What does methamphetamine look like?

It can come in several different forms – including tablets, powder, or crystals. The tablets are sometimes referred to as Yaba and the smokeable crystals are often called Crystal Meth or Ice.

How is methamphetamine taken?

Depending on its form, methamphetamine can be swallowed, snorted or injected; and unlike amphetamine, it can also be smoked.

Injecting methamphetamine, and sharing needles, syringes or other injecting equipment, runs the risk of the injector catching or spreading viruses, such as HIV or hepatitis C. There is also the risk that veins may be damaged and of abscesses or clots developing.

The effects of methamphetamine can last a very long time and can be followed by a severe come-down. Smoking the purer, crystalline form of methamphetamine, Crystal Meth, produces a very intense ‘high’ similar to that produced by crack cocaine but much longer lasting – a period of between 4 and 12 hours when you’re not really in control.

What are the effects of methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine makes users feel very up, alert and energised as well as agitated, paranoid, confused and aggressive. It can also have other effects:

• Increased levels of activity and feelings of arousal.
• Reduced appetite.
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure, raising the risk of heart attack – the higher the dose, the greater these effects.
• Lowered inhibitions, which can lead to users taking risks that they wouldn’t normally take, such as having unsafe sex.

The effects of methamphetamine can last a very long time and can be followed by a severe come-down. Smoking the purer, crystalline form of methamphetamine, Crystal Meth, produces a very intense ‘high’ similar to that produced by crack cocaine but much longer lasting – a period of between 4 and 12 hours when you’re not really in control.

What are the risks of methamphetamine?

Taking methamphetamine involves some serious risks. Here’s what it could do to you:

• Severe psychoses caused by methamphetamine have been reported in countries where there is widespread use of the drug. Psychosis is a serious mental state where you lose touch with reality and may come to believe things that are not true.
• There’s evidence that long-term use can damage the brain, although this gradually gets better if the user stays off the drug for a long time.
• In cases of overdose – stroke, and lung, kidney and gastrointestinal damage can develop, and coma and death can occur.
• Inhibitions are lowered and libido may be increased – this can lead to taking part in risky activities that you would not normally do, such as having unsafe sex, which itself can lead to other risks, such as catching a sexually transmitted disease or an unplanned pregnancy.

Methamphetamine and alcohol

Mixing methamphetamine with alcohol can have serious consequences – as the stimulant effects of methamphetamine and the depressant effects of alcohol interact unpredictably, which can increase the risk of harm or even death.

What is methamphetamine cut with?

It’s not unusual for drugs to have things added to them to increase the weight and the dealer’s profits. They can be cut with other amphetamines (like speed), caffeine, ephedrine, sugars (like glucose), starch powder, laxatives, talcum powder, paracetamol and other drugs with some similar effects.

Some impurities can be added by mistake, as impurities can be formed during the manufacturing process for methamphetamine.

Reports say that methamphetamine purity is generally low at 9%.

Can you get addicted to methamphetamine?

The simple answer is – yes. For some people, methamphetamine use can lead to very strong psychological and physical dependence, especially if it is injected or smoked.

This usually means they have ‘cravings’ for methamphetamine, and a very strong drive to keep on using it despite evidence of accumulating harms.

Crystal Meth is the most potent and long-lasting form of methamphetamine – and when it is smoked it can be particularly dangerous and addictive.

Methamphetamine and the law

• Methamphetamine is a Class A drug – so it’s illegal to have for yourself, give away or sell.
• Possession is illegal and can get you up to seven years in jail and/or an unlimited fine.
• Supplying someone else, even your friends, can get you up to life imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.

What if you’re caught?

If the police catch you with methamphetamine, they’ll always take some action. This could be a formal caution, or arrest and possible conviction.

• A conviction for a drug-related offence could have a serious impact. It can stop you visiting certain countries – for example the United States – and limit the types of jobs you can apply for.

Did you know?

• Like drinking and driving, using methamphetamine and driving is illegal – and you can still be unfit to drive the day after using methamphetamine. You can get a heavy fine, be disqualified from driving or even go to prison.
• Allowing other people to use methamphetamine in your house or any other premises is illegal.