Ice – Understanding how it works

Ice is one form of methamphetamine. Using ice causes a surge in brain chemicals called neurotransmitters that are vital to the normal healthy function of the human brain with each responsible for regulating different functions.

The main neurotransmitter affected is dopamine. Huge amounts are released when ice is used but ice also affects serotonin and noradrenaline. In understanding the role these neurotransmitters play we can see how ice use impacts a young person’s functioning. 

• Dopamine regulates pleasure, motivation, reward, attention and memory planning.
• Noradrenaline also regulates attention, as well as arousal and mood.
• Serotonin helps noradrenalin regulate mood and regulates cognition, appetite, learning perception & sleep.

When a young person takes ice, the huge surge in dopamine that follows explains the feelings of elation, euphoria, alertness, focus and motivation that a person may feel. It also explains why, in high doses, meth can keep a person awake for days and in some cases, lead to suspiciousness, paranoia and psychosis.

It is important to understand that not only does ice cause the brain to release these chemicals but it also prevents the brain from reabsorbing them so they can’t be used again. This creates a short-term (about 3 days) shortage of these important brain chemicals while the brain manufactures more. Low mood, poor attention, irritability, trouble with sleep and difficulty concentrating are common in the days that follow use.

What’s more, with longer-term use of ice a person’s brain may struggle to produce dopamine (and noradrenaline and serotonin), taking longer and longer to produce a smaller amount. This results in chronic long-term shortages. In the case of dopamine, even after the use of ice has ceased it can be several months before dopamine levels are restored to normal.

It stands to reason that a person whose dopamine serotonin and noradrenaline are running low will crave the drug that causes them to feel elated, awake and alert and helps them to focus and concentrate.

This is why ice use is associated with strong cravings over a longer period of time with a higher risk of a young person using again and taking longer to reduce or cease use. As a family member or carer this can be worrying information. It is not designed to scare you but rather help you empathise with a young person who may find change difficult. Ultimately drug problems are more complicated than simply being caused by the power of a drug such as ice. As a family member there is still so much you can do to help.

“It’s learning for everyone, so much learning. Yeah. And I think you just have to hang in there. And you have to be open to… you have to be open to the unexpected.” 

Family reference group member