What it is

Methamphetamine is one of a family of drugs called amphetamines, which act as central nervous system stimulants. They speed up the messages to and from the brain – earning them the street name ‘speed’. The pharmaceutical name for amphetamine is Dexamphetamine, which is commonly prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, and is an ingredient in some diet pills.

Methamphetamine is one of the most common forms of illicit amphetamines in New Zealand. It is powerful and highly addictive.

In New Zealand it is frequently called 'P', short for 'pure'. However there is no way to ensure the purity of methamphetamine.

In New Zealand methamphetamine is most commonly available in two forms:

• Crystal methamphetamine: This is the most potent form of methamphetamine and it is often called ‘ice’ due to its crystal like appearance. It is usually colourless, and the crystals can range in size from granules to shards resembling shattered glass. This form of methamphetamine is usually smoked which results in rapid absorption and almost immediate and intense effects.
• Methamphetamine powder: This is finer in appearance than crystal methamphetamine. It can vary in colour from white to brown, orange, or purple.  Methamphetamine powder can often be ‘cut’ or mixed with other substances to give the appearance of a larger quantities. Common things added include glucose, sugar, bi-carbonated soda, and caffeine. Methamphetamine powder is water soluble, so it can be used intravenously, taken orally, or ‘snorted’.

Methamphetamine is often manufactured illegally here in New Zealand. ‘Clan’ (short for clandestine) labs are set up in houses, vehicles, and garages where ‘cooks’ synthesise methamphetamine from over-the-counter cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrine is less easy to access in New Zealand now, so much of the methamphetamine precursors used in manufacture today are illegally imported from overseas. Importation of methamphetamine (as a finished product) is also reportedly on the rise.

Many of the chemicals used to synthesise methamphetamine are highly corrosive and dangerous. Police estimate that producing one kilogram of methamphetamine creates seven kilograms of toxic by-product. Houses where methamphetamine has been produced must be extensively cleaned and detoxified.

Slang

Speed, P, Pure, Crystal Meth, Ice, Base, Crank, Whiz, Ya Ba, Shabu, Rock, Crack

Health effects

Short-term effects

Effects can vary depending on the type and amount of methamphetamine used, how it is taken, and individual factors like tolerance, size, gender, and health. The onset of effects is fastest when methamphetamine is injected or smoked.

Typical effects of methamphetamine include:

• feelings of euphoria, excitement and wellbeing
• increased energy, confidence and motivation
• feelings of power and superiority over others
• feelings of increased strength
• talkativeness
• increased libido
• enlarged (dilated) pupils
• dry mouth
• increased breathing rate and shortness of breath
• restlessness, repetitive actions, itching, picking, and scratching
• anxiety, nervousness, agitation and panic
• paranoia and hallucinations
• irritability, hostility and aggression
• headaches and dizziness
• wakefulness and  difficulty sleeping
• disjointed thoughts and speech
• increased heart rate and blood pressure, irregular heart beat, palpitations
• chest pain
• reduced appetite and stomach cramps
• increased sweating and body temperature
• faster reaction times.

(Meth)amphetamine psychosis:

Heavy and frequent use can lead to ‘methamphetamine psychosis’ for some people.  This condition is characterised by paranoid delusions, hallucinations and bizarre, aggressive or violent behaviour.

The come-down:

People coming down after using methamphetamine can experience feelings of exhaustion, irritability, mood swings, depression and violence. These feelings are more pronounced after heavy, prolonged use, and can last up to several days after methamphetamine use has stopped.

Long-term effects

The long-term use of methamphetamine can greatly increase the risk of significant physical and mental health problems. These include:

• anxiety, tension and depression
• difficulty sleeping
• a violent or aggressive personality
• psychosis
• brain damage, memory loss
• poor skin condition, wounds, acne
• poor oral hygiene which can lead to gum and teeth problems
• susceptibility to infection and disease due to reduced immunity
• weight loss and malnutrition due to poor eating habits
• increased risk of stroke
• increased risk of heart attack due to increased strain on heart
• damage to kidneys, risk of kidney failure
• damage to nasal passages (for those who snort methamphetamine)
• lung damage (for those who smoke methamphetamine)
• damaged veins (for those who inject methamphetamine)
• blood-borne diseases (such as HIV, Hepatitis) for those who inject methamphetamine.

Dependence, addiction and overdose risk

Dependence and addiction

Methamphetamine is highly addictive. Tolerance to methamphetamine develops quickly, meaning that higher doses are necessary to achieve the same effects or ‘high’. Many users compensate for this reduction in effect by taking increased doses, sometimes starting a cycle of drug use and withdrawal typical of methamphetamine dependence.

Psychological dependence occurs when users crave the drug so much that it becomes more important than other daily activities. People who become psychologically dependent find themselves unable to function without the drug.

Physical dependence occurs when the body becomes accustomed to operating on methamphetamine. Someone who stops using the drug may experience withdrawal symptoms, which include: fatigue, apathy, depression, irritability, craving and disorientation.

Overdose

High doses of methamphetamine intensify its effects and put increased strain on the user’s heart and brain. Overdose can result in seizure, stroke, heart failure, and increased body temperature. These effects can be fatal.

Law and penalities

Methamphetamine has been the focus of considerable public attention over the last decade. Due to its potential to harm individual users and society methamphetamine is a Class A controlled substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, meaning it attracts the highest penalties for manufacture, trafficking, sale and use.

In addition, possession of the substances used to make it also attracts significant penalties. People caught importing drugs used to make methamphetamine, such as pseudoephedrine, without a license can face prison sentences.

Manufacturing, importing and possession for supply, or dealing of methamphetamine can attract a maximum sentence of life in jail. Possession of five grams of methamphetamine is enough to lead to a conviction of possession for supply.

Possessing a pipe or utensil for smoking methamphetamine is an offence that can attract one year imprisonment and a fine of up to $1000. It is illegal to import pipes used for the smoking of methamphetamine, with offenders facing a three month prison term and up to $1000 fine. In the case of a body corporate (commercial organisation), the fine increases to a maximum of $5000.

Drug trends

According to the latest Drug Use in New Zealand Survey 2007/2008 published in 2010:

• one in ten had used a stimulant (amphetamines, cocaine, prescription stimulants or ecstasy) for recreational purposes at some point in their lifetime. This represents 285,400 people in New Zealand
• men were significantly more likely to have ever used stimulants. Most (42.7 percent) had tried stimulant drugs for the first time at age 21 years or older
• amphetamine use was similar across socio-economic groups, but was slightly more common among middle to upper socio-economic groups 
• past year use of amphetamines was most common among males aged between 18 to 24 years
• Māori and European/Pakeha were the highest users of stimulant drugs
• ‘speed’ (dexamphetamine) was the most commonly used amphetamine within the last 12 months.

The Illicit Drug Monitoring System (IDMS) 2010 surveyed frequent drug users who said crystal methamphetamine was easily accessible. The price of crystal methamphetamine had remained stable over the previous three years, though the purity of the drug had fluctuated. Those surveyed felt the number of people around them using methamphetamine was the same or more over the past six months.

The most recent New Zealand Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring (NZ-ADAM) report, (2008) measured drug and alcohol use among people who have recently been apprehended by police. It found that 10.5 percent of people arrested tested positive for methamphetamine. Methamphetamine was the third most common illicit drug detected in arrestees, behind amphetamines (11.1 percent) and cannabis (68.5 percent).

Reducing the harm

The Drug Foundation’s message is clear: no drug use is the safest drug use. However, we know there will be occasions when people ignore warnings and use drugs in a dangerous manner. To help keep communities safe we therefore provide information about proven methods of drug harm reduction.

Methamphetamine can stimulate excessive physical activity leading to overheating. Users should always ensure they drink a lot of fluids, though care should be taken not to drink too many fluids as this can cause brain swelling, convulsions, coma and even death. As a guide, people using methamphetamine who are active should drink 500mls of water each hour and avoid drinking alcohol which dehydrates the body further. 

Do not combine drugs. Combining drugs, even with legal substances such as alcohol can cause unpredictable effects. In the worst cases these can include coma, convulsions, seizures, dehydration and even death.

Along with lowered inhibitions, methamphetamine increases sexual desire and the ability to have sex for longer periods. This can often lead to people disregarding the potential dangers of unprotected sex, which contributes to the spread of sexually transmitted infections. Protect yourself – always use a condom during sex.

Using too much methamphetamine can keep the user awake for days, causing severe irritability and volatility, making the negative effects of the drug even worse. Methamphetamine should not be taken for extended periods.

Studies show that shared straws (used for sniffing or ‘snorting’) can cause the spread of blood borne diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis as a result of blood and mucus left on the straw. Utensils used for snorting methamphetamine or other drugs should not be shared.

Some people use methamphetamine intravenously. Infectious diseases, such as hepatitis and HIV, and skin infections are significant risks when injecting drugs. Always use clean needles obtained from a needle exchange service to minimise the risk of contracting an infectious disease or skin condition.

Never share needles, syringes or other injecting equipment.

Unsanitary injecting environments also increase the risk of contracting infections. It is important that ones hands and the site of injection is clean. This will help reduce the risk of infection.

How to get help

If you feel you or anyone you know needs help, there are a number of treatment organisations you can contact in strict confidence.

MethHelp is a uniquely New Zealand website for people looking for help with their own or someone else’s methamphetamine use. MethHelp shares the stories, experiences, insight and hope of people who have been there – people who abused methamphetamine and found a way through. www.methhelp.org.nz

The Alcohol Drug Helpline (0800 787 797) provides free and confidential support for any person concerned about their own or another person's alcohol or drug use. When you call you will talk to an experienced counsellor who is there to listen. You can trust the helpline to provide you with confidential and non-judgemental help when you need it.

The helpline is open from 10am-10pm, every day.

For health information on injecting drug use contact the Needle Exchange Programme www.needle.co.nz.

What to do in a crisis

If someone overdoses, becomes unwell, or has a bad reaction to methamphetamine or any other drug, do not hesitate to get emergency medical assistance. A quick response could save their life:

• Dial 111 and ask for Ambulance. Do not wait to see if the person comes right on their own.

• Stay with the person until medical help arrives. Find out if anyone on the scene knows mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and/or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Have them stand by in case the person stops breathing or you can no longer detect a pulse.
• Ensure the person has sufficient air. Ask crowds to stand back, open windows, and loosen any tight clothing.
• If the person is unconscious roll them onto their side into the recovery position so they won’t choke if they vomit. Tilt their head back slightly to ensure their tongue does not obstruct their airway.
• If the person stops breathing apply mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, if you cannot detect a pulse begin CPR.
• When the ambulance arrives give the medics as much information as possible – what drugs were taken, when they were taken, and whether the person has any existing medical conditions.
• Before you go out, know what to do in a crisis.

Methamphetamine and pregnancy

Using methamphetamine during pregnancy can effect the development of the foetus. Use of any amphetamine type stimulant is associated with bleeding, premature labour and miscarriage. Babies born to mothers who have used amphetamines during pregnancy are at increased risk of abnormalities such as small head size, eye problems, cleft palate, delayed motor development, limb defects and changes in the brain.

If amphetamines are used in the later stages of pregnancy babies can be born suffering the effects of amphetamine, making them restless, unsettled and agitated. These babies may suffer from withdrawal effects as their bodies get used to life without amphetamines in their system.

Links

A list of relevant links to further information and resources about methamphetamine:

www.shore.ac.nz/projects/idms_study.htm SHORE Illicit Drug Monitoring System report.

www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/drug-use-in-nz-key-results-of-the-0708-nzadus Drug Use in New Zealand: Key results of the 2007/08 New Zealand Alcohol and Drug Use Survey.

www.emcdda.europa.eu/publications/drug-profiles/methamphetamine The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction’s methamphetamine information page.

www.police.govt.nz/safety/meth.html The New Zealand Police's web page on the methamphetamine scene in New Zealand.

www.druginfo.adf.org.au/druginfo/drugs/drugfacts/ice_general_info1.html  The Australian Drug Foundation’s Drug Info Clearinghouse Ice factsheet.

www.druginfo.adf.org.au/drug-facts/amphetamines The Australian Drug Foundation’s Drug Info Clearinghouse amphetamine factsheet.

www.medsafe.govt.nz/regulatory/Guideline/ephedrineAndPseudoephedrine.asp Medsafe New Zealand’s ephedrine and pseudoephedrine guidelines.

www.methhelp.org.nz A uniquely New Zealand website that helpes people who use methamphetamine, and their loved ones, find solutions to the problems methamphetamine is causing.