2012

The Drug Files

Crystal Meth
Street Names
speed
crystal
meth
jibb
ice
crank
tina

Description
Crystal meth is a highly addictive amphetamine that comes in clear, chunky crystals. It can be smoked, injected, snorted
or ingested in pill form. Injecting crystal meth is the fastest way to get a high. The faster crystal meth is absorbed into the
body, the more intense the high will be. Crystal meth acts on the body and brain by increasing levels of the
neurotransmitter dopamine. This is what causes the euphoria or happiness that a person feels while using crystal meth.
Crystal meth also affects the neurotransmitters norepinepherine and serotonin. Crystal meths effect on norepinepherine is
what makes the individual feel more awake and alert, as well as accounting for the increase in heart rate and blood
pressure. Crystal meths effects on serotonin affect peoples' moods and may make them feel irritable. Repeatedly using
crystal meth leaves the persons brain unable to produce dopamine on its own and therefore leaves the person unable to
feel pleasure from anything other than crystal meth
Origin and medical usage
Crystal meth is made in illegal laboratories using ephedrine or pseudo-ephedrine as its main ingredient (found in cold
medicines), along with other products such as paint thinner, battery acid and other items found in local pharmacies and
hardware stores. It has been made illegally since 1989. Its composition differs, depending on the ingredients used.
Short-term effects
The short-term effects of crystal meth include anxiety, paranoia, increased energy and alertness, insomnia, mood swings,
suppressed appetite, hallucinations, violent, bizarre or aggressive behaviour, dilated pupils, increased heart rate and blood
pressure, twitching, convulsions, seizures and delusions.
Long-term effects
The long-term effects of crystal meth include changes in physical appearance, skin sores, acne, meth mouth (tooth and
gum erosion), psychosis, behaviour similar to paranoid schizophrenia, kidney damage, stroke, tendency toward violence,
and HIV/AIDS and hepatitis from injection use of crystal meth.

Perceived benefits of Misuse/Abuse

Increased alertness and energy (example is being able to stay awake all night)
A sense of well-being and confidence
Euphoria
Weight loss
Increased physical activity
people who live on the street will use meth to help keep them awake
Withdrawal
Withdrawal is what happens when a person stops using crystal meth. When people stop using crystal meth, they may
experience extreme fatigue and tiredness, anxiety and depression, disturbed sleep and irritability. There are no physical
signs of withdrawal with crystal meth.
Legal status
The possession of crystal meth is a criminal offence. Minor offences involving the possession of crystal meth (summary
conviction) are punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, or a fine of up to $1,000, or both. More serious offences
involving the possession of crystal meth (indictable) are punishable with up to three years' imprisonment.

The Drug Files

2012

Signs that a person might be using

Signs that a person may be using crystal meth may include, but are not limited to, dilated pupils, trouble sleeping, a
decrease in hygiene and grooming, decreased appetite, deterioration of relationships with family and friends, loss of
interest in and problems at school or work, incessant talking, dry skin and acne, having drug paraphernalia around the
house or room such as syringes, spoons, surgical tubing, straws, razor blades and mirrors, presence of track marks (sores
and bruising from injection use), nosebleeds and nervous behaviour.