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Ice
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This information has been adapted from the pamphlet How Drugs Affect You: Ice, produced by the Australian Drug Foundation. For single copies of this pamphlet (Victoria only) phone 1300 85 85 84 or email druginfo@adf.org.au. Multiple copies are available from the ADF Bookshop.
What is ice?
"Ice" is a common name for crystal methamphetamine. It is more potent than other forms of amphetamine, including the powder form that is sometimes referred to as "speed". This means that ice generally has a stronger effect that lasts longer than other forms of methamphetamine. It also has stronger side effects and a worse "comedown". Amphetamines, including crystal methamphetamine, belong to a group of drugs called "psychostimulants". They speed up the messages going between the brain and the body.
Street names
As well as "ice", crystal methamphetamine is also known as "crystal", "meth", "crystal meth", "shabu" or "glass".
What does it look like?
Ice appears in a crystalline form that can range from large, clear-coloured, "sheet-like" crystals through to a crystalline powder. It can also appear in a range of colours.
How is it used?
Ice is usually smoked or injected. It is also snorted, or sniffed, through the nose, swallowed, or inserted into the anus ("shafting" or "shelving").
Effects of ice
The effects of any drug (including ice) vary from person to person, depending on the individual's size, weight and health, how much and how the drug is taken, whether the person is used to taking it and whether other drugs are taken. It also depends on the environment in which the drug is used; for example, whether the person is alone, with others or at a party.
Immediate effects
- enlarged (dilated) pupils
- dry mouth
- increased breathing rate
- shortness of breath (from smoking it)
- feelings of euphoria, excitement and a sense of wellbeing
- feeling more energetic, full of confidence and motivated
- feelings of power and superiority over others
- increased talkativeness
- increased libido
- restlessness, repeating simple acts and itching, picking and scratching
- nervousness, anxiety, agitation and panic
- paranoia
- hallucinations
- irritability, hostility and aggression
- headaches , dizziness
- feeling more awake and alert, reduced need for sleep and difficulty sleeping
- abrupt shifts in thought and speech, which can make people difficult to understand
- increased heart rate and blood pressure, irregular heart beat, palpitations
- chest pain
- reduced appetite, stomach cramps, stomach irritation (if swallowed)
- increased sweating
- increased body temperature
- faster reaction times
- feelings of increased strength.
Large quantities and overdose
Very high quantities of ice can intensify some of the effects listed above. People may also experience other effects such as blurred vision, tremors, irregular breathing, loss of coordination and collapse. Some people have overdosed and experienced strokes, heart failure, seizures and high body temperature. Some have died as a result.
High quantities and frequent heavy use can also create a "methamphetamine psychosis", characterised by paranoid delusions, hallucinations and bizarre, irrational aggressive or violent behaviour. These symptoms usually disappear a few days after the person stops using ice.
Coming down
As the effects of ice begin to wear off, a person may experience a range of symptoms. These symptoms can last several days after use and include:
- feeling restless, irritable and anxious
- paranoia
- depression
- radical mood swings
- lethargy
- exhaustion
- increased sleep
- decreased appetite
- uncontrolled violence.
Long-term effects
The long-term effects of ice use on health can include:
- malnutrition and rapid weight loss due to reduced appetite
- chronic sleeping problems
- reduced immunity and increased susceptibility to infections due to not sleeping or eating properly
- cracked teeth and other dental problems from clenching the jaw, grinding the teeth, dry mouth and poor hygiene
- high blood pressure and rapid and irregular heartbeat, which places stress on the heart and can increase risk of heart-related complications such as heart attack and heart failure
- increased strain on the kidneys, which can result in kidney failure
- increased risk of stroke
- depression, anxiety, tension and paranoia
- brain damage: there is some evidence that ice can damage brain cells, resulting in reduced memory function and other impairments in thinking.
Some other long-term effects of ice are related to the method of use:
- Repeated snorting damages the nasal lining.
- Smoking ice can damage the lungs.
- Frequent injecting in the same place can cause inflammation, abscesses, vein damage and scarring.
- Veins can also be damaged by the impurities and additives in ice, if injected. This can also cause thrombosis.
Tolerance and dependence
People who are physically dependent on ice usually develop tolerance to the drug. This makes it necessary to take more and more to get the same effect.
Dependence on ice can be psychological, physical, or both.
People who are psychologically dependent on ice find that using it becomes far more important than other activities in their life. They crave the drug and find it very difficult to stop using it.
People who are physically dependent on ice find that their body has become used to functioning with the drug present.
Withdrawal
If a person who is dependent on ice suddenly stops taking it, they will experience withdrawal symptoms, because their body has to readjust to functioning without the drug.
People may experience withdrawal symptoms for a couple of weeks. Ice withdrawal symptoms may include:
- cravings for ice
- disorientation and poor concentration
- decreased energy, apathy and the limited ability to experience pleasure
- irritability
- depression, anxiety and panic
- paranoia
- extreme fatigue and exhaustion
- headaches
- general aches and pains
- hunger and increased appetite
- disturbed and restless sleep, often interrupted by nightmares.
Treatment options
There are a number of drug treatment options available in Australia. Some programs aim for the person to achieve a drug-free lifestyle, while others recognise abstinence as one option among a number of strategies that have an overall aim of reducing the harms and risks related to the person's drug use.
Some treatment options include counselling, group therapy, withdrawal (detoxification) and medication. Residential, supervised/home withdrawal and "out-patient" programs are available.
Treatment is more effective if tailored to suit a person's circumstances, and usually involves a combination of methods.
For referral to a treatment service, contact the alcohol and drug information service in your state or territory.
More on treatment
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Using ice during pregnancy can affect foetal development. Amphetamine use has been linked with bleeding, early labour and miscarriage. Using amphetamines during pregnancy has also been linked to increased risk of foetal abnormalities, including smaller head size, eye problems, cleft palate, delayed motor development, limb defects and changes to the brain.
If amphetamines are used close to birth, the baby may be born directly affected, and may be over-active and agitated. Babies of mothers who regularly use amphetamines may also experience withdrawal symptoms in the first few weeks after birth.
Breastfeeding
Not much is known about the effects of ice on the baby during breastfeeding. There is evidence that babies whose mothers use amphetamines when breastfeeding feed poorly and may be irritable.
See your doctor or other health professional if you are taking or planning to take any substances while pregnant or breastfeeding, including prescribed and over-the-counter medications.
More on alcohol, other drugs and pregnancy
What to do in a crisis
If someone has an adverse reaction while using ice, it is very important that they receive professional help as soon as possible. A quick response can save their life.
- Immediately remove any obstruction to their breathing.
- Call an ambulance. Dial 000. Don't delay because you think you or your friend might get into trouble. Ambulance officers are not obliged to involve the police.
- Stay with the person until the ambulance arrives. Find out if anyone at the scene knows mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
- Ensure adequate air by keeping crowds back and opening windows. Loosen tight clothing.
- If the person is unconscious, don't leave them on their back—they could choke. Turn them on their side and into the recovery position. Gently tilt their head back so their tongue does not block the airway.
- If breathing has stopped, give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. If there is no pulse, apply CPR.
- Provide the ambulance officers with as much information as you can about what drugs were taken, how long ago, and any pre-existing medical conditions.
- Plan what to do in a crisis.
More information