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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.

Usually it is injected, smoked or snorted by some people will swallow it.
Is it known by any other names?

As with all drugs (legal and pharmaceutical) there are various names for crystal meth such as:

Meth

Crystal 

Glass

Shabu

Tina

How 12 steps can support your recovery journey

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.

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