Methamphetamines (ICE)

Crystal Methamphetamine (ICE)  is a stimulant drug.
It’s stronger, more addictive and therefore has more harmful side effects than the powder form of methamphetamine known as speed. 
Ice usually comes as small chunky clear crystals that look like ice. It can also come as white or brownish crystal-like powder with a strong smell and bitter taste.

Slang names  Crystal meth, shabu, crystal, glass, shard, P.1,2

How is it used?

Ice is generally smoked (feel the effect almost immediately) or injected (15 to 30 seconds to feel the effects). It is sometimes swallowed (15 to 20 minutes to feel the effects) or snorted (3 to 5 minutes to feel the effects).

Visible signs of potential use of ICE:
The effects of ice can last for up to 12 hours.

• Feelings of pleasure and confidence

• Increased alertness and energy

• Repeating simple things like itching and scratching

• Enlarged pupils and dry mouth

• Teeth grinding and excessive sweating

• Fast heart rate and breathing

• Reduced appetite

• Aggression
  

Extra Information on ICE:

Ice psychosis

High doses of ice and frequent use may cause ‘ice psychosis’. This condition is characterised by paranoid delusions, hallucinations and bizarre, aggressive or violent behaviour. These symptoms usually disappear a few days after the person stops using ice.

Dependence

People who regularly use ice can quickly become dependent on the drug. They may feel they need ice to go about their normal activities like working, studying and socialising, or just to get through the day.

Mental health problems

Some people who regularly use ice may start to feel less enjoyment of everyday activities. They can get stressed easily and their moods can go up and down quite quickly. These changes can lead to longer-term problems with anxiety and depression. People may feel these effects for at least several weeks or months after they give up ice.

Please note the effects listed in this information do not automatically indicate that a person is under the influence of illicit drugs. This is only a guide to the possibility.