The amphetamines group is very diverse, and the different by-products have different effects. Speed is amphetamine cut with other products (caffeine, lactose, paracetamol…).
Crystal methamphetamine is a crystallized meth by-product, also known as “ice.” It is made into white or yellow crystals, or crystalline powder. It can be smoked. Under the form of pills, it is called “yaba.”
Speed is a stimulant. It takes away any feeling of fatigue, hunger, thirst and makes you feel invincible. Taken orally, the effects can be felt after half an hour, less when taken nasally. The effects last for several hours.
The effects of crystal meth are more violent and can be felt a few seconds after smoking: euphoria (“rush”), feeling of physical and psychological powerfulness, strong sexual urges can be felt shortly after use. The effects last about ten hours.
During a party, methamphetamine users feel a compelling need to repeat intakes at shorter intervals (the “run”) to feel and renew the desired effects.
The main consequences that can be felt from the first dose are jaw clenching, hypertension, dehydration risks and even hyperthermia. The comedown can be particularly long and hard, associated with great fatigue and even panic or paranoia attacks.
The risks are the same for all those products but are highly magnified for crystal meth.
heart disturbances (palpitations, myocardial infarction), behavioural disorder (teeth gnashing, obsessive hair arranging…)
high level of aggressiveness, psychiatric disorders (anxiety, panic attacks, violent behaviour, delirium, paranoia, hallucinations) and psychological and physical exhaustion which can lead to depression
chronic impotence, linked to loss of sexual desire. Methamphetamines rapidly cause extreme psychological dependence: withdrawal becomes extremely difficult. Isolation and desocialization can set in.
to counter the weakening of the effects (mixing with cocaine, ecstasy, cannabis, alcohol…)
to reduce side effects like insomnia or depression (mixing with medicine) or impotence (mixing with Viagra®).
