Hi Wayne,
So sorry you are going through this. Whatever the cause, it sounds like it has been tough on you and your whole family.
My guess is Ice, if you already have suspicions that is the cause, I think your instinct is right... especially if he is associating with Bikies. He would have easy access to the drug and his behaviour sounds very typical for someone who is on Ice.
As you said you would have him locked up, is there any way that you can do this? Do your family members have any evidence of his threats? If not, tell them to keep text messages and record phone calls. It sounds harsh but getting him locked up may actually keep him safe and give him some time to think about what he is doing. He also might be able to access some rehab facilities in this way.
Ice is a terrible drug, I have personally seen the damage it can do as an ex-boyfrind of mine went from being thoughtful and sweet to physically abusive because of Ice. Some time after we had broken up he was locked up for a few months and since getting out he has made some really good steps at sorting out his life (including a very heartfelt apology to me). It is not easy but I think that being locked up was enough to scare him out of a life of crime. Maybe that is what your brother needs?
I would definitely make some calls and speak to doctors and psychologists to see what can be done to help him mentally and physically. Getting off ice can require some pretty full-on care, even being restrained while going through withdrawals. Perhaps even speak to your local cops and give them a heads-up about his behaviour so that in the event of a violent outburst, they are ready to step in and protect your family.
The effects of Ice can basically cause a mental breakdown, so it is difficult to tell the difference (I'm sure a professional would be able to figure it out) but just by observing his behaviour it may not be certain. What is for certain is that your family deserves to be kept safe and your brother is not himself, so intervention seems necessary.
Keep in touch and let me know how things go.
I hope you and your family get through this xo
