The father of former AFL player Ben Cousins has called for more education for parents about the warning signs of methamphetamine use.

Mr Cousins discussed the ice challenge facing WA during an ABC News special on Friday night, along with State Crime Acting Assistant Commissioner Pryce Scanlan, and Angie Paskevicius from Holyoake, an organisation which provides drug and alcohol support services.

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Mr Cousins, whose son Ben has battled a drug addiction, said ice was the biggest problem facing parents, but many did not know what signs to look for in their child.

“They have to assess a young person growing up, their behavioural issues, and determine whether those behavioural issues are just growing up issues – or alternatively are these indications of drug use?” Mr Cousins said.

“I didn’t know any of the warning signs to be aware that there is the potential for drug use.

“Unfortunately I think in the community, as this issue has developed, there’s a stigma over drug use.

“It creates isolation for not only the person who is using but for families, and it prevents early intervention.

“I think if issues can be addressed in that regard, we can get an improvement.”

Mr Cousins said he had been contacted by many relatives and friends who found themselves in a similar situation.

“When I explain to them the warning signs, they basically say every single one of those existed, and they just didn’t have the education,” he said.

“Obviously we need to educate young people, but if parents can become just more vigilant in what’s happening out there, they can be of great assistance.”

Parents urged to seek help

Mr Cousins listed secret telephone calls, a change of friends and a difference in sleeping habits as being among the initial warning signs of methamphetamine use, followed by anxiety and changes in appetite.

He said it was important for parents whose children were leaving primary school to be aware of signs or changes, because early intervention gave them a better chance of tackling the problem.

Asian crime syndicates have identified WA as a lucrative market for methamphetamines

He also urged any parents in similar situations to seek help.

“There is a lot more understanding out there than I think you believe at the time,” Mr Cousins said.

The Federal Government this year launched its Ice Destroys Lives advertising campaign, featuring graphic and confronting televisions advertisements depicting the dangers of methamphetamine use.

But Angie Paskevicius from Holyoake said there needed to be a more realistic and balanced campaign.

“There’s already enough stigma out there in the community around drugs, and it certainly doesn’t encourage people who might be struggling to actually come forward,” she said.

Ms Paskevicius said evidence showed the number of people using the drug was not increasing.

“It’s more of an issue of severity rather than prevalence,” she said.

“We’re finding that there are really two main issues – people who are using meth are using it more often, and people who have been using speed are now moving to the more potent form of crystal meth or ice. And that’s creating some major problems for us.”

The size of WA, the remoteness of some communities, and the fact that Asian crime syndicates have identified WA as a lucrative market for methamphetamines were the biggest challenges facing police, according to Mr Scanlan.

However, he said police were up to the challenge.