Amphetamines are the name for a family of drugs that act as stimulants to the central nervous system. Stimulants speed up the messages to and from the brain. Amphetamines also act as appetite suppressants and some are legally prescribed for this purpose.
One of the most common forms of amphetamines is methamphetamine, or crystal methamphetamine hydrochloride, which is a powerful and highly addictive synthetic drug. In New Zealand, this is frequently called 'P' (short for 'pure'), crystal meth or ice. There are some differences in the composition or production of different types of methamphetamine like P or ice.
The appearance of methamphetamine is often like small shards of glass or crystal rocks. It is normally opaque cream in appearance but can sometimes have pink, blue, green, brown or yellow shades.
Methamphetamine can be made from commonly available medications. Methamphetamine can be crushed into a fine powder to be snorted. In this form, other substances such as glucose, sugar and bi-carbonated soda can be added to it.
Slang
Speed, Whiz, Crystal meth, Ice, Shabu, Pure, P, Base, Rock, Crank, Crack
Short-term effects
The onset of methamphetamine effects depends on the method of administration. It can have almost immediate effects when it is injected, or it can take longer than a half hour if ingested orally. Using greater amounts of methamphetamine can cause acute health problems, including:
Amphetamine Psychosis
There is a risk of developing a severe and uncomfortable mental state, characterised by paranoia, aggression, volatility and violence. Not only is the user a risk to themselves but to people around them, friends, family and the general public.
The come-down
Feelings of exhaustion, irritability, mood swings, depression and violence can afflict someone who is coming down after using methamphetamine.
Long-term effects
The long-term use of methamphetamine can greatly increase the risk of significant physical and mental health problems. These include:
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive substance. The body metabolises the drug quickly, leading to a rapid depletion of the neurotransmitters that had previously been elevated, so many users then compensate by taking increased doses of methamphetamine.
Users of methamphetamine quickly develop tolerance to the drug, meaning that they must take more each time to achieve the same high.
Psychological dependence occurs when users crave the drug so much that it becomes more important than other daily activities and then find they are unable or unwilling to function without being high.
Physical dependence occurs when the body itself 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.
Methamphetamine is a classified in the Class A schedule of the Misuse of Drugs Act, meaning it attracts the highest penalties possible for manufacture, sale and use. In addition, possession of substances used to make it also attracts significant penalties.
Manufacturing, importing and possession for supply, or dealing of methamphetamine can attract a maximum sentence of life in jail. Possession of just 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 people caught facing a three month prison term and up to $1000 fine. In the case of a body corporate, the fine increases to a maximum of $5000
People caught importing drugs used to make methamphetamine, such as ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, without a license can be imprisoned for up to eight years.
Methamphetamine has been the focus of considerable public attention in recent years. Recognising the risk of harm to both individual users and to society and in response to public concern, methamphetamine was upgraded to a Class A controlled substance. Penalties and police powers to investigate the manufacture, sale and use of methamphetamine were increased with this move.
Methamphetamine is relatively easy to synthesise from commonly available medications in New Zealand, and it can be made in labs often small enough to fit into a room or car boot. These are often called 'clan labs', short for clandestine (secret) laboratories.
Many of the chemicals used in the synthesising process are highly corrosive and dangerous, and houses where methamphetamine has been produced often must be extensively cleaned and detoxified. The police estimate that producing one kilogram of methamphetamine creates seven kilograms of toxic by-product.
Methamphetamine can also be sourced from overseas, particularly Asian countries. In addition, much of the material it is made from (cold and flu remedies that contain pseudoephedrine) can be sourced from overseas.
Recent surveys found that:
The Drug Foundation’s message is clear: no drug use is the safest drug use. But we realise there will be occasions when people ignore warnings and use drugs. In order to limit the harm from their drug use, we provide information about effective methods of drug harm minimisation. Such information directly benefits the person using drugs, and also protects the wider community.
Because methamphetamine can stimulate physical activity, users should always ensure they are well hydrated. However, care should be taken not to over-hydrate (drinking too much water). This can cause brain swelling, convulsions, coma and death.
Do not combine drugs. Combining drugs, even with legal substances such as alcohol or party pills can cause unpredictable effects such as comas, convulsions, seizures, dehydration and death. If the effects are unpredictable, then the user is unpredictable. Not only is the user's health at risk, but so is the health and wellbeing of people around them.
Using too much methamphetamine can keep the user awake for days, causing severe irritability and volatility, making the effects of the drug even worse. Methamphetamine should not be taken for an extended period.
Injecting users should always use clean needles and return used needles to a needle exchange service. This will help avoid blood-borne diseases such as HIV and hepatitis B and C.
There are a number of treatment organisations that can help. If you feel that you or anyone you know needs help, then you can call these services in strict confidence.
If you are faced with an emergency, call 111 immediately.
To talk to someone about your or someone else's drug use, call the Alcohol Drug Helpline - 0800 787 797
You can also get contact details for your local alcohol and other drug counsellor or treatment provider by calling the helpline or by visiting www.addictionshelp.org.nz.
The full effect of maternal use of methamphetamine on the foetus is not completely known. However the use of methamphetamines and amphetamine type stimulants has been linked to complications in the development of the foetus and birth defects. Methamphetamine is known to cross the placenta to the unborn child.
Complications include increased rates of premature delivery, growth retardation and effects on the central nervous system. Methamphetamine use is also attributed to behavioural patterns such as abnormal reflexes and extreme irritability.
If methamphetamine is used near the birth the baby may be unsettled, overactive and agitated. Babies can also be born addicted to methamphetamine and may experience withdrawal symptoms.
Auckland University has completed a study into Maternal methamphetamine use during pregnancy and child outcomes.
www.police.govt.nz/safety/meth.html The New Zealand Police's web page on the methamphetamine scene in New Zealand
www.shore.ac.nz A selection of research publications from SHORE about amphetamine-type substances in New Zealand
www.shore.ac.nz/projects/Meth%20Bulletin.pdf SHORE's research project, the Illicit Drug Monitoring System, featuring a methamphetamine module