What is Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine comes in three main forms:
Ice/Crystal meth - Translucent crystals, sometimes shards
Base - White to brown, thick oily substance
Speed - White or off-white powder
All forms of methamphetamine can be ‘cut’ (mixed) with other substances, which reduce the purity. Sometimes these other substances can also be harmful. Methamphetamine is often contained in pills sold as MDMA/ecstasy.
Table 1: This table describes the different forms of methamphetamine, potency, common names and uses.
| Form |
Also known as |
Potency |
Mainly used by |
| Ice/Crystal meth |
Shabu, Shabs, Tina, glass, meth, crystal |
Medium to high; this is normally the most potent form |
Smoking, injecting |
| Base |
Pure, point, wax, meth |
Medium to high |
Swallowing, injecting |
| Speed |
Go-ey, meth |
Low to medium |
Snorting, swallowing, injecting |
Ice or crystal usually have higher purity than speed, and for this reason it gives a stronger "high" and lasts longer. It also has stronger side effects while using and in the ‘comedown’ or ‘crash’ phase. There is greater potential for methamphetamine users to become dependent (addiction), develop psychosis, and suffer from long-term physical and mental health problems.
Personal Stories"I didn't know what ice was until my school friend's life fell apart...ice was always viewed as the most extreme drug, and something that almost all my peers would not touch. However, the rare few did, and they completed changed as a person."
How many young people have tried Methamphetamine?
According to the 2022-2023 Australian secondary schools' survey, 1 in 100 students (1%) aged 12-17 used methamphetamines in the past month.
Is "Ice" use increasing in Australia?Survey research suggests that methamphetamine use in Australia has not risen significantly in recent years. In fact, usage has been relatively stable since 2007. However, trend data suggests an increase in ice use among users, compared to other forms such as powder or base.
Are harms from "Ice" use increasing in Australia?While rates of use remain stable, the harms from ice use (e.g. deaths, hospital admissions for dependence and psychosis) have increased.
What are the effects of "Ice"?Methamphetamine takes effect quickly. The effects can last between 4 and 12 hours, although it can take 1 to 2 days for the drug to completely leave the body.
Methamphetamine is a very unpredictable drug. Toxic (and sometimes fatal) reactions can occur regardless of the amount used. This can happen whether the person is a first-time, occasional or regular user. Methamphetamine is more addictive than most other drugs, especially when taken in crystal form.
The effects of Methamphetamine vary, but can be immediate or long term as listed in the table below:
| Immediate |
Long Term |
| Increased heart rate and blood pressure |
Dependence (see glossary) |
| Enlarged pupils |
Dental problems |
| Increased energy |
Heart, kidney and lung problems |
| Feeling of euphoria (a ‘high’) |
Malnutrition and exhaustion |
| Aggressive behaviour |
Depression |
| Trembling |
If injected there is an increased risk of infections like Hepatitis C and HIV |
| Bad headaches and dizziness |
Paranoia (feeling extremely suspicious and frightened) |
| A ‘comedown’ (see glossary) |
Psychosis (see glossary) |
| Insomnia |
Stroke |
| Stomach cramps |
|
| Reduced appetite |
|
| Blurred vision |
|
| Anxiety and panic attacks |
|
| Jaw clenching and teeth grinding |
|
Evidence BaseThis factsheet was developed following expert review by researchers at the Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use at the University of Sydney, the National Drug & Alcohol Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, and the National Drug Research Institute at Curtin University.
See Teacher Booklet, Parent Booklet or Student Booklet for more information and a list of sources for this information.
For more information about methamphetamine use in Australia and how to get help visit: cracksintheice.org.au.
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