Methamphetamine (Crystal Meth)

Stimulant

Methamphetamine (Crystal Meth) is a synthetic stimulant drug, sometimes used as a ‘party drug’ and for energy during non-stop sex or dancing sessions. It usually comes as colourless crystals, a whitish powder, or pills (which may be coloured).

Also known as:

  • Tina
  • Meth
  • Ice
  • Crank
  • Yaabaa

What does Crystal Meth look like?

It usually comes as colourless crystals, a whitish powder, or pills (which may be  coloured). 

How is Crystal Meth taken?

  • Snorting up the nose 

  • Swallowing in cigarette paper (bombing)

  • Smoking in a glass pipe

  • Orally by rubbing it onto the gums

  • Booty bumping, where the drug is dissolved in water and put up the bum (boofing)

  • Injecting into a vein (slamming)*

*Injecting is particularly dangerous and increases risks

How long do the effects last?

It depends on several factors, including your age, weight and metabolism, what you have already taken, the purity of the drug, and the dose.

Generally speaking, the effects start about ten minutes to an hour after using, and can last up to seven hours. However, when smoking Crystal Meth the effects are almost instant. 

How can Crystal Meth make me feel?

Crystal Meth can make you feel:

  • More confident, impulsive and alert

  • Euphoric

  • Restless

  • Aggressive

  • Very awake

It can also:

  • Make you less likely to feel pain (so you could hurt yourself without realising)

  • Increase your sex drive 

  • Increase your body temperature, heart-rate and blood pressure, which leads to increased risk of a heart attack, stroke, coma or death

What happens to my body if I use Crystal Meth frequently? 

Using Crystal Meth frequently can:

  • Damage your lungs, nose, mouth and heart 

  • Lead to dental issues 

  • Severely impact your mental health, including paranoia, psychosis and anxiety Cause hallucinations  

  • Cause itching skin 

  • Reduce the ability to experience pleasure

  • Lead to dependence

Coming down from Crystal Meth can leave you feeling exhausted and can  negatively impact your mental health. These symptoms can last for weeks. 

Chemsex: how to stay safer and get back in control

You may also find our information around Chemsex useful for more information about finding ways to stay safer and regain control when participating in chemsex.

How to reduce harm while using methamphetamine

We recognise that some ways of using drugs carry less risk than others, and by providing information which supports people to make informed decisions, we can help people to minimise harm.

Before you start, check:

  • Is now the right time? How you’re feeling when you use amphetamine can impact the effects you may experience, so consider checking in with yourself and thinking about whether now is a good time for you.

  • Do I know what I’m taking? Researching what you’re planning to take, what the effects can be and how to reduce harm can help to keep you safe. 

  • Have I contacted a friend or family member? In case you need help while you’re taking amphetamine, consider telling someone your plans.

While you're using:

Plan how you'll get home before you begin using

Long sessions and lack of sleep can leave you disoriented, so travel with people you trust or arrange a safe way home in advance. 

Start low, go slow

As strength can vary between batches, even if you take the drug regularly, starting with a small amount and waiting at least two hours before your next dose can help to reduce the risk of overdose - start low, go slow

Practice safe sex

Crystal-fuelled sex sessions, especially long ones, can lead to sores and bleeding, which can increase the risk of picking up or passing on BBVs and STIs. Practice safe sex, use plenty of water-based lube, be aware of blood, regularly check the condom for tears, and use a new one after 30 minutes and between partners.

Try not to mix

Try to take one drug at a time, as mixing can increase your risk of overdose. It’s particularly dangerous to mix Crystal Meth with antidepressants and drugs like GHB/GBL, ecstasy, cocaine, poppers, alcohol and Viagra [trademark] . 

Opt for methods that carry less risk

Injecting (slamming) Crystal Meth leads to increased risk of dependence and can cause your veins to collapse, blood poisoning and heart infections. It’s less risky to snort, smoke, swallow in a cigarette paper or rub it into the gums.

After using methamphetamine:

Take time to rest

Crystal Meth suppresses your appetite and keeps you wide awake, so you may go days without eating or sleeping without realising. Try to get as much rest as you can, and eat snacks and small meals often.

Avoid using depressants to come down

This can create a risky cycle of dependence on both drugs.

Look after yourself

Get plenty of sleep and rest, and try to avoid taking any other drugs to give your body time to recover.

Take time to refuel 

This includes drinking plenty of water and eating something nutritious which is soft on your stomach and not too rich.

Access free BBV testing

If you think you may be at risk of blood-borne viruses (BBVs) like Hep B, Hep C and HIV, you can access free testing from any drug and alcohol service, your GP, or a sexual health centre. You can catch a BBV even if you don’t inject a drug - through unprotected sex or sharing equipment

And always remember - if you’re feeling low and feel you can’t talk to a friend or family member, contact us for help through our webchat or find your local service.

What do I do if I think someone has overdosed?

If someone passes out or falls asleep and you can’t wake them up after using amphetamine, put them in the recovery position and get help fast by calling 999, telling emergency services what you know.

Symptoms of amphetamine overdose include:

  • Personality changes 

  • Changes in alertness, or showing aggressive or hyperactive behaviour Paranoia 

  • Difficulty breathing 

  • Chest pains or confusion 

  • Intense stomach pain 

  • Seizures 

  • High body temperature 

  • Symptoms of Acute Kidney Injury (e.g. difficulty urinating, dark urine)

If you suspect someone has overdosed, it’s always best to administer naloxone. Naloxone reverses the effects of opioid drugs like heroin, morphine and fentanyl. Drugs bought illicitly can contain a mixture of substances, including opioids, so use naloxone if you have it. If someone hasn’t overdosed on opioids, naloxone won’t harm them. 

You can get a naloxone kit and training on how to use it from your local WithYou service. 

More information about naloxone, including how to use it.

Withdrawal signs, symptoms, and what to do

With continued use, there is a high risk of developing psychological dependence  to Crystal Meth. As tolerance builds up quickly, people need to take more to get  the same high.  

We recommend getting professional support to cut down.

Find a local service

Withdrawal symptoms develop around 24 hours after last use, and include:

  • Anxiety, paranoia and depression 

  • Hallucinations 

  • Insomnia/hypersomnia 

  • Confusion or memory issues 

  • Loss of pleasure 

  • Red, itchy eyes 

  • Aches, pains and tremors 

  • Fatigue/extreme tiredness 

  • Aggression 

  • Extreme hunger/loss of appetite

The law around methamphetamine

Crystal Meth is a Class A drug, which means it's illegal to be found carrying or using it. The legal term for this is possession. The maximum sentence for possession of a Class A drug is up to seven years in prison, a fine or both. 

It’s also illegal to give away or sell Crystal Meth. This is known as supply, and is a more serious offence than possession.  It can be considered supply if you give your friend some or share some with them, and this could get you time in prison, an unlimited fine or both.