Breaking the Ice

Breaking the Ice (breakingtheice.org.au) is a free, confidential, self-guided online intervention program for people who are using crystal methamphetamine (ice). The program is particularly recommended for young adults (aged 16-25) but can be used by people of any age.

Breaking the Ice is designed to help participants identify any problems associated with their use of ice, in areas such as health, work, relationships and money; and consider the impact of making changes to their ice use, like quitting completely, reducing use, or using in a less risky manner.

Breaking the Ice is made up of two modules and uses motivational interviewing and cognitive behaviour therapy methods. Participants are required to register using an email address, password and phone number. The program can be completed over several sessions.

To register and use the Breaking the Ice program, click here.

Your feedback is welcome

Breaking the Ice was developed by researchers at the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales and the National Drug Research Insitute, Curtin University, and has been evaluated in a randomised controlled trial:

Tait, R.J., McKetin, R., Kay-Lambkin, F., Carron-Arthur, B., Bennett, A., Bennett, K., Christensen, H., Griffiths, K., 2015. Six month outcomes of a web-based intervention for users of amphetamine-type stimulants: Randomized controlled trial. Journal of Medical Internet Research 17, e105 http://www.jmir.org/2015/2014/e2105/

Researchers hope to continue to develop and improve this program as an online treatment for ice use, and your thoughts and feedback would be appreciated in helping them to do this. Please provide feedback using our online form.

Further information about ice

Download the “On Ice” brochure, providing information about ice use and associated harms for consumers. Up-to-date information and resources about ice are also available at Cracks in the Ice, an online toolkit for the Australian community.

Further assistance for ice use

A number of free and confidential telephone and online support services are available for people experiencing problems with ice, as well as their family and friends. For details of services go to the Cracks in the Ice website.

For emergency support, call Lifeline on 131 114 (a free and confidential 24-hour crisis helpline) or dial '000' for an ambulance or police.