A Special Commission of Inquiry into the drug 'Ice' at East Maitland Courthouse has heard children as young as 12 are using the illicit drug in the Hunter.
The number of people over the age of 16 being hospitalised for crystal-meth related issues in the Hunter and Central Coast regions is above the state average and has increased dramatically in the past seven years.
The inquiry heard some teens are exchanging sex for the drug, placing them in captive-like situations with drug suppliers.
It's thought the exposure to parents who use Ice has desensitised children to the negative consequences of using the harmful stimulant.
The inquiry heard detox services for young people in the Hunter are almost non-existent, with many forced to go through withdrawal while in custody.
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| Special Commission of Inquiry into 'Ice' begins at East Maitland Courthouse |
