“Ice” is a street name for one type of methamphetamine, a class of powerfully addictive and dangerous stimulants. Developed from its parent drug - amphetamine - methamphetamine was used originally in nasal decongestants and bronchial inhalers. It has also been prescribed for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, narcolepsy and chronic obesity.

Experts claim that “ice” can be up to 20 times stronger than “speed”. Methamphetamines are usually found in a powder form, easily dissolve in beverages, range in colour from white to tan, and can either be swallowed, inhaled, inserted, injected or smoked in a glass pipe.

Swallowed or snorted, methamphetamines give the user an intense high. Injections create a quick but strong intense high, called a rush or a flash.

“Crystal meth” or “ice” is the white, odourless, bitter-tasting crystalline, smokeable form of the drug. Smoking Ice is now the fastest growing method used in Australia. This method results in an instantaneous rush of euphoria for the user. Therefore, it is a popular drug, especially with young adults and for those who frequent dance clubs and parties.

A leading drug counsellor claims that Ice is the most destructive drug now in circulation. At least one in ten Australians tries ice and the number of young users is increasing. There are 102,600 regular Ice users in Australia. Of these regular users, three quarters (70,000 +) are dependent users and are flooding the psychiatric units at public hospitals. A National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre study found that there were 36,900 regular methamphetamine users in New South Wales.

Like cocaine and crack, methamphetamines and amphetamines give the user

• The ability to stay awake and engage in continuous activity

• A feeling of euphoria

• Elevated heart rate, breathing, blood pressure and body temperature

• Increased sweating

• Headaches

• Dilated pupils

• Blurred vision

• Dry mouth

• Hot flashes

• Dizziness

• Reduced appetite (It is a dangerous method of weight loss)

• Major physical changes to appearance causing rapid aging and disfigurement.

• Rapid tooth decay known as “meth mouth”

A prolonged use of ice may cause (or contribute to):