Ice (Methamphetamine)

Ice is often in the media, and use has become more common in Victoria. Ice is an illegal stimulant.

It's also known as meth, crystal, crystal meth, shabu, tina, glass, crank, yaba, or shard. It comes as shards of crystal, and can be smoked, swallowed, snorted, injected or inserted anally (known as ‘shafting’ or ‘shelving’). It can also be heated on aluminium foil to inhale the vapours.

The effects of ice include: feelings of exhilaration and alertness as well as agitation, paranoia, and aggression. The intense high lasts four to twelve hours and is often followed by a severe comedown.

An overdose of ice can result in feeling panicky, difficulty breathing, or a very high fever. Methamphetamine psychosis is also a risk. Call an ambulance is any of these symptoms occur.

If you use ice it is important to know how to be as safe as possible:

• Take breaks from using

• Try and maintain a healthy diet and get plenty of rest when not using

• If injecting, use safe injecting practices

• Drink water

• Plan for the comedown

• Have ‘safe’ people to call in case of feelings of paranoia or panic

• Call an ambulance if an overdose is suspected

See the Australian Drug Foundation for more drug facts