AustLit logo
image of person or book cover 6885589066586708167.jpg
Image courtesy of publisher's website.
Issue Details: First known date: 2016... 2016 The Ice Age : A Journey into Crystal Meth Addiction
The material on this page is available to AustLit subscribers. If you are a subscriber or are from a subscribing organisation, please log in to gain full access. To explore options for subscribing to this unique teaching, research, and publishing resource for Australian culture and storytelling, please contact us or find out more.

AbstractHistoryArchive Description

'A topical, insightful investigation into a drug that has taken a ferocious grip on societies around the world — told by a man intimately acquainted with it.

'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, and his search for answers sees him researching meth labs, interviewing addicts and law-enforcement officials, and witnessing firsthand the effects of the drug on individuals, families, and the healthcare system.

'Combining memoir with reportage, The Ice Age is a vital, compelling first-person account, and an investigation into a drug that is fast becoming the subject of national discussion throughout the Western world. ' (Publication summary)

Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of

    • Fremantle, Fremantle area, South West Perth, Perth, Western Australia,: Vivid Publishing , 2016 .
      image of person or book cover 6885589066586708167.jpg
      Image courtesy of publisher's website.
      Extent: 256p.
      Note/s:
      • Published March 2016
      ISBN: 9781925307115

Works about this Work

Ice a Danger, Take It from Me Amanda Ellis , 2016 single work review
— Appears in: The West Australian , 5 September 2016; (p. 11)

— Review of The Ice Age : A Journey into Crystal Meth Addiction Luke Williams , 2016 single work autobiography
'Journalist Luke Williams bounces back from addiction after moving into house of meth users, writes Amanda Ellis.'
Chilling Gonzo Descent into Addiction Andrew McMillen , 2016 single work
— Appears in: The Weekend Australian , 21-22 May 2016; (p. 21)

— Review of The Ice Age : A Journey into Crystal Meth Addiction Luke Williams , 2016 single work autobiography
The Ice Age Review: Inside the Grim Delusional World of Addiction Fiona Capp , 2016 single work review
— Appears in: Brisbane Times , 6 May 2016;

— Review of The Ice Age : A Journey into Crystal Meth Addiction Luke Williams , 2016 single work autobiography
'"People do strange and often terrible things when they meet the beast within." Luke Williams should know. He has seen this beast in the mirror and in addicted friends. ...'
Behind the Book Luke Williams , 2016 single work essay
— Appears in: Good Reading , October 2016; (p. 44-45)
'Immersing yourself in research is essential for a conscientious journalist. But Australian journalist Luke Williams took things further than he expected when his investigation into crystallised methamphetamine – also known as ice – resulted in him becoming addicted to the drug himself and descending into psychosis. The Ice Age: a journey into crystal-meth addiction combines memoir with reportage as Luke examines whether ice usage is reaching epidemic proportions – or if it’s just another moral panic about the underclass. Here Luke outlines what life was like when he was in the grip of psychosis.'
The Ice Age Review: Inside the Grim Delusional World of Addiction Fiona Capp , 2016 single work review
— Appears in: Brisbane Times , 6 May 2016;

— Review of The Ice Age : A Journey into Crystal Meth Addiction Luke Williams , 2016 single work autobiography
'"People do strange and often terrible things when they meet the beast within." Luke Williams should know. He has seen this beast in the mirror and in addicted friends. ...'
Chilling Gonzo Descent into Addiction Andrew McMillen , 2016 single work
— Appears in: The Weekend Australian , 21-22 May 2016; (p. 21)

— Review of The Ice Age : A Journey into Crystal Meth Addiction Luke Williams , 2016 single work autobiography
Ice a Danger, Take It from Me Amanda Ellis , 2016 single work review
— Appears in: The West Australian , 5 September 2016; (p. 11)

— Review of The Ice Age : A Journey into Crystal Meth Addiction Luke Williams , 2016 single work autobiography
'Journalist Luke Williams bounces back from addiction after moving into house of meth users, writes Amanda Ellis.'
Behind the Book Luke Williams , 2016 single work essay
— Appears in: Good Reading , October 2016; (p. 44-45)
'Immersing yourself in research is essential for a conscientious journalist. But Australian journalist Luke Williams took things further than he expected when his investigation into crystallised methamphetamine – also known as ice – resulted in him becoming addicted to the drug himself and descending into psychosis. The Ice Age: a journey into crystal-meth addiction combines memoir with reportage as Luke examines whether ice usage is reaching epidemic proportions – or if it’s just another moral panic about the underclass. Here Luke outlines what life was like when he was in the grip of psychosis.'
Last amended 21 Oct 2016 10:56:56
X