Category

Stimulant

Also known as

Crystal Meth, Crazy Medicine, Ice, Zip, Yaba, Go-Fast, Cristy, Tina, Chalk, Crank, Shabu, Glass.

What it looks like and how it's taken

Methamphetamine usually takes the form of a white odourless and bitter-tasting crystalline powder, readily soluble in water or alcohol. It can be smoked, injected intravenously, snorted or digested orally. It is known as Ice when in a crystal-like rock form and Yaba when in tablet form, usually red, orange but sometimes green. Methamphetamine is still relatively rare in Scotland.

Immediate effects

Immediately after smoking or injecting, users experience a rush that lasts only a few minutes. Small amounts of methamphetamine can produce euphoria, wakefulness, increased physical activity, decreased appetite and increased respiration. The user may also experience powerful hallucinations.

Risks

Short term: The drug can cause disturbing hallucinations and make the user extremely paranoid. One of the nastier and most common hallucinations is 'speed bugs' or 'crank bugs' where users think bugs are crawling under their skin and go frantic trying to get them out.

Long term: Regular use is linked to lung and kidney disorders. Coming off the drug can lead to severe depression and suicidal urges.

Legal status

Methamphetamine is a form of amphetamine and currently sits within Class A.

Learn more about drugs and the law.