Ice or Crystal meth is a highly purified crystalline form of methamphetamine. It is a man-made stimulant which acts on the central nervous system by stimulating the brain’s natural chemicals; dopamine and noradrenaline that help us to feel awake and excited. For some people, using crystal can cause a range of hassles including financial difficulties and breakdowns in the social and close relationships around them, particularly when the drug has become the dominant focus in their lives. Regardless of the level of their use all users of crystal need to be aware of some of the health issues.

Mental Health Issues

The Big Come Down

As the highs of using crystal are intense so are the come downs which can leave people feeling depressed, vulnerable and irritable. Often this is aggravated by feeling agitated and on edge and not being able to sleep. While it may be tempting to either have some more crystal or take another drug such as smoking pot or take other medications it is best to just try to take it easy and rest – watch TV, DVD’s, play X-Box or simply day dream and lay around. You need to be prepared for this part and take it as a chance to regenerate. If you have been using regularly and are trying to have a break you may find you feel depressed and anxious.

Speed or crystal psychosis can happen when there is a toxic build up of the drug in the body. It is a form of overdose. Psychosis can occur at different levels of crystal use ranging from regular and on-going low amounts to a one-off high amount. In most cases psychosis goes away once crystal use has stopped and the brain chemicals have had a chance to re-regulate themselves, however it may take a few days. Once you have experienced a psychotic episode the chances of it re-occurring are high if you use crystal again. Some of the symptoms include hearing or seeing things that aren’t there, feeling suspicious and worried others are out to get you or plotting against you, bizarre thinking.

Crystal paranoia is another side-effect of use. The only sure way to stop this is to stop using however it may still take time to settle down. You can reduce the sometimes debilitating impact of this paranoia by only using with people you know and trust and in places you feel safe and using smaller amounts. However without a break from the drug these will only be temporary strategies.

Tips: Regulate your use and have breaks. If you notice you are experiencing symptoms, either stop or reduce the amount you are using. Try to get some sleep – even short cat-naps. If it gets worse, see your doctor or health worker as the sooner you get treatment the sooner you’ll get better. Left untreated, psychosis can cause long-term mental health issues.

Wear & Tear on Your Body

Using crystal on a regular basis can really muck up the balance in your body. As it keeps you awake for long periods of time, raises body temperature and reduces appetite it can often mean that you can get dehydrated and exhausted. Crystal use can also cause bleeding gums, mouth sores and loose teeth.

Tips: Drink water regularly. Try to have small snack meals regularly (even noodles or a fruit smoothie) even if you are not that hungry. Look after your dental hygiene.

Sexual health issues

One of the reasons some people like using crystal is that they feel it enhances their sex drive and gives them more confidence and makes them feel more attractive. However there are a number of risks as sex sessions may be long and the chances of unsafe sex increase. Also because there is a reduction in pain sensations there is an increase in injuries, cuts and abrasions increase the risks of Hepatitis C and HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Tips: Practice safe sex every time. Have plenty of condoms and lube. Any injuries require extra precautions.

Method of Use

There is no completely safe way to use crystal. However whatever the method is it is important to understand the risks so you can be proactive in doing things to reduce them.

Many people wrongly believe that if you smoke crystal it is less addictive. The reality is that smoking ice is highly addictive as when you smoke the drug goes straight into your bloodstream via your lungs which give you an almost instant and intense high. This can be an attractive part of using the drug in this way. Be careful of cuts and burns from hot glass pipes. Injecting ice has itself own risks which can be reduced by sterile and safe injecting practices. Snorting can damage the delicate lining of the nose and risk passing on of infections.

Tips: Put tape of rough edges or chips on pipes. Never share injecting equipment and take care of your veins. Use your own snorting equipment and rinse nostrils after snorting.

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