New research has revealed just how insidious Western Australia’s record-setting meth use has become, and possibly some of the tragic reasons behind it.

Fiona Stenley’s  Addiction Prevention Treatment Service has seen some of the worst cases of meth addiction, and doctors say many have untreated mental conditions such as ADHD they are self-medicating.

Former user Cameron Dashwood told Gary Adshead on 6PR Breakfast he found himself using meth on an almost constant basis just to operate.

“I was using it to go to work; Monday to Friday, every morning I would go and get $50 to $100 worth and shoot it up before work,” Mr Dashwood said.

Press PLAY to hear more of Mr Dashwood’s harrowing story

Senior addiction psychiatrist Doctor Kavita Seth told Gary those with ADHD and similar mental issues struggle to focus, and methamphetamine can give the feeling of control.

“A lot of users can find this inner calmness or ability to complete tasks, but of course there’s the dark side to that,” Dr Seth said.

Doctor Seth also described the strategies that are being developed with this relatively newfound basis of understanding meth use and addiction.

Press PLAY to hear more on the causes behind meth addiction