It is every parent’s worst nightmare – your child is on drugs and getting them at a place where they should be safe and learning.

But that is what local woman Tracy Reece has faced.

Ms Reece told her heartfelt story at the ice forum at the Bomaderry RSL Club on Thursday night. 

In front of 150 people she choked back tears as she described how her once loving son, at just 15, became addicted to ice and was now living on the streets.

She fears every night she will get a knock on the door from the police telling her he has been found dead in a gutter somewhere.

Ms Reece has bravely told her story at two ice forums last week at Sanctuary Point and Bomaderry in an effort to raise community awareness of the drug and the effects it is having on our community.

“Knowledge is power,” Ms Reece said, “and I don’t want anyone to go through what my family has due to this drug.

“When we first encountered the problem we couldn’t find any information about it or help.

“We were desperate to get help.

“I had raised my children to be good citizens. We didn’t know what the first signs of drug use were – when he started to change we just thought he was being a typical rebellious teenager.

“We now know it was masking his drug use.

“Heartbreakingly, he changed totally from a loving respectful son into an unpredictable, aggressive teenager who is now living on the streets.

“And the change was quick. He became a great liar. He kept asking me ‘Why do you care so much, Mum? Why can’t you just let me do what I want to do?’

“It was simple. I’m his mother. I will always care but he wasn’t my son anymore – not the boy we had brought up.

“To parents all I can say if you suspect something don’t leave it, if you do they will become dependent.

“Although I rarely talk to my son nowadays, he heard I was talking at these forums and contacted me and applauded me, saying it was important to spread the message.

“He said he doesn’t want this life. He knows what happens when he comes off the drugs and he doesn’t want to be around his younger brother and sister like that.

“All I can do is be there – it is nothing to be ashamed about. I guarantee everyone knows somebody who has issues with drugs.

“Just talk about it please!

“These drugs are killing our kids.

“People hide this issue away – they don’t want others to know they or their family has problems. This drug doesn’t discriminate – rich or poor, black or white, everyone can make bad decisions.

“Talking about drugs with your kids is a start.

“If not we are going to have a whole generation who has health issues.”

In a passionate plea Ms Reece got the children at the forum aged under 18 to stand – there was 18 children in the room.

“It’s up to you,” she said.

“If you have friends who are doing drugs talk to them. Get them help. Tell someone, be it your parents, a teacher.

“You have to be aware how dangerous this drug is – it will kill your friends. Spread the word – that is the only way we can combat it.”

Where you can get help

THERE are a range of services that can help individuals or families who may be battling drug addiction where people can access help.

Effective treatments are available. Seeking help early enables harms to be minimised.

• Alcohol and Drug Information Service provides information, counselling and referrals over the phone. Call 1800 422 599

• Stimulant Treatment Line can answer questions or provide help about methamphetamine, cocaine or ecstasy use. Call 1800 10 11 88.

• Family Drug Support helps families affected by drug use. Call 1300 368 186.

These services are confidential and operate 24/7.

Locally, the Shoalhaven Family Drug Support Group meets every second Monday evening at the Nowra Neighbourhood Centre, Kinghorne Street, Nowra. It is a support group for family members who have a loved one dealing with an addiction. The group meets from 7.30pm-9.30pm. Contact Maxine Meech 0409 176 625.