Methamphetamine

Stimulant drug – usually comes in small, chunky clear crystals that look like ice, or white brownish crystal-like powder. If smoked, effects are immediate. If injected effects begin in 15-30 secs. If swallowed effects in 15-20mins. If snorted effects in 3-5 mins.

This is a guide only – know more, be safer.

Effects on the Brain

How Methamphetamine makes you feel

Depends on how you feel before you use ice, and the surroundings you’re in. You can feel happy, alert, confident, energetic, aggressive, agitated or paranoid. You may have an increased sex drive.

Effects on the Body

What Methamphetamine does to your body

You might experience enlarged pupils, dry mouth, teeth grinding, excessive sweating, fast heart rate and breathing, reduced appetite, increased sex drive, or repeat things like itching or scratching.

Drug Duration Calculator
Staying Safe

How long does Methamphetamine last?

Effects last
4-12 hours
Stays in your system for
In system
Saliva test: 2 days. Urine test: 2-5 days
No longer detectable in your system
Clear
5+ days

Depends on:

Depends on:

  • Your Size/Weight
  • Tolerance to the drug
  • Drug Strength
  • Type of test. These time frames are based on saliva and urine drug tests. Testing equipment can vary - this is a guide only.

How do you stay below 0.05? (This is a guide only)

Men average size: No more than 2 standard drinks in the first hour and 1 drink per hour after that.

Women average size: No more than 1 standard drink per hour.

Mixing Substances

Risks of mixing Methamphetamine with other substances

Mixing methamphetamine (ice) with other drugs can have unpredictable effects and increase the risk of harm.

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Lower Risk Substances

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Moderate Risk Substances

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High Risk Substances

Potential Side Effects

When you take too much Methamphetamine

Chest pain

Increased heartbeat

Breathing irregularities

Confusion

Convulsions

Unconsciousness

Severe headache

Extreme agitation

Staying Safe

Risks when taking the substance

  • Regular use can lead to longer-term problems with anxiety and depression
  • High and frequent use may result in ‘ice psychosis’ – these symptoms usually go after few days without use
  • People who regularly use ice can quickly become dependent on the drug.
  • This can impact things like mental health, work, finances and relationships.
Staying Safe

Harm reduction

  • Avoid frequent and regular use
  • Drink water to prevent dehydration
  • Try to eat a healthy meal each day
  • Plan time to sleep and rest
  • Boil your smoking device in hot water to keep it clean
  • Know how long ice stays in your system so you’ll know when it’s safer to drive, be on site or work machinery.

If injecting:

  • Always try a small amount first.
  • Always use sterile injecting equipment and sterile water.
  • Use a wheel filter to prevent vein damage.
  • Don’t share needles or equipment, sharing increases the risk of transmitting blood borne viruses.
  • Make sure you wash or sanitise your hands beforehand.
  • Think about snorting or smoking instead to reduce your risk of overdose.