About 60 people recently turned out to a forum in the town, where they heard from leaders in the field that if users were stigmatised as ‘ice zombies’ it could take longer for them to seek vital treatment.

The forum was one of a series organised across the state with NSW’s leading experts on drug use and harm.

The ‘Breaking the Ice in our Community’ project seeks to give the community facts about crystalline methamphetamine, commonly known as ice.

Wellington’s fight against the drug that is causing problems in communities across the country has been high-profile at times.

On September 20 the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, in partnership with NSW Health and local agencies brought the forum to Wellington as part of the ‘Breaking the Ice in our Community’ project.

Project coordinator Annie Bleeker said her message to the forum was it was not helpful to demonise methamphetamine users.

Ms Bleeker said she told the gathering that research showed stigmatising people could mean it took longer for them to seek treatment.

“We need to stop the demonising - for example ‘ice zombies’,” she said.

“They’re people, not to be stigmatised or feared.”

Research had also shown that treatment worked and was available, Ms Bleeker said.

Methamphetamine users responded well to counselling and treatment, she said.

And not everyone needed residential rehabilitation, which could take them away from their family for up to 12 months.

“Australian research has shown just two to four sessions with a counsellor has reduced some people's methamphetamine use,” Ms Bleeker said.

Earlier in the day training was held for Aboriginal health workers to skill them up for their work.

A yarning session was held for elders who often “pick(ed) up the pieces” when people were struggling with ice, Ms Bleeker said.

She encouraged people seeking help to contact the Stimulant Treatment Line on 1800 10 11 88.