From -Alcohol & Drug Foundation,
Edited by -Amal Udawatta,
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.
Other names
Crystal meth, shabu, crystal, glass, shard, P.
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).
Effects of ice
There is no safe level of drug use. Use
of any drug always carries some risk. It’s important to be careful when taking
any type of drug.
The effects of ice can last for up to 12 hours,2 but
it might be hard to sleep for a few days after using the drug.
Ice affects everyone differently, but effects may 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.
How long does a drug stay in your system?
Overdose
If you take a large amount or have a strong batch, you could
overdose. Call an ambulance straight away by dialling triple zero (000) if you
have any of these symptoms (ambulance officers don’t need to involve the
police):
·
racing heartbeat and chest pain
·
breathing problems
·
fits or uncontrolled jerking
·
extreme agitation, confusion, clumsiness
·
sudden, severe headache
·
unconsciousness
·
stroke, heart attack or death.
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.
Long-term effects
With regular use, ice may eventually cause:
- 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 violence
- depression
- 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 psychosis
High doses of ice and
frequent use may result in a psychological condition known as ‘ice psychosis’,
characterised by paranoid delusions, hallucinations and bizarre, aggressive or
violent behaviour. These symptoms usually disappear a few days after the person
stops using ice.
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.
Mental health problems
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
The effects of taking ice with other drugs − including
over-the-counter or prescribed medications − can be unpredictable and
dangerous, and could cause:
- Ice + speed or ecstasy: enormous strain on the
heart and other parts of the body, which can lead to stroke.
- Ice + alcohol, cannabis or benzodiazepines: 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.
Withdrawal
Giving up ice after using it for a long time is challenging
because the body has to get used to functioning without it. Withdrawal symptoms
generally settle down after a week and will mostly disappear after a month.
Symptoms can include:
·
cravings for ice
·
increased appetite
·
confusion and
irritability
·
aches and pains
·
exhaustion
·
restless sleep and
nightmares
·
anxiety, depression
and paranoia.
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