Crystal Meth falls within the group Methamphetamines. It is a man made crystal like translucent substance. Crystal Methamphetamine is sometimes called ice, crystal, crank, tweek and fire.

Crystal Methamphetamine is usually inhaled but can also be injected, snorted and smoked.

If you have concerns about your own or someone else’s use of Crystal Methamphetamine call your local health centre, doctor, addiction services worker or talk with a school counsellor.

Crystal Methamphetamine is highly addictive. The effects are felt within several minutes after Methamphetamine is snorted. There is an intense rush followed by a prolonged sense of alertness, increased energy, confidence and well-being. This is followed by a crash period characterized by the opposite feelings once the initial effects of the drug have worn off. This is often accompanied by an intense craving for the drug.

Methamphetamine users are prone to go on binges, sometimes lasting for up to two weeks, during which time they keep taking the drug and do not eat or sleep. Users often turn to alcohol and other drugs to relieve the pain. The binge is followed by a crash period lasting 1-3 days. The crash period typically includes fatigue, intense cravings for the drug and possible depression.

• talkative
• high energy level
• dry mouth
• dilated pupils
• sores, lesions, and scratching “crank bugs”
• anxiety and paranoia
• strong smell of ammonia
• violent behaviour
• weight loss

• unhealthy weight loss due to loss of appetite
• confusion, irrational anger, paranoia
• violent, out of control aggressive behaviour
• problems with thinking, memory, concentration
• distorted perceptions in vision, space, sounds and time
• increased and irregular heart rates
• sleeplessness
• panic attacks
• brain damage
• can cause drug-induced psychiatric conditions