Methamphetamine is a more potent form of the drug amphetamine. Both amphetamine and methamphetamine belong to the ‘stimulant’ class of drugs, which also includes ecstasy and cocaine. These drugs stimulate the brain and central nervous system.

Methamphetamine comes in different forms, including powder/pills (“speed”), a sticky paste (“base”), or a crystal form (“ice”). Powder is the least potent form, while crystal is the most potent. Methamphetamine may be swallowed, injected, smoked or snorted. Occasionally people ‘shaft’ it (suppository).

Methamphetamine is a synthetic drug, and illicit methamphetamine is manufactured in clandestine chemical laboratories. In Australia these clandestine laboratories are usually found in residential areas. In the past most methamphetamine in Australia was produced domestically, but in recent years it has largely been imported from overseas, particularly from China and South-East Asia. Serious and organised crime groups are often involved in the importation, manufacture, and distribution of methamphetamine in Australia.

Methamphetamine use stimulates the brain and central nervous system, and can result in a variety of adverse outcomes. The effect that methamphetamine has on an individual depends on a number of factors. These include:

• how much methamphetamine is taken
• the method of use
• the form and purity of the methamphetamine
• the height and weight of the user
• the user’s current physical and mental health status
• the user’s previous experience with methamphetamine (i.e. new user vs frequent user)
• whether other substances (alcohol, tobacco, medications, or other illicit drugs) are used at the same time as methamphetamine.

Immediate effects of methamphetamine use can include feelings of euphoria, confidence and energy. People who use methamphetamine may feel excited, talkative, or hyperactive, and may have an increased sex drive, reduced appetite and decreased need for sleep. 

Methamphetamine use can also result in an increased heart rate and blood pressure, and feelings of irritability, restlessness, paranoia and anxiety. In some cases, it can also lead to aggressive or violent behaviour, heart attack, stroke, kidney damage, and fatal or non-fatal overdose. 

When people stop using methamphetamine, they may also experience withdrawal symptoms (even if they don’t have a substance use disorder). These include:

•           Depression
•           Agitation and irritability
•          Paranoia and anxiety
•          Sleep problems
•           Poor concentration
•           Intense cravings.

These symptoms are worse in the first couple of days after stopping methamphetamine use, but can last for a few weeks to a few months.

For more information about the longer-term effects of methamphetamine, see FAQs What are the physical health risks of methamphetamine use? and What are the mental health risks of methamphetamine use?

If you are worried about your own or somebody else’s methamphetamine use, contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS). The Alcohol and Drug Information Centres are state and territory-based services that offer information, advice, referral, intake, assessment and support. They offer services for individuals, their family and friends, general practitioners, other health professionals, and business and community groups. 

To contact ADIS, ring the 24 hour hotline on 1800 250 015 and you will be automatically directed to the ADIS in the state or territory you are calling from.