Ice (methamphetamine)

‘Ice' is a street name for crystal methamphetamine hydrochloride, which is a powerful, synthetic stimulant drug. Stimulant drugs speed up the activity in the central nervous system. Ice is more potent than other forms of amphetamines such as speed. Ice often appears as large, transparent and "sheet-like" crystals that may have a hint of pink, blue or green colour.

How is ice used?

Ice is most commonly administered by smoking, swallowing, snorting or injecting. Some people smoke ice using a glass pipe, while others heat it on aluminium foil and inhale the vapours ("chasing").

Immediate effects

The onset of the effects of the drug is dependant on the route of administration. After taking ice, a person may experience a number of psychological and physical effects including:

• Feelings of euphoria, excitement and well-being.
• Increased alertness, energy, confidence and libido, talkativeness, restlessness, repeating simple acts.
• Tremors of the hands and fingers.
• Speeding up of bodily functions, such as increased breathing rate, body temperature, blood pressure, a rapid and irregular heartbeat and excessive sweating.
• Difficulty sleeping, reduced appetite, dilated pupils, dry mouth, stomach cramps, nausea, dizziness, blurred vision and severe headaches.
• Abrupt shifts in thought and speech, which can make someone using ice difficult to understand.
• Irritability, aggression, hostility and "amphetamine psychosis", including hallucinations and paranoid delusions, itching, picking and scratching skin. 

The inconsistency of purity levels of ice increases the risk of negative effects and overdose.

Withdrawal

Some of the symptoms people may experience once they have stopped using ice include:

• Disorientation and confusion.  
• Extreme fatigue and exhaustion.
• Decreased energy and apathy.
• Anxiety, irritability and depression.
• Cravings..

Treatment options

There are a number of drug treatment options available that includes 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 rehab, treatment and self-help options.

Sources of information:

DrugInfo Clearinghouse - Australian Drug Foundation

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