change.

“Counselling inside and outside was a big part of the program. It was about knowing I can say poor me or do something with it. It helps change your mind set,” she said.

“I honestly don’t believe the Government is facing the issue directly.

“Some people don’t have the support to wait months for help.”

Ms Smith said the experience was so devastating she would not wish ice addiction on her worst enemy.

“It is the hardest thing to kick, it has taken years to get clean and is the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life,” he said.

Ms Smith is now working as a volunteer.

She hopes to become a youth worker.