Things You Need To Know

Methamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant with a high potential for abuse and dependence.  A synthetic drug, methamphetamine is closely related chemically to amphetamine, but produces greater effects on the central nervous system.  The drug’s euphoric effects are similar to, but longer lasting than those of cocaine.  Methamphetamine is a white, odorless, and bitter-tasting crystalline powder, readily soluble in water or alcohol.  Users also smoke chunks of a very pure form of crystalline methamphetamine called “Ice”.     

Methods and effects of Methamphetamine use:

Methamphetamine can be smoked, injected intravenously, snorted, or ingested orally.  The drug alters mood in different ways, depending on how it is taken.  Immediately after smoking or intravenous injection, the user experiences an intense “rush” or “flash” that lasts only a few minutes and is described as extremely pleasurable.  Smoking or injecting produces effects fastest - within 5 to 10 seconds. Snorting or ingesting orally produces euphoria - a high but not an intense rush.  Snorting produces effects within 3 to 5 minutes, and ingesting orally produces effects within 15 to 20 minutes.     

Short-term effects of Methamphetamine:

Like other amphetamines, methamphetamine induces a temporary state of alertness, increased energy, suppressed appetite, and feelings of well being.  Continued use may result in severe anxiety, sleeplessness, and a paranoid state of psychosis. Methamphetamine causes a wave of physical and psychological exhilaration, which may last 4 to 30 hours.    

What is “Crystal Meth”?

Crystal Meth is the slang name of a different form of methamphetamine.  It is one of the most popular forms of amphetamine. Its main ingredient is ephedrine.  Ephedrine is a chemical found in many legal drugs, including bronchial inhalers, diet pills like Mini Thins, and decongestants, because ephedrine it is a legal narcotic, it can be purchased over the counter.  

"Crystal Meth” is usually smoked in glass pipes.  It is odorless, making it difficult to detect.  After smoking “Crystal Meth” users experience a rush, with bursts of energy, and alertness.  After the high, they feel extremely fatigued and usually go into a prolonged state of deep sleep that can last up to three days.  

Dr. David Ohlms, a 25-year veteran and expert in the addictions field says, “Meth has a very long half life, it stays in the body longer so the user maintains the high, or the “buzz” much longer than with cocaine.  Ohlms thinks that’s one reason Meth is gaining in popularity, outside of West coast biker gang groups”.  

Dr. Ohlms says of all the drugs of abuse he’s seen people use, he associates violence and aggressive behavior with methamphetamine.  “I see far more cases of domestic violence, child abuse, assaults, and bazaar attacks for no reason”, Ohlms says.     

What Is Ice?

Ice is an extremely pure (98-100%) smokeable form of methamphetamine.  Also called crystal, glass or batu. It looks like chunks of clear to yellowish rock candy.  Ice first appeared in the United States in Hawaii in 1985, smuggled in from Asia. 

Clear or translucent Ice is water-based and burns quickly.  It leaves a milky white residue in the bowl of the pipe (sometimes called a “bong”) The smoke from Ice is colorless and odorless. It can be used virtually unnoticed.  Yellowish Ice is oil-based and burns more slowly, leaving a brownish to black residue. Users   re-smoke the residue.     

What are the short and long-term effects of Ice?

Ice produces intense effects with an almost instant onset.  The short and long-term effects of Ice are similar to those of other forms of methamphetamine but are much more intense.  Physical damage from chronic use can occur more quickly.  Because of its purity, an overdose is more likely to result in seizures, cardiac arrest and maybe even death. 

Revised 10/00, Source: USDHHS, GWC, Inc.