COUNCIL ON DRUG ABUSE

THE DRUG FILE

CRYSTAL METH

Street Names

speed
crystal
meth
jibb
ice
crank
tina

Description
Crystal meth is a highly addictive amphetamine that comes in clear, chunky crystals. It can be smoked, injected, snorted or ingested in pill form. Injecting crystal meth is the fastest way to get a high. The faster crystal meth is absorbed into the body, the more intense the high will be. Crystal meth acts on the body and brain by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine. This is what causes the euphoria or happiness that a person feels while using crystal meth. Crystal meth also affects the neurotransmitters norepinepherine and serotonin. Crystal meth’s effect on norepinepherine is what makes the individual feel more awake and alert, as well as accounting for the increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Crystal meth’s effects on serotonin affect peoples' moods and may make them feel irritable. Repeatedly using crystal meth leaves the person’s brain unable to produce dopamine on its own and therefore leaves the person unable to feel pleasure from anything other than crystal meth

Origin and medical usage
Crystal meth is made in illegal laboratories using ephedrine or pseudo-ephedrine as its main ingredient (found in cold medicines), along with other products such as paint thinner, battery acid and other items found in local pharmacies and hardware stores. It has been made illegally since 1989. Its composition differs, depending on the ingredients used.

Short-term effects
The short-term effects of crystal meth include anxiety, paranoia, increased energy and alertness, insomnia, mood swings, suppressed appetite, hallucinations, violent, bizarre or aggressive behaviour, dilated pupils, increased heart rate and blood pressure, twitching, convulsions, seizures and delusions.

Long-term effects
The long-term effects of crystal meth include changes in physical appearance, skin sores, acne, meth mouth (tooth and gum erosion), psychosis, behaviour similar to paranoid schizophrenia, kidney damage, stroke, tendency toward violence, and HIV/AIDS and hepatitis from injection use of crystal meth.

Withdrawal
Withdrawal is what happens when a person stops using crystal meth. When people stop using crystal meth, they may experience extreme fatigue and tiredness, anxiety and depression, disturbed sleep and irritability. There are no physical signs of withdrawal with crystal meth.

Legal status
The possession of crystal meth is a criminal offence. Minor offences involving the possession of crystal meth (summary conviction) are punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, or a fine of up to $1,000, or both. More serious offences involving the possession of crystal meth (indictable) are punishable with up to three years' imprisonment.

Signs that a person might be using
Signs that a person may be using crystal meth may include, but are not limited to, dilated pupils, trouble sleeping, a decrease in hygiene and grooming, decreased appetite, deterioration of relationships with family and friends, loss of interest in and problems at school or work, incessant talking, dry skin and acne, having drug paraphernalia around the house or room such as syringes, spoons, surgical tubing, straws, razor blades and mirrors, presence of track marks (sores and bruising from injection use), nosebleeds and nervous behaviour.