Ice (crystal methamphetamine)
Ice (crystal methamphetamine)
What is ice?
Ice is a drug that stimulates the brain and nervous system. It is a type of amphetamine that is crystalline in appearance. It is also known as crystal methamphetamine, crystal meth, glass, shards and puff.
Compared to other forms of
amphetamines
(such as speed or base), ice is the strongest form of methamphetamine.
Ice is manufactured from a range of base products, including common pharmaceutical drugs and household chemicals. Because of its illegal status, ice is made in uncontrolled ways and includes unknown or harmful ingredients.
Ice usually comes as small crystals. Other forms are a white or brown powder that has a strong smell and bitter taste.
How is ice used?
Ice is generally
smoked or
injected
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and the effects can be felt almost immediately. Depending on how it is used, effects usually start:
smoked (immediate)
injected (15 to 30 seconds)
snorted (3 to 5 minutes)
swallowed (15 to 20 minutes)
Although the effects of ice usually last up to 12 hours, sleep problems can occur for a few days after use.
How ice affects the body
There is no safe level of ice use. Any drug use is risky, and effects can vary from person to person and depend on factors such as:
Amount and strength of the dose.
Physical make-up and state of mind.
Response to the drug (for example, a first-time user may experience different effects to someone who has used it before).
Whether it has been mixed with other drugs.
Short-term effects of ice
Ice acts rapidly and produces effects such as:
enlarged pupils and dry mouth
excessive sweating
feelings of pleasure and confidence
teeth grinding
increased energy
increased
sex drive (libido)
itching and scratching
rapid heart rate
and breathing
reduced appetite
nosebleeds
and damage to the nasal passage (from snorting).
Injecting ice and sharing needles increases your risk of:
hepatitis C
hepatitis B
HIV/AIDs
vein damage
infection, such as
tetanus
.
‘Coming down’ from ice
‘Coming down’ from ice can take several days and effects include:
difficulty sleeping
exhaustion
feeling down or low
irritability
agitation
paranoia
, hallucinations and confusion.
Using other drugs (such as
benzodiazepines
,
cannabis
and opioids) to cope with coming down from ice may lead to a cycle of dependence where someone becomes reliant on all the drugs they use.
Symptoms of ice overdose
Ice overdose may occur if you:
take a strong batch
use a large amount of ice
mix ice with other drugs – including over-the-counter and prescribed medications.
A
drug overdose
is a medical emergency. You can still be in danger even if not all overdose symptoms are present.
Symptoms of ice overdose may include:
racing heart and chest pain
difficulty breathing
fits or uncontrolled jerking
agitation and confusion
severe headache
passing out or unconsciousness .
Ice overdose can lead to
stroke
,
heart attack
and death. Fast action could save someone’s life.
If you suspect an ice overdose, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance immediately.
Emergency first-aid for ice overdose
Emergency responses for a suspected drug overdose are:
Always dial triple zero (000) for an ambulance (ambulance officers don’t need to involve the police).
Stay with the person until the ambulance arrives.
If the person starts vomiting, make sure they can still breathe – keep their airway clear.
Place the person on their side in the recovery position – they could be at risk of choking on their own vomit.
Give ambulance officers as much information as you can (including what drugs they have taken and how much).
Long-term effects of ice
Long-term use of ice can cause symptoms such as:
breathing difficulties
trouble concentrating
dry mouth and dental problems
regular viral infections – colds or flu
restless sleep
stiff muscles
weight loss.
Long-term use can increase your risk of:
drug dependence
depression
and
anxiety
heart and kidney problems
ice psychosis – paranoia, hallucinations and unpredictable or violent behaviour
stroke
financial, work and relationship problems.
If you become dependent on ice, you may need to keep taking more to get the same effect. You may also need ice just to get through everyday activities such as work, study or socialising.
Withdrawal from ice
If you have been using ice for a long time, giving up can be a challenge. Your body and mind will need to adjust to functioning without the drug.
If you decide to stop or cut down your ice use, you may experience some unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. These usually occur more strongly at the start and settle after a week. Most withdrawal symptoms disappear after 4 weeks.
Symptoms of ice withdrawal include:
aches and pains
confusion and irritability
depression and anxiety
exhaustion
increased appetite
intense cravings for ice
paranoia
restless sleep and nightmares.
Ice cravings
Recovery from ice is possible, however cravings can occur. These usually last up to 3 months. Other symptoms of ice use can persist for over 12 months.
Relapse (returning to use) is common and it may take some time to feel ‘normal’ again. People can through multiple lapses and relapses before achieving their treatment goals.
If you have any concerns about your health, contact your GP (doctor), community health centre or a drug support service.
Treatment for ice use
Treatment options for drug use
include:
detoxification
individual counselling
residential rehabilitation
day programs
group therapy.
Peer support – or talking to people in similar situations – can also be helpful.
Victoria has a number of treatment and support services for people with ice dependence. Different options may involve a supervised hospital stay, living in a residential community setting or accessing counselling/support through local services such as GPs, community health services, or alcohol and drug treatment providers.
Some drug support services offer therapeutic day rehabilitation so you can work on your drug use while still at home. This involves structured day programs held over a certain period using approaches such as:
cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
individual and group counselling
self-help
peer support.
Ice and the law
Ice is an illegal drug. Penalties apply under federal and state laws for anyone who:
Is found with it in their possession by police.
Supplies or sells it to another person (this includes without their consent – such as
drink spiking
)
Drives under its influence.
Sells or possesses ice pipes (applies in some states and territories, including Victoria).
Where to get help
In an emergency, always call triple zero (000)
Emergency department of your nearest hospital
Your
GP (doctor)
DirectLine
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Tel.
1800 888 236
– for 24-hour confidential drug and alcohol telephone counselling, information and referral
NURSE-ON-CALL
Tel.
1300 60 60 24
– for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)
DrugInfo
Line
External Link
Tel.
1300 858 584
Counselling
Online
External Link
Tel.
1800 888 236
– free online drug and alcohol counselling 24/7, via webchat, SMS or e-mail
Self Help Addiction Resource Centre
(SHARC)
External Link
Tel.
1300 660 068
Family Drug
Support
External Link
Tel.
1300 368 186
(24/7)
Kids
Helpline
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Tel.
1800 55 1800
Parentline
Victoria
External Link
Tel.
13 22 89
Youth Drug and Alcohol Advice
service
External Link
, Victoria Tel.
1800 458 685
(9am to 8pm, Monday to Friday)