Anti-drugs campaigner Gavin Crosisca tells about addiction in the AFL.
Mr Crosisca, 47, who battled drug addiction for about 20 years while he played AFL football, said the abuse ice and alcohol in the game continues.
“Ice is a drug you can’t just use socially,” Crosisca said.
“Kids are picking up ice as their first drug, something like 60 percent of people who use ice for the first time will become addicted.”
BREAKING DOWN ADDICTION STIGMA IN MEN’S HEALTH
Crosisca battled drug and alcohol addiction secretly from when he was 16 years old and has been drug-free since 2011.
“In my teens I didn’t feel comfortable with the world and didn’t feel like I fitted in and that’s a horrible place to be. I didn’t know there was help out there.”
The 1990 premiership star said he abused alcohol, cannabis, and methamphetamines throughout his AFL career which ran between 1987 and 2000.
“There is help out there. The amazing art of being able to communicate what is going on for you and having someone listen and being compassionate to what you are thinking is a really key (part of prevention),” Crosisca said.
“We’ll share our experiences and try to educate people on what they can do to tackle addiction.”
CROSISCA, FROM ADDICT TO ADVOCATE
Bayside Police Senior Sergeant Shane Cashman said ice was having a devastating effect on the community.
“We want to get to this problem early among our youth and tell them just how damaging this drug can be,” Sen Sgt Cashman said.
“When young people develop drug and alcohol addictions there aren’t just affecting themselves but it also has a significant impact on their families.”
RELEASE SUPERANNUATION FOR DRUG TREATMENT – 1300 090 261
The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission’s Illicit Drug Data Report 2014-15 released last week shows:
— Ice sold in Victoria is the purest and deadliest in Australia at 82 per cent pure.
— The 161 clandestine speed and ice labs detected in Victoria in the past 12 months is the highest number for ten years.
— Australia’s drug problem is now so bad police are arresting a record 15 dealers and users every hour.
