How does crystal methamphetamine work?

Ice and the brain

Crystal methamphetamine ('ice') triggers the release of three chemicals in the brain, called dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline. These chemicals are also released during pleasant activities - like eating and sex - and they are responsible for making us feel alert and excited. But flooding the brain with these chemicals can cause an 'overload' in the system which is why some people can’t sleep for days or experience symptoms of after taking ice.

Ice also stops the brain from reabsorbing these chemicals which lowers their in the brain. This is why people often feel low or irritable for 2-3 days after taking ice.

Over the long term, regular use of ice can damage or destroy dopamine in the brain - sometimes to a point where the person using the drug no longer feels normal without having ice in their system. Even after people have stopped using ice it can take up to a year before these brain changes return to normal.

What are the effects of ice?

The initial effects of ice often last for between 4 and 12 hours depending on how much ice is consumed. Although the effects of ice are usually felt quickly (within minutes if it is smoked or injected, or about 30 minutes if snorted or swallowed), it can take 1 to 2 days for the effects to wear off. It is also possible to detect methamphetamine in the body several days after use. The effects of ice can be both physical and mental. Learn more about the mental health effects of ice.

The physical effects of ice can include:

SHORT TERM

Headaches and dizziness
Dilated (enlarged) pupils and blurred vision
Dry mouth
Jaw clenching, teeth grinding
Insomnia
Increased attention, alertness and talkativeness

Trembling
Sweaty, cold and clammy skin
Repeating simple things like itching and scratching
Increased breathing and body temperature
Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Reduced appetite
Stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting
Dehydration
Aggressive behaviour
Increased energy
Changes in sexual arousal or sexual drive (libido)

Long term

Stroke
Dental problems: increased tooth sensitivity, cracked teeth and cavities, gum disease
Poor concentration and memory

Increased risk of tetanus, infection and vein damage (if injecting)
Increased risk of blood borne viruses e.g hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS (if sharing needles)
Heart and lung problems, chest pains
Kidney problems, including kidney failure
and weight loss
Exhaustion
Movement problems

Use of (including ice) is also associated with elevated mortality rates relating to overdose, natural diseases (such as coronary disease), suicide and accidental injury.

It is also important to know that mixing ice with other drugs, including over-the-counter or prescribed medications, can cause enormous strain on the body. This increases the risk of negative mental and physical effects as well as increasing the likelihood of overdose. Learn more about the risks associated with using ice with other drugs.

The Comedown phase and withdrawal

A phase or ‘crash’ is often experienced by people who use ice as the drug starts to wear off. These feelings can last a few days and symptoms can include:

Feeling down or depressed
Decreased appetite
Exhaustion
Increased need for sleep
Feeling anxious.

refer to unpleasant symptoms experienced by people with a on ice. These symptoms can last for several days or many weeks, depending on the severity of use. Withdrawal symptoms can include:

Intense cravings
Headaches
Feeling anxious
Feeling down or depressed
Fatigue
Aggression
Restlessness
Cramps
Vomiting

Find out about the types of treatment and support available to people experiencing problems with ice and other drugs.

How to help someone who may be experiencing an overdose

The effects of ice can be unpredictable, as there is no quality control when an illegal drug is made. It can be cut or mixed with a number of other substances increasing the risk of unpredictable side effects.

Serious side effects and symptoms of a possible overdose include:

Racing heartbeat and chest pain
Extreme confusion or agitation
Overheating and dehydration
Exhaustion or unconsciousness
Fits, seizures or convulsions
Stroke or heart attack

Call an ambulance (000) if someone is showing any of these symptoms.

Learn more about how to help someone who has taken ice.

KEY SOURCES

Australian Drug Foundation. (2016). Amphetamines. Retrieved from: https://adf.org.au/drug-facts/amphetamines/

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2018). Alcohol, tobacco & other drugs in Australia, (No: PHE 221). Retrieved from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/alcohol/alcohol-tobacco-other-drugs-australia/contents/introduction

Darke S., Kaye S., McKetin R. & Duflou J. (2008). The major physical and psychological harms of use. Drug and Alcohol Review, 27(3), 253-262. DOI: 1080/09595230801923702

Darke, S., Kaye, S., & Duflou, J. (2017) Rates, characteristics and circumstances of methamphetamine-related death in Australia: a national 7-year study. Addiction, 112(12) DOI:10.1111/add.13897.

McKetin, R., & Black, E. (2014). Methamphetamine: What you need to know about speed, ice, crystal, base and meth. Sydney: National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales. Retrieved from: https://sydney.edu.au/content/dam/corporate/documents/research/matilda-centre/methamphetamine-resources.pdf

See ‘The effects of ice on the brain’ fact sheet for sources related to cognitive effects.