Ice turmoil clogs emergency

"More than three quarters of dependent users suffer serious mental health problems such as agitation, aggression, depression and anxiety," she said.

"Symptoms usually last two or three hours, but users often need to be hospitalised for their own protection and the safety of others.

"A third require sedation and intensive treatment, which obviously take up considerable hospital resources." In recent weeks police in SA have warned of an increase in organised crime gangs who deal in and use methamphetamine.

Recent research by Flinders University academics also found methamphetamine use by workers in SA was higher than the national average, with up to one in 10 hospitality workers taking the drug.

The AMA wants every emergency department to have a specialist drugs liaison officer.

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