Ice (crystal methamphetamine)

What is ice?#

Ice is a drug that stimulates the brain and nervous system. It is a type of amphetamine that is crystalline in appearance, and is also known as crystal methamphetamine, crystal meth, glass, shards and puff.

Compared with other forms of amphetamines, such as speed or base, ice is the strongest form of methamphetamine. It is made from a range of base products, including common pharmaceutical drugs and household chemicals. Because it is illegal, ice is made in uncontrolled ways and can contain unknown or harmful ingredients.

Ice usually comes as small crystals. Other forms are a white or brown powder with a strong smell and a bitter taste.

How is ice used?#

Ice is generally smoked or injected, and the effects can be felt almost immediately. How quickly the effects start depends on how it is used:

• Smoked: immediate
• Injected: 15 to 30 seconds
• Snorted: 3 to 5 minutes
• Swallowed: 15 to 20 minutes

The effects of ice usually last up to 12 hours, but sleep problems can occur for a few days after use.

How ice affects the body#

There is no safe level of ice use. Any drug use is risky, and the effects can vary from person to person depending on factors such as:

• The amount and strength of the dose
• Your physical make-up and state of mind
• Your response to the drug (for example, a first-time user may have different effects to someone who has used it before)
• Whether it has been mixed with other drugs

Short-term effects#

Ice acts rapidly and can produce effects such as:

• Enlarged pupils and dry mouth
• Excessive sweating
• Feelings of pleasure and confidence
• Teeth grinding
• Increased energy
• Increased sex drive (libido)
• Itching and scratching
• Rapid heart rate and breathing
• Reduced appetite
• Nosebleeds and damage to the nasal passage (from snorting)

Injecting ice and sharing needles increases your risk of hepatitis C, hepatitis B, HIV/AIDS, vein damage and infections such as tetanus.

Coming down#

‘Coming down’ from ice can take several days. Effects include difficulty sleeping, exhaustion, feeling down or low, irritability, agitation, paranoia and hallucinations. Using other drugs (such as benzodiazepines, cannabis or opioids) to cope with coming down may lead to a cycle of dependence, where someone becomes reliant on all the drugs they use.

Ice overdose#

An ice overdose may occur if you take a strong batch, use a large amount of ice, or mix ice with other drugs, including over-the-counter and prescribed medications. A drug overdose is a medical emergency. You can still be in danger even if not all of the overdose symptoms are present.

Symptoms of ice overdose may include:

• Racing heart and chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Fits or uncontrolled jerking
• Agitation and confusion
• Severe headache
• Passing out or unconsciousness

An ice overdose can lead to stroke or heart attack. Fast action could save someone’s life.

Emergency first aid for ice overdose#

If you suspect an ice overdose, call your local emergency number (for example 911 in the US and Canada, 112 across the EU and many countries, 999 in the UK, or 000 in Australia) for an ambulance immediately. Ambulance officers do not need to involve the police.

• Stay with the person until the ambulance arrives.
• If the person starts vomiting, keep their airway clear so they can still breathe.
• Place the person on their side in the recovery position, as they could be at risk of choking on their own vomit.
• Give ambulance officers as much information as you can, including what drugs the person has taken and how much.

Long-term effects of ice#

Long-term use of ice can cause symptoms such as:

• Breathing difficulties
• Trouble concentrating
• Dry mouth and dental problems
• Regular viral infections, such as colds or flu
• Restless sleep
• Stiff muscles
• Weight loss
• Drug dependence
• Depression and anxiety
• Heart and kidney problems
• Ice psychosis (paranoia, hallucinations and unpredictable or violent behaviour)
• Stroke

Long-term use can also increase the risk of financial, work and relationship problems. If you become dependent on ice, you may need to keep taking more to get the same effect, and you may need ice just to get through everyday activities such as work, study or socialising.

Giving up ice#

If you have been using ice for a long time, giving up can be a challenge, as your body and mind need to adjust to functioning without the drug. If you decide to stop or cut down, you may have some unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. These are usually strongest at the start and settle after about a week, and most withdrawal symptoms disappear after about 4 weeks.

Symptoms of ice withdrawal include aches, pains, confusion, irritability, depression, and restless sleep and nightmares.

Recovery from ice is possible, although cravings can occur and usually last up to 3 months. Other symptoms can persist for over 12 months. Relapse (returning to use) is common, and it may take time to feel ’normal’ again. People can go through multiple lapses and relapses before achieving their treatment goals.

If you have any concerns about your health, contact your doctor, a community health centre or a drug support service.

Treatment and support#

Treatment options may include group therapy, group counselling and self-help approaches. Peer support, or talking to people in similar situations, can also be helpful.

There are a number of treatment and support services for people with ice dependence. Different options may involve a supervised hospital stay, living in a residential community setting, or accessing counselling and support through local services such as doctors, community health services, or alcohol and drug treatment providers. Some services offer therapeutic day rehabilitation, with structured day programmes held over a set period, so you can work on your drug use while still living at home.

Ice and the law#

Ice is an illegal drug. Penalties apply for anyone who:

• Is found with it in their possession by police
• Drives under its influence
• Sells or possesses ice pipes (this applies in some places)
• Supplies or sells it to another person (including without their consent, such as drink spiking)

Key points#

• Ice is made from a range of base products, including common pharmaceutical drugs and household chemicals.
• Because it is illegal, ice is made in uncontrolled ways and can contain unknown or harmful ingredients.
• You can still be in danger even if not all overdose symptoms are present.
• Symptoms of ice overdose may include passing out or unconsciousness.
• Place the person on their side in the recovery position, as they could be at risk of choking on their own vomit.

Where to get help#