What is methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine is a powerful drug made from synthetic (man-made) chemicals. It is a stimulant that is sometimes used medically to treat ADHD, weight loss (only used over a short term) and narcolepsy. The dose used for treatment is much lower than when the drug is abused.

Methamphetamine is also known as meth, crystal meth, chalk, crank, ice and glass. It is extremely easy to become dependent on this substance. From one dose users can be intoxicated for up to 12 hours and often take another dose to stay ‘high’. In some cases they continue using for a number of days and get little sleep and food. This is known as a ‘run.’

How is methamphetamine misused?

Methamphetamine can comes in pill, powder or crystal form. It can be swallowed, snorted or injected in pill or powder form. In crystal form it is usually smoked. Crystal meth is often more concentrated than the other forms of the drug and causes the most intense high. 

Methamphetamine increases the release of dopamine in the brain which causes the ‘high.’ It also stops the reuptake of dopamine. This can affect thinking, mood, movement and overall health.

What are the effects of methamphetamine?

Q: What are the short-term effects of methamphetamine?

Answer
  • more energy
  • awake and alert
  • more confident
  • less appetite
  • stronger sexual feelings
  • increase in heart rate and blood pressure
  • increased breathing
  • higher body temperature than normal
  • grouchy and irritable
  • problems sleeping
  • confused
  • anxious
  • shaking, tremors
  • convulsions

Q: What are the long-term effects of methamphetamine?

Answer
  • methamphetamine use disorder
  • psychotic behaviour including:
    • paranoia
    • hallucinations
  • changes in brain structure and function
  • problems with forming thoughts and motor skills
  • memory loss
  • easily distracted
  • aggressive or violent behaviour
  • moody
  • tooth decay
  • weight loss
  • risk of diseases from sharing needles

Q: What are the withdrawal effects of methamphetamine?

Answer
  • grouchy and irritable
  • depressed
  • frightened
  • loss of energy
  • shaking or tremors
  • nausea
  • heart palpitations
  • sweating
  • bigger appetite
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Need urgent help?

If you, your child, or someone you care about is having a mental health or substance use crisis:

  • Call 911 or go to your local hospital’s emergency room if you are in need of immediate help
  • Call 1-800- SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) anytime if you are concerned about someone who may be considering suicide

These are a few examples of situations when you should seek immediate help:

  • The child or youth is thinking about or trying to end their life
  • The child or youth is experiencing sensations that aren’t real and/or beliefs that can’t possibly be true
  • The child or youth is unable to care for themselves, and it’s putting them at risk of serious harm
  • The child or youth is experiencing an alcohol or drug overdose
  • The child or youth is taking a dangerous combination of substances (like medications and alcohol)

For non-urgent support options, explore our Ask Kelty Mental Health tool. You’ll find answers to common questions families have about accessing mental health supports and services in BC for their child or youth.