Crystal Methamphetamine (Ice)

How is methamphetamine used?

Methamphetamine is usually smoked or injected, but it is sometimes swallowed or snorted.³

Effects of methamphetamine

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

Meth 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).

Onset and duration of effects

How fast a drug takes effect and how long it lasts can vary depending on how it's taken - for example, whether it's smoked, injected, swallowed or snorted.

Effects of meth begin almost immediately if injected or smoked, with a slightly more delayed onset if snorted (3 to 5 minutes) or swallowed (15-30 minutes).^{2, 4}

Peak effects occur after around 1-3 hours and can last for up to 12 hours. It may also be hard to sleep for a few days after using meth.^{2, 7}

Effects

Effects can include:

• feeling euphoric and confident
• feeling anxious or agitated
• talking more and feeling energetic
• increased sex drive
• large pupils
• sensitivity to bright lights
• dry mouth
• teeth grinding
• reduced appetite
• fast breathing
• increased body temperature
• dehydration
• itching
• clenched jaw
• fast heartbeat
• increased blood pressure.^{3, 8, 9}

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 the drug, and expectations of what’s going to happen. For example, feelings of stress or anxiety before using meth may result in an unpleasant experience and make those feelings worse.
• Setting: the physical and social environment where you take meth – whether it’s known and familiar, who you're with, if you're indoors or outdoors, the type of music or sounds, and lighting. The ideal setting to take meth will vary based on the individual and drug they’re using. For example, one person might enjoy meth in a loud social setting like a party while another may prefer a quieter place with close friends.⁷

Being in a good state of mind, with trusted friends and a safe environment before taking meth reduces the risk of having a bad experience.⁷

Overdose

If you take a large amount of meth or use a strong batch, you could overdose.

Your risk of overdose can also increase if you mix meth with alcohol or other drugs, including medications.

Methamphetamine overdose can cause death.⁶

Call triple zero (000) and request an ambulance if you or someone else has any of the following symptoms (emergency services are there to help and can provide more instructions):

Signs of methamphetamine overdose can include:

• unconscious or non-responsive
• spasms or seizures
• heart attack symptoms such as:
• difficulty breathing
• sharp pain/discomfort in chest, arm, shoulder, back, neck, or jaw
• severe agitation, confusion, or panic
• racing heartbeat
• hot, flushed (red), or sweaty skin
• very large pupils.^{8, 10}

Learn more on overdose and drug-related emergencies here.

Mixing with other drugs

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

Mixing includes using more than one drug (including alcohol or medications) at the same time, or one after another. You should also consider what drugs you’ve taken in the last 24 hours.

• Methamphetamine and stimulants (such as speed, cocaine, and nicotine): Places extra strain on the heart and increases risk of stroke. May also lead to heightened anxiety.
• Methamphetamine and opioids and depressants (such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, and GHB/GBL): Meth speeds up your heart rate, while depressants/opioids 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.
• Methamphetamine and psychedelics (such as psilocybin (magic mushrooms), LSD, and ayahuasca): Using meth while on psychedelics can make the psychedelic effects much more intense, potentially leading to anxiety, paranoia and a more intense/unwanted trip.^{7, 11, 12}

Use of more than one drug or type of drug consumed at the same time is called polydrug use.¹¹

Reducing harm

There are ways you can reduce the risk of harm when taking meth:

• Start low, go slow – try a little bit first to see how you feel. Wait at least 30 minutes before deciding whether to take more.
• Stay hydrated by taking small sips of water regularly – to avoid dehydration and overheating.
• Try and eat 20-30 minutes before using – meth can impact your appetite, so it’s good to eat beforehand and also eat every few hours while the effects are ongoing.
• Allow time to recover and sleep – lack of sleep increases the risk of harms from meth.
• Avoid operating machinery, driving, or swimming.^{6, 13}

If snorting:

• Crush into a fine powder, as crystals can cause cuts.
• Rinse your nose with water before and after to protect your nose from irritation.
• Use your own straw, or a disposable one, and avoid money notes to reduce the risk of infections or transmission of viruses like HIV or Hep C.
• Switch nostrils and take breaks to avoid nasal damage.¹³

If injecting:

• Always use new needles – never share needles or other injecting equipment. Use your own spoon/cup and tourniquet. Use new barrels, filters, sterile water, and swabs. Safely dispose of used equipment.
• Visit a needle and syringe program for sterile equipment, disposal of used equipment, and harm reduction advice.¹²

Heroin found in or sold as meth:

• Start low, go slow – try a little bit first to see how you feel. Wait at least 30 minutes before deciding whether to take more.
• Never use alone, make sure someone nearby has naloxone on hand and a phone to call for help if needed.
• Continue to monitor drug alerts and use drug checking (pill testing) services, where available.

Coming down

It In the days after meth use, you may experience:

• difficulty sleeping and exhaustion
• headaches, dizziness and blurred vision
• paranoia, hallucinations and confusion
• irritability and feeling ‘down’.^{14, 15}

Using 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.

Learn more about drug comedowns here.

Long-term effects

Long-term effects can vary depending on how much, how often and how you consume methamphetamine. Regular use may eventually contribute to:

• extreme weight loss due to reduced appetite
• restless sleep or insomnia
• 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
• increased risk of drug-induced psychosis.^{3, 8, 16, 17}

Methamphetamine and mental health

Some people who regularly use meth may start to lose enjoyment of everyday activities.

They can get easily stressed 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 stops using meth.¹⁶

Individuals can also develop drug-induced psychosis when using stimulant drugs - like meth - at high doses or for extended periods. This psychological condition is characterised by people experiencing strange beliefs, paranoia, seeing or hearing things that may not be there (hallucinations) and exhibiting unpredictable behaviour.^18-20

These symptoms usually disappear a few days after the person stops using meth, but in some cases, they can last longer or be the first sign of a longer-term mental illness like schizophrenia.^18-20

Tolerance

Regularly taking meth can lead to developing a tolerance, which means you need to take larger amounts to get the same effects.⁷

Dependence

People who regularly use meth can become dependent. They may feel they need to use meth to go about their usual activities like working, studying and socialising, or just to get through the day.⁷

Lung health

Smoking methamphetamine has been associated with a range of lung complications. This includes coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing and coughing up blood. Smoking methamphetamine may cause or increase the symptoms of asthma. It has also been shown to increase the risk of developing emphysema.¹¹

Withdrawal

Withdrawal refers to the symptoms that can occur when someone who is dependent on a drug, or who has been using it regularly over time, stops or reduces their use.²¹

Withdrawal can include physical symptoms (such as headaches, or nausea) and psychological symptoms (such as anxiety, or depressed mood).²¹

Symptoms - including how strong they are and how long they last - will vary depending on the type of drug and a person’s history of use.²¹

Withdrawal symptoms

Reducing, or stopping using meth after a period of regular use can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including:

• cravings for meth
• increased appetite
• confusion and irritability
• mood swings
• aches and pains
• exhaustion
• restless sleep and nightmares
• anxiety, depression and paranoia
• brain ‘zaps’.^{21, 22}

Withdrawal symptoms should settle down after a week and mostly disappear after a month.²¹

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Before pregnancy 

Some evidence has shown that meth use could affect male fertility, but it is not conclusive.19, 20

However, it may be best to avoid meth use in the lead up to trying to conceive, or while actually trying.

During pregnancy

Methamphetamine use during pregnancy can affect a baby’s growth and development. Babies exposed to meth during pregnancy may experience:

• lower birth weight
• smaller head size
• lower body length
• behavioural issues
• changes to brain development.^23-25

Meth use during pregnancy may also increase the risks of complications, including:

• miscarriage
• premature (early) labour
• bleeding from the site of the placenta after labour
• increased blood pressure
• increased chance of heart attack or stroke.^24-28

Overall, pregnancies affected by meth use are more likely to have poorer outcomes for both the pregnant person and the baby. However, some of these risks may be related to other challenges that can occur alongside meth use, including stress, poor nutrition, unstable housing, or limited access to healthcare.^{26, 28}

How meth is used during pregnancy may also affect risk. Injecting meth can increase the risk of blood-borne viruses such as HIV and hepatitis B or C if needles or other injecting equipment are shared. These infections can affect the health of the pregnant person and the baby.²⁹

After pregnancy

If a baby is exposed to meth during pregnancy, they may need to stay in hospital post-birth so doctors can monitor withdrawal symptoms.²⁷

Methamphetamine passes into breastmilk. Continuing to use meth while breastfeeding may pose serious risks to the baby, and death can occur in some instances.²⁸

To reduce risks to the baby, it is recommended to:

• not breastfeed for at least 48 hours after meth use
• express and discard the breastmilk after use (not simply stop breastfeeding)
• have an alternative feeding option available, such as formula
• have a safety plan in place when caring for or feeding a baby, such as having support from another trusted adult.²⁹

Getting help

If your use of methamphetamine is affecting your health, family, relationships, work, school, financial or other life situations, or you’re concerned about someone, there is 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.
• Use the confidential Path2Help portal to get matched with information and services specific to your needs.
• Stimulant Treatment Line offers free counselling and support for people who use stimulants, such as methamphetamine (ice), cocaine and ecstasy: 1800 101 188