THE ICE AGE

Luke Williams was a freelance journalist researching addiction to
crystallised methamphetamine (commonly known as crystal meth or ice)
when the worst possible thing happened — he became addicted himself.
Over the next three months, he was seduced by the drug and descended into
psychosis.

This confronting and illuminating story charts Luke's recovery from the
drug, and his investigation into its usage and prevalence in Australia and the
Western world. In examining what led to his addiction, Luke also explores
the social problems that surround ice, scrutinising whether its abuse is in
fact an epidemic, with what we're experiencing now merely the tip of the
proverbial iceberg, or yet another moral panic about the underclass. Luke
traces the history of methamphetamine from its legal usage in the early
20th century to its contemporary relevance as one of the most foreboding
and talked-about illicit drugs in the world. His search for answers sees him
visiting meth labs, interviewing addicts and law-enforcement officials, and
witnessing firsthand the effects of the drug on individuals, families, and the
healthcare system.

Luke Williams is an Australian journalist. He has previously worked as a reporter and broadcaster at ABC radio. His written work has been published in the Sydney Morning Herald, The Saturday Paper, the Brisbane Times, Crikey, the Global Mail, the Weekend Australian, and Eureka Street.