"As the person's tolerance to the drug increases, so too do their problems. A person who starts smoking it can move onto injecting themselves, which increases the risk of blood-borne infectious diseases such as HIV, AIDS and hepatitis.
"Meth users experience work and study difficulties due to staying up late for extended periods of time, loss of energy, increased number of days calling in sick, and losing all sense of responsibility due to the power of their addiction."
The psychological effects of meth can include anxiety, depression, paranoia, aggressiveness, and development of irrational and violent behaviours, he said.
"A physical symptom is skin irritability and the need to constantly scratch, which can lead to sores that become infected. And there is the cost, which can reach $500 a week for those who develop a habit."
Clinicians are hearing meth is becoming easier to access through social media, encrypted websites, overseas suppliers, and globally connected networks, Mr Penaflor said.
His colleagues told him social isolation could be a big issue for some users, so having supportive family prepared to stand by them as they went through treatment could make a huge difference.
"It's important to have a structured recovery programme after a user has been through treatment."
This might include exercise, a good diet, connecting with positive people, and keeping themselves occupied and motivated - advice that is a "key part" of what the Alcohol and Other Drugs Service provide for meth users and their supporters.
There are a number of services meth users and families can contact, including the Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797, which provides free and confidential support for anyone concerned about their own or another person's drug use.
Mr Penaflor said the increase of diagnosed cases between 2013-14 was 31.8 per cent, while the increase between 2013-15 was 20 per cent.
He said 25 per cent was the median increase over that period.
