Crystal Meth
Free independent and confidential advice from a clinician on all aspects of crystal meth addiction, treatment, rehab, therapy, counselling, relapse prevention, cost and location
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What is crystal meth (ICE)?
Possession of Crystal Meth is illegal. While it is a stimulant and one of a group of drugs known as amphetamines, which have legitimate clinical uses, crystal meth is not produced legally. It stimulates the central nervous system and works on the messaging system between the brain and the body. Usually, it is more potent that other types of stimulants.
Crystal Meth
How is it taken?
Crystal Meth resembles ice, hence why it is known by this name as a street drug. It is usually a white to brown in colour. It is either sold as a crystal or powder with the crystal being crushed.
Meth
Crystal
Glass
Shabu
Tina
Crystal Meth
Do users experience any positives from taking Crystal Meth?
One of the reasons clients take crystal meth is to experience a heightened sex drive which can last up to twelve hours. However, this can put the user at serious risk of harm through exploitation and sexually transmitted disease.
Users also report feelings of intense happiness, confidence, alertness and energy.
Side effects of Crystal Meth:
- Pruritus (severe/persistent itching)
- Blurred vision
- Bruxism (grinding teeth)
- Tachycardia (fast heartbeat)
- Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
- Xerostomia (severe dry mouth)
- Extreme anxiety
These can last up to 12 hours
Long term implications:
- Persistent paranoia
- Chronic insomnia
- Anorexia
- Weakened immune system leading to persistent flu-like symptoms
- Severe dental decay
- Long term muscle stiffness
- Kidney disease
- Depression
- Increased risk of stroke
- Poor concentration
Withdrawal may take several days and users may experience:
- Extreme tiredness
- Hallucinations
- Severe paranoia
- Chronic vertigo
- Intense feelings of sadness and irritability
- Headaches
Frequent use, especially at high doses can cause a psychotic episode. Such episodes can last several days and users may experience:
- Unusual extreme violence
- Severe paranoia, delusions and hallucinations
- Overdose (death)
- How do I know if someone is using crystal meth?
Common signs of crystal meth use include some of the following:
- Seizures
- Trouble breathing
- Pain in the chest
- Fast heartbeat
- Confusion
- Extreme agitation
- Uncontrolled jerking
- In extreme cases:
- Unconsciousness
- Cardiac arrest
- Death
- Nosebleeds
- Sinus damage
Crystal Meth
Are there any psychological effects of long-term use?
People who use crystal meth on a long-term basis will often look much older than their physical age. They may encounter:
- Rapid mood swings
- Bouts of severe depression
- Extreme stress at home and work
- Financial problems
- Lack of enjoyment of social occasions, hobbies, family life.
Crystal Meth
What are the risks when users inject crystal meth?
Any injectable drug use poses additional risks such as:
- Hepatitis B and C
- HIV
- Tetanus
- Endocarditis
Crystal Meth
What are the risks when using crystal meth with other drugs?
Any drug which affects the central nervous system will have a significant potential for increased risk when someone takes ICE. Most commonly:
- Alcohol
- Cannabis
- Benzodiazepines
Crystal Meth
Do users become dependent on crystal?
Yes: Users will need to take larger amounts at shorter intervals to have the same effect as the initial dose. Thus, crystal meth is incredibly addictive. Dependent users will need to use crystal meth several times a day.
Crystal Meth
What treatment is available?
Users of crystal meth require residential treatment due to the potential for hallucinations, acute psychological distress and intense paranoia. There is no medical “detox” for crystal meth though some clients may need medication to ameliorate some of the more abbarent withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal usually starts within 24 hours of the last use and can resolve within a few days. Some clients may need up to two weeks. In extreme cases, some clients may need anti psychotics, on a short-term basis and/or medication to help the client relax and sleep.
As with other drug dependencies, the “detox” element, while essential, is only part of the treatment plan. Entering a therapeutic process, whether a 12 step or SMART based program (or even an eclectic mix group process) is the most important part of recovery. A client will develop a mental toolkit to avoid triggers and relapse after leaving treatment.
Yes: Users will need to take larger amounts at shorter intervals to have the same effect as the initial dose. Thus, crystal meth is incredibly addictive. Dependent users will need to use crystal meth several times a day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unsurprisingly, we get asked a lot of questions, to make things easier for you, we have included some of the most common one below.
Can I get free treatment on the NHS?
All drug and alcohol services are the responsibility of a client’s local authority. Some will contract out the service to the NHS, a third sector company, a drug charity or a private company. Clients cannot choose which service they use as it is dependent on their postcode.
What if I go to A+E will they admit me and provide treatment?
The National Health Service has a duty of care, but only to what is reasonable in the circumstances. If someone dependent on crystal meth attends accident and emergency the NHS duty of care extends only to stabilising the patient so that they can go home: They may not admit at all or treat the person in “minors” or “cubicles.” Obviously, if the client has an underlying medical emergency, they will provide treatment for that. They will provide signposting information on local drug and alcohol services.
What help will my local authority provided drug and alcohol service provide?
That depends on what they have been contracted to do by the local authority who are the “fundholders.” Ordinarily, a client will be invited in to see a non-clinical keyworker, often someone in recovery themselves. There will be a series of assessments. As crystal meth is not something which can be assisted by substitute prescribing, such as Methadone for heroin addiction, it is unlikely a client will be seen by a doctor.
The emphasis, within community services, is on individual key sessions with a keyworker and, sometimes, groups. In some cases, where the use is chronic and the client is in a poor state of health, the keyworker may make representations at a funding panel (local authority) to fund a stay at a rehab centre. Sadly, budgets are extremely stretched and thus only in severe cases is this provided.
Can you help me find a suitable centre that is affordable, reputable and close to home?
Yes. One of our clinicians can advise you on treatment plans, cost, location and availability. We are independent of the centres and are only here to give advice.
Does my GP need to know?
It is always advisable for a client’s GP to be aware that they are in active addiction and are seeking treatment though not a legal requirement. A good GP would be able to spot the signs and raise this during a consultation. Depending on the individual client, centres may ask for medical information. Clients who do not wish their GP to be aware, can ask the receptionist for a medical summary which will be provided: without question. Centres can, if asked, provide a discharge summary for a family GP.
I have health insurance; can I use it?
Most health insurance policies exclude treatment for addiction. Where it is included there not all centres will accept clients through insurance companies. Those that do may be a fair distance away. Please call in to discuss