The N-ICE trial is researching a drug called N-Acetyl Cysteine, which is believed to effect how the brain processes cravings and addictive behaviours.

Associate professor Peter Kelly said the drug had previously been trialled with addictive behaviours but this was the first time it had been trialled with meth addiction.

"It's a medication that's been used for a number of different drug types now. What it's thought to do is reduce the level of cravings," he said.

"We're looking at recurring people who aren't currently engaged in other forms of treatment."

Professor Kelly said the drug works differently from methadone as it focuses on cravings and would be available through prescription.

"This medication is something that's not addictive and it's aimed to reduce the level of craving rather than replace the level of the drug," he said.

"It's something that will be available via prescription so if the trail is successful it could be pretty widely disseminated and prescribed at a relativity low cost."

Methamphetamine use has become a major problem for the Shoalhaven.

The area has seen a 25 per cent increase in methamphetamine drug possession offences over the past five years, with 145 people being charged with possession of methamphetamines between April 2018 to March 2019.

In the same period, 24 people were charged with methamphetamine-related dealing and trafficking offences.

During the Nowra hearing of the NSW Special Commission of Inquiry into ice, the inquiry heard of the 52 children put in out-of-home care last year, 34 were from homes where ice had been used.

"We know there's been a rise in the use of ice in recent years and people are using more potent versions of methamphetamine, at this stage we don't have good pharmaceutical treatment for it," associate professor Kelly said.

It's expected the call for trial participants will finish towards the end of 2019.

The trial will be conducted in Wollongong and is run in collaboration with several Australian universities including the University of Wollongong.

If you would like to participate in the trial you can call Louise Negline on 4221 4702 or visit www.nicetrial.info

South Coast Register