THE dangerous ice epidemic sweeping the nation is hitting Warwick, with claims methamphetamines are now as popular among drug users as marijuana.

Warwick police Acting Officer-in-Charge Shane Reid said "ice" was increasing in popularity as a drug of choice and there were ramifications for the entire community.

"There are certainly links between drug use and property crime," Acting Senior Sergeant Reid said.

"So you'll see people breaking into cars or houses for money or items to sell to buy drugs."

The claims follow a report by the Australian Crime Commission that says ice is soaring in popularity and more people are making it their drug of choice.

The report released last month states that 1.3 million Australians have used methamphetamine, either in its crystal form (ice) or powder form (speed), and almost 400,000 within the past 12 months.

Warwick headspace manager Sophia McLucas said drug education was a vital step towards reducing ice use in the region.

"The community as a whole needs that education about what's going on and the prevalence of the drug," she said.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott last week launched a national taskforce to help tackle the rising threat of ice to Australian communities.

Nationally, the number of hospitalisations due to ice use is at an all time high.

Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service's alcohol and other drugs health promotion officer Richard Henshaw is working to gain a better picture of how the drug is affecting rural communities.

"Long-term, people can experience a wide range of serious health effects including addiction, psychosis, mood disturbances and aggressive behaviour," Mr Henshaw said.

"Signs of intoxication include sweating and clammy hands, large pupils, agitation and talkativeness."

Mrs McLucas said although the organisation did not deal directly with ice use, it was aware that it was definitely increasing.

"It's extremely addictive, one try of it and you're instantly hooked," Mrs McLucas said.

"Obviously there are the psychotic effects associated, for example users imagining there are bugs crawling in their skin."

Mrs McLucas described substance abuse broadly as a vicious cycle, and of particular concern in methamphetamine use.

"Users need more and more to replicate the high they first have and it becomes a more expensive habit," she said.

"People end up losing their job and it becomes a cycle."

Help is out there for locals and their families battling ice addiction.

Seek help for alcohol or drug issues on the Southern Downs by contacting the local AODS on 4660 3901 during business hours or 4616 6100 after hours.