Ice

How is ice used?

Ice is generally smoked (effects felt almost immediately) or injected (15 to 30 seconds to feel the effects). It’s sometimes swallowed (15-20 minutes to feel the effects) or snorted (three to five minutes to feel the effects). ⁴

Effects of ice

Use of any drug can have risks. It’s important to be careful when taking any type of drug.

The effects of ice can last up to 12 hours² but it might be hard to sleep for a few days after using the drug.

Ice affects everyone differently, based on:

• size, weight and health
• whether the person is used to taking it
• whether other drugs are taken around the same time
• the amount taken
• the strength of the drug (varies from batch to batch)
• the environment (where the drug is taken).

Effects may include:

• feelings of pleasure and confidence
• increased alertness and energy
• enlarged pupils and dry mouth
• teeth grinding and excessive sweating
• fast heart rate and breathing
• reduced appetite
• repeating simple things like itching and scratching
• increased sex drive^1,4-6

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.¹

Snorting ice can damage the sinuses and cause nose bleeds.

Impact of mood and environment

Drugs that affect a person’s mental state (psychoactive drugs) can also have varied effects depending on a person’s mood (often called the ‘set’) or the environment they are in (the ‘setting’):

• Set: a person’s state of mind, previous encounters with ice, and expectations of what’s going to happen. For example, feelings of anxiety or agitation before using ice may result in an unpleasant experience and make those feelings worse.⁷
• Setting: the environment in which someone consumes ice – whether it’s known and familiar, who they’re with, if they’re indoors or outdoors, the type of music and light. For example, using ice in a calm, quiet and relaxed environment can lead to, or contribute to, a pleasant experience but being in a noisy, crowded place may result in a negative experience.⁷

Overdose

If you take a large amount, or have a strong batch, you could overdose.

Ice can cause death. Call an ambulance straight away by dialling triple zero (000) if you, or someone else, has any of the following symptoms:

• racing heartbeat and chest pain
• breathing problems
• fits or uncontrolled jerking
• extreme agitation, confusion, clumsiness
• sudden, severe headache
• unconsciousness
• stroke or heart attack.^1,6,8

Ambulance officers do not need to involve the police.

Coming down

It can take several days to come down from using ice. The following effects may be experienced:

• difficulty sleeping and exhaustion
• headaches, dizziness and blurred vision
• paranoia, hallucinations and confusion
• irritability and feeling ‘down’^1,6

Using depressant drugs 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

Regular use of 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 irritability
• 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^6,9

Ice and mental health

Some people who regularly use ice may start to lose enjoyment of everyday activities. They can get stressed easily and experience mood swings. These changes can lead to longer-term anxiety and depression. These effects can last for several weeks or even months after someone gives up ice.¹⁰

Tolerance and dependence

People who regularly use ice can quickly become dependent on the drug. They may feel they need ice to go about normal activities like working, studying and socialising, or just to get through the day. They may also develop a tolerance to it, which means they need to take larger amounts of ice to get the same effect.^1,5

Drug-induced psychosis

Individuals may develop drug-induced psychosis when using stimulant drugs like ice at high doses or for extended periods. This psychological condition is characterised by people experiencing strange beliefs, paranoia, experiencing things that may not be there, and potentially exhibiting unpredictable behaviour. These symptoms usually disappear a few days after the person stops using ice.^1,11

Lung health

Smoking ice has been associated with a range of lung complications. This includes coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing and coughing up blood. The smoking of methamphetamine may cause or increase the symptoms of asthma. It has also been shown to increase the risk of developing emphysema.¹²

Mixing ice with other drugs

Mixing ice with other drugs can have unpredictable effects and increase the risk of harm.

• Ice and alcohol: can make you feel less drunk and lead to drinking more, which increases risk of alcohol poisoning.
• Ice and cocaine: can make you feel anxious and also put a lot of pressure on your heart, which can lead to stroke.
• Ice and GHB/heroin/benzos: ice speeds up your heart rate, while GHB/heroin/benzos all slow it down, masking the effects of each other. Depending on how much you take, you could overdose on either drug if one wears off before the other.^3,13,14

Use of more than one drug or type of drug consumed at the same time is called polydrug use.¹²

Reducing harm

There are ways in which you can reduce the risks associated with using ice:

• Try a little bit first up to test how strong it is and how you react before using more
• Try not to use every day and plan a time to sleep and rest
• Try to eat healthy meals regularly even if you are not hungry
• Stay hydrated. People can become dehydrated when using ice, it is important to take small sips of water regularly
• If using a smoking device, boil in hot water to keep it clean.
• If injecting, always use new needles, don’t share needles and always wash your hands
• Don't drive or operate machinery after using.^3,13

Withdrawal

Giving up ice after a long time is challenging because the body has to get used to functioning without it. Please seek advice from a health professional.

Withdrawal symptoms generally settle down after a week and will mostly disappear after a month. Symptoms include:

• cravings for ice
• increased appetite
• confusion and irritability
• aches and pains
• exhaustion
• restless sleep and nightmares
• anxiety, depression and paranoia.¹⁵

Getting help

If your use of ice is affecting your health, family, relationships, work, school, financial or other life situations, or you’re concerned about a loved one, you can find help and support.

Call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 for free and confidential advice, information and counselling about alcohol and other drugs

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If you're looking for other information or support options, send us an email at druginfo@adf.org.au