Rural SA GPs to get help on ice epidemic

Young rural doctors need more training to cope with the increasing number of ice addicts, a GP education organisation says.

The country's "ice epidemic" has prompted Adelaide's Sturt Fleurieu GP training centre to host a workshop in September teaching trainee doctors from regional areas how to respond to methamphetamine-addicted patients.

"There's a high likelihood that trainees will come across addicts in their daily practice," chief executive Christine Cook told AAP.

"People can be difficult and aggressive ... so it can become acute quickly."

"You're more isolated anyway, so getting information and knowing referral options, knowing the networks that you can direct people to and other allied health professionals is really important."

Ms Cook said it was not just the methamphetamine addicts who needed help but people affected by their addiction.

"The problem is not just dealing with potentially dangerous and psychotic patients, but identifying related health issues and the impact it can have on addicts' families," she said.

The workshop is also open to clinic receptionists and nurses who also have to deal with addicts.