Ice
Ice
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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
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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).
Side Effects of Ice
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There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries risk.
Ice affects everyone differently, based on:
• Size, weight and health
• Whether the person is used to taking it
• Whether other drugs are taken around the same time
• The amount taken & its strengthThe 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.
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Common side effects include:
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.
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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 violenceDepression
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
Ice Overdose
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
Mixing Ice with other drugs
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Ice + Speed or Ecstasy
Causes enormous strain on the heart and other parts of the body, which can lead to stroke.
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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.
The effects of taking Ice with other drugs including over-the-counter or prescribed medications can be unpredictable and dangerous.
