Methamphetamine (ice, crystal, speed, glass, shards, crank) is a stimulant drug that is chemically related to amphetamine but with stronger effects on the central nervous system. It is made in illegal laboratories and can be taken orally, snorted, injected, or smoked.

Methamphetamine stimulates the release of high levels of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a chemical associated with pleasure and reward and also essential for movement. Over time, methamphetamine appears to cause reduced levels of dopamine which can lead to a chemical change in how the brain works.

short term effects...

These include:

• increased heart rate
• blood pressure and breathing rate
• increased talkativeness
• insomnia
• reduced appetite
• hallucinations

Other effects of large doses include fever and sweating, dry mouth, headache, blurred vision, dizziness, irritability, tremors, anxiety, paranoia, hyperthermia, and convulsions. Hyperthermia and convulsions can result in death.

After the effects wear off, the “crash” includes deep depression, followed by fatigue, headaches, and decreased energy.

long term effects...

These include violence and aggression, malnutrition, fatal kidney and lung disorders, liver damage, possible brain damage, and depression. Prolonged methamphetamine abuse can produce symptoms resembling schizophrenia. These include paranoia, hallucinations, repetitive behaviour patterns and delusions of parasites or insects on the skin.

Methamphetamine can cause irreversible damage to blood vessels in the brain. Because methamphetamine can be made from lethal ingredients like battery acid, drain cleaner, lantern fuel, and antifreeze, users have a greater chance of suffering a heart attack, brain damage or stroke.

Methamphetamine carries a high potential for abuse and dependence. Users can develop tolerance quickly, needing a greater amount to get high and going on longer binges. Cravings can become very intense, and users may go to great lengths to obtain more of the drug. Withdrawal symptoms include extreme irritability, loss of energy, depression, fearfulness, excessive drowsiness or difficulty sleeping, shaking, nausea, palpitations, sweating, hyperventilation, and increased appetite.

Cocaine can be detected in urine for up to approximately four days following use (depending upon the amount consumed, strength of the drug, route of administration, frequency of prior use and metabolic rate of the individual).