Ice and how it works on the body

WHAT IS ICE:

- A highly addictive type of methamphetamine

- Usually comes as small chunky clear crystals that resemble ice

- Can also come as white or brownish crystal-like powder

HOW IT'S USED:

- Generally smoked or injected

- Effects can be felt in three to seven seconds

EFFECTS:

- Users have increased energy and sex drive; can be violent

- Invokes feelings of pleasure and confidence

- Causes heart rate to soar, rapid breathing, teeth grinding, excessive sweating, incessant scratching

- Users can suffer heart attacks, strokes, fits, psychosis, extreme agitation, confusion, clumsiness

COMING DOWN:

- Coming down can take several days

- Users have trouble sleeping, and suffer headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, paranoia, hallucinations and confusion

- Users coming down often turn to depressants such as alcohol and cannabis, creating other dependence issues

LONG TERM EFFECTS:

- Mental health problems, including anxiety, depression

- Violent behaviour

- Extreme weight loss

- Impaired brain function

- Heart and kidney problems

METHAMPHETAMINE USE, INCLUDING ICE, IN AUSTRALIA AMONG THOSE 14 AND OVER:

- 7 per cent of Australians have used methamphetamines once or more

- Average age of first use among young Australians aged 14 to 24: 18.6 years

- 2.9 per cent of 12 to 17-year-olds have tried amphetamines

SOURCE: Australian Drug Foundation