Ice

Crystal methamphetamine (‘ice’) is a stimulant drug which means it speeds up the messages travelling between the brain and the body. It’s stronger, more addictive and therefore has more harmful side effects than the powder form of methamphetamine known as speed. Ice usually comes as small chunky clear crystals that look like ice. It can also come as white or brownish crystal-like powder with a strong smell and bitter taste.

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Common Names

  • Crystal Meth
  • Shabu
  • Crystal
  • Glass
  • Shard

How is it Used?

Ice is generally smoked (feel the effect almost immediately) or injected (15 to 30 seconds to feel the effects). It is sometimes swallowed (15 to 20 minutes to feel the effects) or snorted (3 to 5 minutes to feel the effects).

Mixing Ice with other drugs

ICE + SPEED OR ECSTASY

Causes enormous strain on the heart and other parts of the body, which can lead to stroke.

ICE + ALCOHOL, CANNABIS OR BENZODIAZEPINES

Causes enormous strain on the body, and more likely to overdose. The stimulant effects of ice may mask the effects of depressant drugs like benzodiazepines and can increase the risk of overdose.

Side Effects of
Ice

There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries risk.

The effects of taking Ice with other drugs including over-the-counter or prescribed medications can be unpredictable and dangerous.

Ice affects everyone differently, based on:

  • A person’s size, weight and health
  • Whether the person is used to taking it
  • Whether other drugs are taken around the same time
  • The amount taken & It's Strength
The effects of ice can last for up to 12 hours but it might be hard to sleep for a few days after using the drug.

Common Side Effects:

  • Feelings of pleasure and confidence
  • Increased alertness and energy
  • Repeating simple things like itching and scratching
  • Enlarged pupils and dry mouth
  • Teeth grinding and excessive sweating
  • Fast heart rate and breathing
  • Reduced appetite
  • Increased sex drive
If injecting drugs there is an increased risk of:
  • Tetanus
  • Infection
  • Vein damage
If sharing needles there is an increased risk of:
  • Hepatitis B
  • Hepatitis C
  • HIV and AIDS
  • Snorting ice can damage the nasal passage and cause nose bleeds.

Long-Term Effects:

  • Extreme weight loss due to reduced appetite
  • Restless sleep
  • Dry mouth and dental problems
  • Regular colds or flu
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Breathlessness
  • Muscle stiffness
  • Anxiety, paranoia and violence
  • Depression
  • Heart and kidney problems
  • Increased risk of stroke
  • Needing to use more to get the same effect
  • Dependence on ice
  • Financial, work or social problems

Dangerous Signs:

If you take a large amount or have a strong batch, you could overdose. If you or someone you know is having any of the symptoms below, call an ambulance straight away by dialing 999 or 112:
  • Racing heartbeat and chest pain
  • Breathing problems
  • Fits or uncontrolled jerking
  • Extreme agitation, confusion, clumsiness
  • Sudden, severe headache
  • Unconsciousness
  • Stroke, heart attack or death

Coming Down:

It can take several days to come down from using ice.

The following effects may be experienced during this time:
  • Difficulty sleeping and exhaustion
  • Headaches, dizziness and blurred vision
  • Paranoia, hallucinations and confusion
  • Irritability and feeling ‘down’
Using a depressant drug such as alcohol, benzodiazepines or cannabis to help with the come-down effects may result in a cycle of dependence on both types of drugs.

Ice Psychosis

High doses of ice and frequent use may cause ‘ice psychosis’. This condition is characterised by paranoid delusions, hallucinations and bizarre, aggressive or violent behavior. These symptoms usually disappear a few days after the person stops using ice.

Dependence

People who regularly use ice can quickly become dependent on the drug. They may feel they need ice to go about their normal activities like working, studying and socialising, or just to get through the day.

Mental Health

Some people who regularly use ice may start to feel less enjoyment of everyday activities. They can get stressed easily and their moods can go up and down quite quickly. These changes can lead to longer-term problems with anxiety and depression. People may feel these effects for at least several weeks or months after they give up ice.

Ice Overdose

The effects of taking Ice with other drugs including over-the-counter or prescribed medications can be unpredictable and dangerous.