Towns and villages to the north are feeling the devastating effect of crystal methamphetamine with more than 70 people attending the forum, determined to battle the drug that is sweeping the region.

According to the Salvation Army’s Recovery Service, meth use has quadrupled in the Shoalhaven since 2010, with an increase of 125 per cent in the past year alone.

However, Ulladulla drug and alcohol nurse Carol Beckwith said our community was yet to feel the full impact of ice, with less than 10 individuals in treatment programs locally.

“It is an increasing problem, and is probably more prevalent than we know about,” she said.

“We only see the people that want help.”

She believes ice remains a hidden drug in Ulladulla, compared to other regions where addicts could be often be seen on the streets.

“Everyone knows everyone around here, so you don’t see young people selling it on the street corner.”

Carol said meth offered relief for people in financial trouble or living with mental illness.

“It’s a quick fix for people who feel lonely and acts like an antidepressant and boosts people’s mood,” she explained.

“However it fries people’s brains and the side effects include outrageous anger and irritability.

“More often than not, people use other drugs to come down off ice.”

She said, while alcohol and cannabis remained the main problem drugs in the Ulladulla region, it was “inevitable” that the ice problem would increase.

Maria Mitchell from the Community Resource Centre, which hosts a weekly Narcotics Anonymous program, claims Ulladulla is usually six months behind Nowra in terms of drug trends.

“I definitely think we will see an increase here,” she said.

She told the Times young, unemployed people could be roped into becoming low-level dealers in an effort into infiltrate the town.

Member for Gilmore Ann Sudmalis told Thursday night’s forum that she had not realised the drug was such a problem locally after hearing how young people in the northern Shoalhaven were abusing the highly addictive drug more than alcohol or cannabis.

“Ice is a terrible, destructive drug that is taking hold in our community,” Mrs Sudmalis said.

“Over the past few weeks I have had a substantial number of approaches from some unexpected local parents, saying that they don’t know where to turn for personal support or for rehabilitation services in our area.”

Mrs Sudmalis hoped to compile a booklet of all the services available locally for help and distribute them to medical services, doctors’ surgeries and chemists in the region.

“We are also looking to form a family and drug support group in the local area,” she said.

If you or someone you know needs help, call the Salvo Care Line – available 24/7 – on 1300 36 36 22 or go to salvos.org.au/recovery.