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Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Six

What is ice? Ice is the crystalline (crystal) form of methamphetamine (meth), a highly addictive, synthetic stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Meth has three forms: ice is the most potent, followed by the powder (speed), then the paste (base). Like comparing light beer with 96% Polish vodka, ice, speed and base are all methamphetamine but with varying strengths per quantity. Although ice can be cut with other chemicals, including antifreeze and drain cleaner, its purity means the effects and comedown are much more intense and the likelihood of addiction is greater. Another advantage of ice for users is its ability to produce a stronger high with a smaller amount. When ice is used – usually smoked – the receptors in the brain are flooded with monoamines, which produce an adrenaline-like effect characterised by chattiness, optimism and euphoria. It usually takes one to two days to completely exit the system. Continued use destroys these receptors and diminishes the drug’s effects, leading to what people call ‘chasing the high’ – taking more of the drug to try to attain the initial feeling. Prolonged use will lead to a point where the user cannot function or live without using ice. Ice rewires the brain in a way that makes the user extremely susceptible to drastic behavioural and emotional change, turning even the most placid people into aggressive psychotics with super-human strength. All these factors make quitting ice an extremely difficult and lengthy process. In Australia, 70% of users have relapsed at least once. The signs and side effects When someone is on ice, most of the signs are observable but not necessarily the same among all people. Some of these include: • Dilated pupils • Chattiness/talkativeness • Agitation • Aggressiveness and abrupt behaviour • Paranoia and psychosis • Increased heart rate • Fast breathing • Jaw clenching, scratching and teeth grinding • Sweating Users have explained that ice creates a feeling of intense pleasure and clarity, giving them the ability to plan effectively, make ‘good’ choices and think positively. When on the drug, users will also have excessive amounts of energy. This is because ice dramatically increases the level of dopamine (reward and pleasure transmitter) – up to 1,000 times the regular level. The effects of the comedown – when the drug has worn off – include: • Depression/hopelessness • Exhaustion • Increased need for sleep • Anxiety and paranoia • Irritability • Decreased appetite The health effects of regular use include: • Dehydration • Malnutrition • Exhaustion • Stroke • Heart, lung and kidney problems • Dental issues such as sensitivity, cracked teeth and gum disease The three main areas of harm are psychosis (paranoia, hallucinations), violence (domestic, public) and cardiovascular risk, whereby users experience health problems and organ failure that they wouldn’t have otherwise. Australia’s ice use According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), around 2.1% of Australians use meth, a figure that hasn’t changed much in the last decade. While the most commonly used illicit drug is cannabis, used by 10.2% of Australians, the proportion of people using ice has increased in recent years. As recorded by the AIHW, the number of users who prefer ice to other forms of meth increased by 27% in 2007, 22% in 2010 and 50% in 2013. Additionally, weekly usage increased from 9.3% in 2010 to 15.5% in 2013. Based on the latter, it has been estimated that around 160,000 Australians are addicted to some form of meth. As research by Scott et al. explains, the purity of ice has also increased from 21% in 2009 to pindaramagazine.com.au Pindara Magazine 27


Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Six
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