⚡ Methamphetamine (Ice)
Source: Harm Reduction Victoria · DanceWize Victoria SSB
Overview
Ice is a crystalline stimulant that speeds up breathing and heart rate with a rapid and intense onset.
'Ice' is the (generally) common name for crystalline methamphetamine. Ice is a stimulant that acts on the central nervous system (CNS), speeding up breathing and heart rate. Methamphetamine stimulates the release of dopamine and noradrenaline from nerve cells in the brain.
It is quickly and completely absorbed by the brain which is what causes the high to come on so quickly and intensely compared to other stimulants. Ice is generally in the form of translucent crystals, although often 'speed' or 'cocaine' sold as pills, capsules and powder will actually be meth. Chemically, methamphetamine (ice) and amphetamine (speed) have very similar structures.
There is only one small structural difference that allows ice to enter your brain more quickly than an amphetamine can, which is why the onset of the high is faster and more intense.
Safer Using
Try to use in comfortable environments with people you trust to look out for you if you overdo it. Eat about 30 minutes before use and try to eat every 2-3 hours. If you're having difficulty eating, try to at least have a smoothie/sports drink to keep your electrolytes up.
Be aware of overheating or an elevated heart rate and make sure to cool down & chill out regularly. Keep your fluids up, but don't drink too much - 1 cup of water (250ml) per hour when resting & 500ml per hour when active. Try taking magnesium or other supplements if you are unable to eat and using for an extended period.
Sleep! Or at least lay down and take a substantial rest during a 24-hour period. Much of the harms associated with ice comes from sleep deprivation.
Remember to brush your teeth at least once a day. When smoking: Avoid sharing smoking devices to prevent sharing blood borne viruses such as Hep C. Keep your lips moisturised to avoid cracking & bleeding.
Clean your smoking devices by soaking in boiling water. When snorting: Crush into fine powder as crystals can cause little cuts. Snort water before and after to protect your nose.
Use your own straw/spoon (& not bank notes) to avoid infection or blood borne virus transmission (HIV/HepC). Repeated snorting can damage your nose, switch nostrils regularly and take breaks. When injecting: Use your own, new, sterile equipment (inc.
water). Where it isn't possible to get sterile water, use filtered or cooled down boiled kettle water. *Bottled water is NOT sterile!
Don't share any of your equipment (water, spoon, filters, etc), not just needles. Wash your hands AND injecting site thoroughly before and after with soap and water or a fresh alcohol swab. Wipe down the mixing area with warm soapy water or with a fresh swab.
Avoid vein damage by rotating injection sites. Be patient! Drink lots of water & warm up your body before injecting to make veins more visible.
Dispose of syringes & equipment responsibly.
⚠ Avoid Combining With
MAOIs - increased potency of methamphetamine. Increased risk of cardiovascular disorders, psychosis, agitation and aggression. Tramadol – has severe cardiovascular risks.
Caffeine – can lead to anxiety. MDMA, speed, cocaine & other stimulants – combining stimulant drugs can lead to heart strain and potentially stroke. Alcohol, GHB, benzodiazepines, opioids & other depressants – can counteract the subjective effects of ice, which can cause you to end up taking more, putting strain on your heart and causing more harm to your body.
MXE - can lead to hyper manic states. LSD & other psychedelics – using ice while on psychedelics can make the psychedelic effects much more intense, potentially leading to anxiety and paranoia. Cold & Flu medicine containing decongestants – can cause dangerously high blood pressure.
🚨 If Things Go Wrong
Methamphetamine is tested for in roadside drug tests and is detectable in saliva tests for 24 to 72 hours since you last slept (not last dose). It is illegal to drive under the influence of any illicit drugs, including ice and any driver may be subject to a roadside behavioural impairment test. The long-term effects of sleep deprivation, dehydration and/or under-nourishment from long term, heavy ice use can cause cognitive impairment, insomnia, mental health crisis, psychosis, musculoskeletal damage, and tooth decay.
Carrying drugs & paraphernalia puts you at greater risk of criminal charges. KNOW YOUR LOCAL LAWS.
Effects
Euphoria Increased self-confidence Moodiness Irritability Aggressiveness Depression Suicidal tendencies/thoughts (especially when coming down) Increased motivation and focus Abrupt change of thoughts and speech Anxiousness Nervousness Restlessness and agitation Dehydration Increased energy and alertness Dilated pupils Insomnia - inability to sleep Increased sexual activity Excessive talking Hyperactivity Repetition of simple acts Increased body temperature and sweating Tightened jaw muscles, teeth grinding Loss of appetite Stomach cramps Headaches Dizziness Aggressive and violent behavior Itchiness - compulsive scratching of skin Nausea & Vomiting Diarrhea Shortness of breath Involuntary tremors and twitching Increased heartbeat Heart palpitations Collapse Seizures Stroke Coma Panic Sense of confidence and power (delusions of grandeur) Visual and auditory hallucinations (hearing voices) Psychotic episodes Mania Memory loss Excited Delirium Syndrome Panic attacks Suspicion & paranoia
Dose & Duration
Smoked/inhaled: 5-50mg, Snorted: 30-60mg, Injected: varies person to person. For ice when smoked/snorted/injected - Total Duration: 4-12 hours, Onset: 0-10 minutes, Peak: 2-4 hours, Coming Down: 2-4 hours, After Effects: 2-24 hours. Even though the apparent effects of ice may wear off after 6 hours, the drug is still active in your system for up to 12-24 hours after you have taken it.