Though ice is not the only methamphetamine (speed is another example), it is one of the most talked about. It is an illegal stimulant, meaning it is designed to ‘hype up’ a person who is using it.
OTHER NAMES:
Meth, crystal, crystal meth, shabu, tina, glass, crank, yaba, P, shard, puff, Tina and Christine
UNDERSTANDING:
Ice usually comes in small zip-lock bags. It has the appearance of shards of crystal similar to fine ‘rock salt.’ Some of the shards may be tinted with different colours. It is odourless with a bitter taste. When smoked, it has a faint chemical aroma – similar to cleaning fluid.
A young person may appear talkative and extremely energetic, alert and agitated or super focused and motivated. This intense ‘high’ may be followed by agitation, depression and exhaustion. On occasion, a person may begin to exhibit symptoms of psychosis, difficulty breathing, or very high fever. An ambulance should be called if any of these symptoms occur.
Other signs that may indicate a person is using could include singed pieces of aluminium foil & lighters, small glass or metal pipes or injecting equipment such as tourniquets, alcohol swabs and fine orange capped needles.
HOW TO SUPPORT A YOUNG PERSON:
A young person who has returned to school after using ice on the weekend may be worn out, exhausted due to lack of sleep and ‘down’ in mood. Long-term ice users can experience prolonged low mood, low motivation, difficulty sleeping and poor self-image. Other mental health symptoms such as paranoia, suspicion and anxiety may accompany prolonged ice use.
Though it is unlikely that a young person who has been using ice every day for several months would be engaged enough with school to be on school camp, withdrawal symptoms for ice include a “crash” period (of up to 24 – 48 hours) followed by a period of low mood, agitation and strong cravings to use again. Low mood can persist for over a month.
For a more comprehensive guide, we recommend the ADF’sfact sheet and Harm Reduction Victoria’s fact sheet.
Taking the time to understand how to support a student is important. YoDAA can help navigate this with you.
Get help now
YoDAA is a free and confidential online and phone service that offers supports to young people, families and professionals. You can contact us 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.
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