Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine (meth) is a highly addictive amphetamine also known as Ice, Crystal or Speed. Meth can be swallowed, snorted, smoked or injected.
Get help, information and support
Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) provides free, confidential information and support, and can be contacted on 1300 131 340. ADIS can help you identify:
- your goals and how to reach them
- what supports and services you may be eligible for
- appropriate treatment pathways, including detox and withdrawal options.
Talk to your GP if you are worried about the impact using meth has on your health. Your GP will:
- assess your alcohol and other drug history
- carry out screening tests
- discuss appropriate treatment pathways for any potential health complications
- refer you to medical specialists, if required.
Family Drug Support (FDS) provides free, confidential information and support to the family and friends of people who use drugs. You can contact the 24/7 FDS National Support Line on 1300 368 186.
How meth can affect movement
Meth causes abnormally high levels of a chemical in the brain called dopamine. Abnormally high levels of dopamine can damage neurons (cells) in the brain that are important for movement. Evidence shows that using meth or other stimulants like ecstasy can have long-lasting effects on your movement.
Using these drugs as few as five times can lead to a noticeable tremor or shaking in your hands, decreased coordination, and problems using your hands to complete tasks like using your phone. Using meth also increases the risk of developing an incurable movement disorder called Parkinson’s disease later in life.
Other effects of using meth
The short-term effects of meth can last between 2 and 12 hours, and you may experience:
- restlessness, irritability and aggression
- faster breathing and heart rate
- excessive sweating
- confusion, hallucinations and paranoia
- trouble sleeping, exhaustion and nightmares
- convulsions.
A high dose or strong batch could result in an overdose or death.
The long-term health effects of meth use include:
- changes to brain function, poor concentration and memory
- heart problems, including an increased risk of heart attacks and heart failure
- an increased risk of stroke and brain damage
- depression, mood swings and psychosis (hearing voices, imagining things, hallucinations)
- an increased risk of damage to the heart, lungs and kidneys
- malnutrition and severe weight loss
- dental problems, skin problems and an increased risk of infection
- dependence or a substance use disorder.
Using meth may also be accompanied by other emotional, social, financial and legal problems, such as:
- fines, disqualification from driving, criminal charges and imprisonment
- conflict with and isolation from family, friends and community
- shame, embarrassment and anxiety.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, using meth could have a negative impact on the baby, including increasing the risk of:
- a miscarriage
- sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- cognitive and behavioural problems.
Reducing the risks
It’s always safest to not use meth.
There are steps you can take to reduce the risks:
- use smaller amounts less often
- don’t use regularly
- don’t use alone
- don’t drive or do risky things while using
- don’t inject meth
- avoid mixing meth with other drugs, especially other stimulants like cocaine or ecstasy (MDMA)
- stay hydrated.
If you do inject, follow safe injecting practices:
- always use new, sterile needles
- use an alcohol skin prep swab
- use vials of sterile water to mix your meth
- share injecting equipment like swabs, filters, mixing spoons, water or tourniquets.
You can access sterile equipment, information and other resources through the Needle and Syringe Program.
What to do if someone overdoses
If you or someone else is experiencing an overdose phone 000 immediately.
Someone who is experiencing an overdose may exhibit any of these symptoms:
- very high body temperature
- irregular heartbeat
- difficulty breathing
- chest pain
- headaches and dizziness
- nausea and vomiting
- paranoid thoughts, delusions and hallucinations
- aggressive, unpredictable behaviour
- becoming unresponsive, can’t be woken up or can’t speak.
Resources
- Don’t Let Meth Take Hold fact sheet (PDF)
- Methamphetamine - SA Health
- Harmful drug Use - SA Health
- Crystal methamphetamine National online toolkit - Cracks in the Ice
Resources for health professionals
- Health worker fact sheet Don’t let meth take hold PDF
- Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) - SA Health
- Drug and alcohol publications and resources for health professionals - Drug and Alcohol Services SA
- Substance misuse and dependence - SA Health
The ‘Don’t Let Meth Take Hold’ campaign advertisements were developed by researchers at the University of South Australia.
