Overcoming Ice addiction: West Wyalong's Robyn Lewis tells her story ahead of her visit to Griffith

At the time, the West Wyalong girl was addicted to various amphetamines – stimulants drugs  – but her dealer’s new product was called a methamphetamine, a colourless crystal-like powder which had just hit the Australian markets.

“It just strips you of everything. You’re unable to work, unable to function,” Robyn said. 

This new drug, now commonly known as Ice, and would send Robyn’s life spiralling into chaos. 

“I started drinking and smoking from a young age. My Dad was really abusive, he would bash my mum on a daily basis. Drugs and alcohol would mask their pain.” 

But Ice, stronger and more addictive than anything she’d ever tried, took things to the next level. 

“I’m lucky to still have my teeth. I know a lot of people who lost theirs”. 

Having hit rock bottom, she told her GP about her issues, and he referred her to Smart Recovery, a free group program assisting people addicted to drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, gambling, food and other substances. 

“In the group, I met people who had lost everything, who were selling their bodies to support their habit… I realised if I don’t stop now, I’m going to die”. 

Robyn has now been clean for 18 months, and is determined to help others learn from her path to recovery. 

She will be in Griffith this Wednesday to address the Community Drug Action Team (CDAT), a group that meets on a monthly basis to address local drug and alcohol misuse or issues impacting the community. 

Griffith City Council say they are looking to change the culture around drugs, and learn how best to prevent kids from using drugs in the first place – rather than having to combat chronic addiction. 

Robyn has also become a facilitator for Smart Recovery, and will lead group discussions at West Wyalong Aboriginal Land Council, every Tuesday 530pm to 7pm starting November 14.

She said it’s a non-pressure environment when all are welcome to seek help and put in place self-management plans.

“It used to be taboo to talk about addiction, but these days people are more understanding… the first step is admitting you have a problem, and then seek help”. 

For further details, email Robyn at dunromin1965@hotmail.com.