Ice is an illegal stimulant, meaning it is designed to ‘hype up’ rather than ‘calm down’ a person who is using it.

WHAT 

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’ rather than ‘calm down’ a person who is using it.

OTHER NAMES

Meth, crystal, crystal meth, shabu, tina, glass, crank, yaba, P, shard, puff, Tina and Christine

SIGNS THAT SOMONE MIGHT BE USING OR DEALING IN MY HOUSE 

Ice comes in small zip lock bags. It has the appearance of shards of crystal similar to fine ‘rock salt.’ Some of the shards being tinted with different colours. It is odourless with a bitter taste.  When smoked, it has a faint chemical aroma – similar to cleaning fluid.

Other signs that may indicate a person is using in the house 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 COMMON IS USAGE?

In 2010, 2.3 per cent of Australians over age 14 had used amphetamines in the previous 12 months. It is the third most common substance  reported by young people accessing treatment services.

HOW CAN I TELL IF A YOUNG PERSON IS USING?

A young person may appear talkative and extremely energetic, alert and agitated or super focused and motivated. This intense ‘high’ may be followed by a period of sleeplessness where a young person wants to sleep but is unable to, agitation, depression, and eventually exhaustion. In extreme cases, 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.

Ice is the third most common substance reported by young people accessing treatment services

Didn’t find what you are looking for? We know families and carers can be pretty worried when they are looking for info so we’ve just given you the most relevant fast facts for families and carers. For a more comprehensive guide we recommend the ADF’s fact sheet.