Over the last four weeks, the Mandurah Mail has produced 17 stories in relation to methamphetamine use in our community as part of the Falling Through the Cracks series.
It is clear from talking to our local leaders, former addicts, politicians and service providers the challenge in fighting this insidious drug is monumental.
While a series of articles in a newspaper was never going to solve this complex and endemic issue, I hope our coverage helps start a new conversation over the current strategies.
In the process of producing Falling Through the Cracks, it has become evident there are a number of priorities for the state and federal governments to address.
There are clearly gaps that the authorities must plug if the situation is to improve.
Specialist mental health and drug-specific facilities are clearly needed at Peel Health Campus. Identifying and incarcerating local distributors is a must for police.
Backing and publicising stellar organisations like Mandurah's Narcotics Anonymous would help. Reducing wait times for counselling and rehabilitation services has been brought up time and again.
In all seven of the reformed addicts that have told us their stories, each had a trigger to send them towards meth.
These issues seem to be tied in with mental, emotional or physical trauma.
All of the reformed addicts said if these issues had been identified and addressed at a younger age, their lives may have progressed down a different path.
Finally, as per this week's front page, there is also a need for increased education and drug awareness in our schools to prevent young people following in the ill-fated footsteps of those that have told us their horror stories.
What do you think needs to be done to address the meth issue in our community? Send a letter to editor@mandurahmail.com.au.