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The information on these pages is designed to give you and idea of what drugs do and the risks involved. As a service, we accept that drug use is part of the World and Island we live in today and are here to help if you need us.

Drug use is risky, there are no regulations on illegal drugs (such as strength or content) and so you’ll never know what you’ve really bought. We want you to be safe and make informed decisions – it could affect the rest of your life. If your drugs use, or that of a friend, family member or colleague is causing you concern, don’t be ashamed or afraid to get in touch if you need help or support.

 
METHYLAMPHETAMINE
(Also known as Meth, Crystal, Crystal Meth, Ice, Tina, Crank or Yaba)
 

CURRENTLY CLASS B * DRUG which means:

Maximum sentence for possession of Methylamphetamine is 5 years imprisonment and fine.

Maximum sentence for supply of Methylamphetamine is 14 years imprisonment and fine.

NOTE: any class B drug prepared for injection becomes a
CLASS A DRUG and the penalties increase.

**IMPORTANT NOTICE - IT HAS BEEN CONFIRMED BY THE HOME OFFICE THAT METHYLAMPHETAMINE IS TO BE RECLASSIFIED TO CLASS A - we will update when we receive confirmation of the change date. ****

See below for downloads.

 


What is it? What do you do with it?
Methylamphetamine (also referred to as methamphetamine) is a synthetic (man made) ‘stimulant’ drug. Chemically it is similar to amphetamine although effects tend to last longer and is more potent. As with most drugs it started off with a legitimate purpose and is still a prescribed medication in the USA.

Illicit Methylamphetamine comes in a number of forms:

TABLETS / PILLS - Beware of contents - who knows who made them and what went in there? Tablets can be swallowed, crushed & smoked or injected.

POWDER - Depending on what was used in its manufacture - will decide the colour of any powder.

BASE- Uncommon waxy, oily substance usually injected or ingested.

CRYSTAL  - powder form re-crystallized. Similar in appearance to slivers of glass and a much purer form than powder (much like Crack is to Cocaine).

What does it do? – Like amphetamine, it causes increased activity, decreased appetite and general sense of well-being. Depending on the route of administration, effects will vary in length of time and duration. As a stimulant, after the initial rush of energy, the user will feel energised, talkative and very awake. 

Short Term Effects may include:

  • Rapid Heartbeats

  • Euphoria / Rush

  • Breathlessness

  • Increased Activity

  • Dilated Pupils

  • Dry Mouth

  • Increased Blood Pressure

  • Sweating / Hyperthermia  (Over heating)

Effects can last between 8 and 12 Hours!

As with Crack Cocaine, Smoking Crystal Meth amplifies the rush, causing a quick and intense burst of energy, which can often lead to high levels of activity, agitation, sexual desire and paranoia. Smoking crystal Meth, like crack cocaine, has implications for the lungs, breathing and can cause other respiratory complications. Like Crack Cocaine, the initial buzz fades quickly, making the user feel edgy and lethargic despite feeling very awake. Smokers tend to want more hits to prevent this comedown, often leading to excessive use over time, known as a 'Speed Run'.

Some people can become violent, paranoid, and aggressive and some can become suicidal. High doses can elevate body temperature to dangerous and sometimes LETHAL levels , as well as causing convulsions. Like Ecstasy, remember that dancing all night on methamphetamine can lead to the same dangers of dehydration and drinking too much water.

Regular users may need to increase the dose as they build up a tolerance to the drug. Some may get psychologically addicted to it and may feel they cannot have a good time or enjoy themselves without it or get on a cycle of repeating use to avoid the come down.


 
How do I avoid the come down? – The ‘come down’ refers to how we feel when the effects are wearing off or how we feel the next day. As the effects of Methamphetamine wear off, the user experiences:
  • Extreme Fatigue
  • Mood Swings
  • Inability to sleep
  • Agitation
  • Paranoia
  • Anxiety 

You can’t avoid the come down, so the only answer is to avoid using it. Always remember with any stimulant, what goes up must come down.

   
     
What about long-term use?

Regular Methylamphetamine use can  lead to psychological dependence. Because of the comedown, users can be tempted to repeat the dose to avoid it. Speed runs can last for days or weeks and usually end in collapse through psychological exhaustion. Tolerance also develops and so more is needed to get the same effect.

Long - Term Effects May Include:

  • Dependence / Addiction

  • Paranoia / Auditory Hallucinations/ Delusions

  • Mood Disturbance

  • Stroke/ heart problems

  • Weight Loss

  • Meth Mouth (loss of teeth through gum problems)

  • Confusion, Anxiety, Insomnia

  Example of Meth Mouth from the effects of Meth on the teeth & Gums!

Heavy regular use often leads to lack of sleep and nutrition and lowers resistance to disease.  Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa may become a problem. Further heavy regular use may lead to delusions, panic attacks, paranoia, feeling of being 'wired' and in some cases hallucinations may follow. Some users experience violent mood swings, out of control rages that can be coupled with extremely violent behaviour.

Dryness of the mouth and repeated grinding of the teeth can also cause tooth decay and gum disease among heavy users referred to as 'meth mouth'.

The long term effects are similar to that of all stimulants which include serious physical problems such as heart attack, high blood pressure and stroke. Inflammation of the heart lining can occur. In injecting users there are risks from HIV and Hepatitis infections  if equipment is shared, and also risk of damaged blood vessels and skin abscesses. Increased sexual desire, disinhibition and prolonged sexual activity increase susceptibility to sexually transmitted diseases.

According to NIDA Research, 'Acute Lead poisoning is another potential risk for Methamphetamine users' due to the method of production which uses lead acetate as a reagent. Production errors may therefore lead to methamphetamine contaminated with lead.



Sharing needles increases the risk of contracting infections like hepatitis and HIV. There are needle exchanges on the Island so get in touch if you would like a list - EMAIL US


Note for those on treatment for HIV

It has been reported that the protease inhibitor, ritonavir, increases levels of methamphetamine to possibly dangerous levels. Methylamphetamine is metabolised by the body using the same mechanism as ritonavir. Doctors also believe that inhaling poppers may make the interaction worse.

OVERDOSE RISKS

Overdose of stimulant type drugs such as methylamphetamine is more likely to occur when mixed with depressants like alcohol, tranquillisers or heroin.


If you find yourself relying on Methylamphetamine to have a good time and feeling trapped by the ups and downs and want to get off, there is help available.

Home Office Notification of planned change in law

ACMD Report on advice and classification of Methylamphetamine

Download FACTSHEET on Methylamphetamine

Suggested further reading on Methylamphetamine

 

See also our Recommended reading Page