Ecstasy

Ecstasy What are club drugs? I What is Ecstasy? I How is Ecstasy used? I Why do people take Ecstasy? I Are there short-term dangers? I Are their long term consequences? I How do I recognize a problem? I Is it addictive? I Is it illegal? | How do I help a friend? | Resources | Links you can use What are Club Drugs?

Club drugs (also sometimes called Dance Drugs or Designer Drugs) are drugs which at one time were found most frequently in night clubs and at raves, but have since become some of the fastest growing drugs used by college students. These drugs include MDMA (Ecstasy, E, or X), ketamine (special K), GHB, and crystal methamphetamine (speed, crank, crystal, tina).

back to top What is Ecstasy?

Ecstasy is the name for MDMA (3-4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine). MDMA (and its close relation MDA) are classified as enactogens, drugs that have stimulant, hallucinogenic and mood-improving qualities. It was originally developed as a diet aid. Before it was made illegal in 1985, it was used experimentally by mental health professionals in controlled settings to help people in couple's counseling. It began to be used illicitly in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Though Ecstasy use remains rare, its use among teenagers almost doubled between 1998 and 2001 and it is the only drug which has shown a marked increase in consumption in the college population with a 69% increase between 1997 and 1999.

back to top How is Ecstasy used?

Ecstasy is almost always swallowed in 60 to 120 mg pills. It is very infrequently snorted or taken in a liquid form through injection. The strength and contents of Ecstasy tablets cannot be known accurately. Sometimes these pills are stamped with symbols (like clover leafs, horseshoes, or smiley faces) as underground brand names or identifying markers. However, these symbols do not mean that a pill is pure or safe. All Ecstasy available on the street is produced in unregulated black market laboratories.

back to top Why do people take Ecstasy?

Ecstasy produces a euphoric high that lasts from 3 to 4 hours by generating a rush of serotonin and a smaller amount of dopamine, the brain messenger molecules that help to regulate mood. Serotonin is the brain chemical that many antidepressants regulate. Users describe Ecstasy as making them empathic, producing a temporary state of openness. Depending on its contents, Ecstasy can also cause mild hallucinogenic effects. Users report that the rush of serotonin is pleasurable and produces both an emotionally relaxed and physically exhilarated state. However, this extremely fast deployment of serotonin can deplete normal serotonin levels and produce depression or malaise after the drug wears off.

back to top Are there short-term dangers of taking Ecstasy?

Pills sold as Ecstasy may not be Ecstasy at all. MDMA purchased on the street is frequently laced with other drugs like cocaine, heroine, PCP, or toxic chemicals like PMA and DXM, atropine, and rat poison. In a 1996 study of Ecstasy content, 19 out of 33 pills (58%) were found to contain less than 25% MDMA. Only 5 pills (15%) were more than 75% MDMA. Second, users report a number of side effects, including:

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Heatstroke (also known as hyperthermia)

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Nausea

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Muscle tension

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Blurred vision

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Faintness

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Chills

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Sweating

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Teeth clenching

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Day-after depression

Ecstasy raises your body temperature and heart rate. Combine this with hot conditions, the physical activity of dancing in a party or club, and not drinking water, and the greatest immediate danger of MDMA is heatstroke. Heatstroke (or hyperthermia) is the primary cause of death from Ecstasy. Someone taking Ecstasy should make sure to drink about a pint of water every hour while on Ecstasy, sipping, rather than drinking it all at once. Also, taking breaks from dancing on a hot dance floor to cool off is an important way to reduce the risk of heatstroke. Ecstasy-related deaths are relatively rare (there were 27 nationwide from 1994 to 1999). However, emergency room hospital visits are on the rise. Ecstasy causes the release of norepinephrine, which increases your heart rate dramatically and can be dangerous for people with cardiovascular disease or weakness. Dehydration can also lead to liver or kidney failure. Some people report bad emotional reactions to Ecstasy including confusion, depression, sleep problems, drug craving, severe anxiety, and paranoia, sometimes lasting long after taking the drug. Using Ecstasy with alcohol and/or other drugs can increase the risk of adverse effects. Alcohol is dehydrating, too, and its depressant effects can mask the stimulant properties of Ecstasy misleading the user about how intoxicated they really are. Finally, some studies have shown that people who use Ecstasy are more likely to engage in other risky behaviors such as binge drinking, cigarette smoking, and having multiple sexual partners. The use of Ecstasy and other club drugs can also lead to unsafe sex, the spread of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases, and unwanted pregnancy.

back to top Are there long-term consequences to taking Ecstasy?

Although further studies are needed, more and more research suggests that Ecstasy causes serotonin levels to drop below normal, which impairs the brain's ability to learn, retain information and regulate mood. It appears that Ecstasy causes serotonin receptors, which allow the serotonin to fire in the brain, to shrink from overuse. Some evidence shows that restoration of serotonin receptors is possible with continued abstinence from the drug, but that people who have never taken Ecstasy have more functioning serotonin receptors than those who have. Other studies suggest that regular or heavy Ecstasy use has long-term negative effects on memory and brain function which go well beyond the last pill taken (and seem to continue to increase in spite of long-term abstinence from the drug). One study found that women are particularly vulnerable to damage to the serotonin system by MDMA.

back to top How do I recognize a problem with Ecstasy? Some danger signs are: •

More frequent use

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Needing more and more to get the same effect

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Spending time thinking about using the drug

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Spending more money than you have on it

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Missing class or failing to finish assignments because of Ecstasy.

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Making new friends who do it and neglecting old friends who don't

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Finding it's hard to be happy without it.

If you find that you can't stop using Ecstasy, then remember, there's help available.

back to top Is Ecstasy addictive? Heavy users whose serotonin system is regularly depleted by the drug rely on greater quantities of the drug to produce smaller and smaller effects. Because your serotonin supply is finite, repeated dosing cannot provide a stronger or lengthened high after all your serotonin has been released. A study of young adult and adolescent ecstasy users found that 43% were dependent, and 34% met the criteria for drug abuse. Almost 60% of users reported both physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms. Frequently, though, Ecstasy users also use other drugs and alcohol and may be addicted to more than one drug simultaneously.

back to top Is Ecstasy illegal?

Yes, Ecstasy is illegal and its possession, use, and sale carry heavy prison sentences and fines and disciplinary consequences at Brown. See the Brown University Policy on Drugs on the Student Rights and Responsibilities web site .

back to top How do I help a friend who's having trouble with drugs? If you are concerned about a friend's drug or alcohol use, this page contains information about different ways to help them.

WHAT IS ECSTASY?

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Ecstasy is MDMA, or 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine. It belongs to a family of drugs called "entactogens," which literally means "touching within." Other drugs in this category include MDA, MDE and MBDB.

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Before it was made illegal in 1985, MDMA was used by psychiatrists as a therapeutic tool. Studies are currently underway in Spain and Israel assessing MDMA's effectiveness in the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS?

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MDMA is a "mood elevator" that produces a relaxed, euphoric state. It does not produce hallucinations.

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MDMA takes effect 20 to 40 minutes after taking a tablet, with little rushes of exhilaration which can be accompanied by nausea. 60 to 90 minutes after taking the drug, the user feels the peak effects.

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Sensations are enhanced and the user experiences hightened feelings of empathy, emotional warmth, and self-acceptance.

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The effects of 'real' ecstasy subside after about 3-5 hours.

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Users report that the experience is very pleasant and highly controllable. Even at the peak of the effect, people can usually deal with important matters.

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The effect that makes MDMA different from other drugs is empathy, the sensation of understanding and accepting others.

WHAT IS THE DOSAGE? •

E is almost always swallowed as a tablet or capsule. A normal dose is around 100-125 mg.

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Black market "ecstasy" tablets vary widely in strength, and often contain other drugs.

IS ECSTASY ADDICTIVE? •

Ecstasy is not physically addictive. However, the drug can often take on great importance in people's lives, and some people become rather compulsive in their use. Taken too frequently, however, MDMA loses its special effect.

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MDMA releases the brain chemical serotonin, elevating mood and acting as a shortterm antidepressant. Compulsive users may be unconsciously trying to self-medicate for depression. Effective treatments for depression are available with the proper diagnosis by a qualified physician. BE CAREFUL • Ecstasy is illegal and a conviction for possession can carry long prison sentences.

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Frequent or high doses have been linked to neurotoxic damage in laboratory animals. It is still unknown whether such damage occurs in humans or, if it does, whether this has any long-term, negative consequences.

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Some people experience depression after taking MDMA. This is caused by MDMA's action on certain brain chemicals.

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There have been some deaths associated with MDMA. Usually these have been a result of heatstroke from dancing for long periods of time in hot clubs without replenishing lost body fluids.

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Much of what is sold as "ecstasy" on the black market actually contains other drugs, some of which can be more dangerous than MDMA, like PMA, speed, DXM and PCP.

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Mixing ecstasy with alcohol or other drugs increases the risk of adverse reactions. Print E

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Ecstasy

Profile MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is the chemical found in the synthetic "club drug" ecstasy, a drug with stimulant and hallucinogenic effects. It is currently a Schedule I drug. History In 1912, a German pharmaceutical company first synthesized MDMA in an attempt to create an appetite suppressant. In the late 1970's, it was rediscovered by a small group of U.S. therapists hoping to utilize it in psychotherapy and marriage counseling. MDMA became illegal in 1988 and was categorized as a Schedule I drug. Recreational, illicit use of the drug started becoming popular in the United States in the late 1980's and early 1990's.1 Ecstasy soon became popular at 'raves' - large dance parties with throbbing electronic music and pulsating lights. Currently, however, raves are not the only setting where ecstasy is used; abuse at house parties, college dorms, and various other places has become more widespread. Methods of Use Ecstasy is most often available in tablet form and is usually ingested orally, although some users have reported taking it anally (known as "plugging" or "shafting"). Users have also been known to "parachute" the tablet, by placing the pill in a napkin, crushing it, and then swallowing the piece of napkin in an attempt to speed up the drug's onset. MDMA is also available in powder form, often contained in geltabs, and is sometimes snorted and occasionally smoked, but rarely injected. Back to Top

Purity Today, a high percentage of pills contain other drugs; some pills marketed as ecstasy may not even contain any MDMA. These adulterants can include other club drugs such as MDA, PMA, Ketamine, PCP, and DXM, while some pills are cut with ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and even caffeine and over-the-counter medications. It is believed that the contents of a pill can be identified based on its logo or color (e.g.- red pills are believed to contain mescaline, brown pills assumed to contain heroin, etc.), but a pill's color and logo say nothing about its ingredients, as pill manufacturers often add food coloring to dye the tablets.2 MDMA'S Effects on the Brain

MDMA affects levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain that is related to mood (and pleasure), sleep, and heart rate. When ingested in the body, MDMA causes the brain to flood itself with serotonin, causing the body to have heightened sensitivity and the individual to be intensely emotional and empathetic. However, when the effects of ecstasy wear off, the brain is depleted of much of its supply of serotonin. Because of this substantial loss, depression is a common after-effect of MDMA use. MDMA has also been shown to damage some critical thought and memory functions of the brain, along with contributing to the degeneration of serotonin-producing neurons and dopamine transmitters. This damage may be long-term.3 Back to Top

MDMA'S Effects on the User About 20 to 40 minutes after taking a tablet, the user experiences small rushes of exhilaration, often accompanied by nausea. Sixty to 90 minutes after taking the drug, the user feels the peak effects. Users may continue to experience effects for up to 6 hours, and can feel "cracked-out" (drained, burned-out) for up to 2 days later, due to the heavy loss of serotonin and the great strain that the drug causes on the user's body.4 Short-Term Effects Short-term effects of ecstasy use can include: •

Muscle tension

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Heightened senses

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Hallucinations

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Euphoria

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Empathy for others/emotional warmth

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Anxiety or paranoia

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Involuntary teeth or jaw clenching

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Nausea

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Extreme relaxation

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Severe dehydration (especially when mixed with alcohol)

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Heat exhaustion

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Increased body temperature up to 108 degrees (especially when dancing)

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Increased blood pressure, breathing rate, and heart rate

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Faintness

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Chills or sweating

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Blurred vision or nystagmus - rapid quivering of the pupils (while the user is feeling peak effects)

Back to Top

Long-Term Effects Long-term effects of ecstasy use can include: •

Confusion

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Depression

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Sleep problems

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Drug craving

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Severe anxiety

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Paranoia

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Possible depletion of serotonin and memory. 5

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Death

Ecstasy-related deaths have been reported, usually as a result of heatstroke from dancing in hot clubs for long hours without replenishing lost body fluids.6 Dehydration and heat exhaustion are the two biggest dangers when under the influence of MDMA. It is important to note that there are many other side effects that can occur from other unknown drugs/substances that could be in the ecstasy tablet. These can include addiction, overdose, and death. MDMA and Sex Many users will abuse ecstasy simply for the 'body high' - the senses of feeling and touch that become intensely pleasurable. This physical sensitivity, paired with the feelings of selfacceptance and empathy for others, can often lead to an increased sex drive and feelings of intimacy. This is why some people consider ecstasy to be an aphrodisiac, or even one of the date-rape drugs. Nevertheless, while MDMA may enhance sexual desire, it also impairs sexual performance. Males may be unable to achieve erection under the peak effects of ecstasy, while both sexes have great difficulty in achieving orgasm. In addition, due to the effects of dehydration and heat exhaustion, both sexes can encounter a lack of lubrication the number one cause of condom breakage. And because ecstasy lowers inhibitions and can heighten arousal, it can easily lead to risky behavior in which the user would not generally participate. Back to Top

Sextasy Throughout the country, and Maryland, there have been reports of a new combination of drugs that has been hitting the streets and club scenes. Ecstasy (a drug with stimulant and hallucinogenic effects) and Viagra (a prescription drug for erectile dysfunction) are being used as one, a combination known as "sextasy" or "trail mix7." Together they produce a synergistic effect where the effects of the two drugs are greater then the effect of each drug individually.8 Ecstasy, which research has shown to negatively effect serotonin levels in the brain, has been found to increase the senses of feeling and touch. This physical sensitivity can often lead to an increased sex drive and feelings of intimacy. However, ecstasy can also impair sexual performance, making it more difficult for males to achieve an erection.9 Viagra on the other hand relaxes muscles within the penis allowing for increased blood flow necessary to achieve and maintain an erection.10 By combining the two drugs users are attempting to defeat the impotence side effect of ecstasy in order to increase sexual performance and functioning. And although having sex may not be the intention in combining Viagra with ecstasy, sex often occurs in these instances leaving both partners open to increased risks of sexually transmitted diseases.11 But regardless, even without the involvement of sex, the mixture of these two drugs can produce severe side effects. One of the most well-known and frequent is known as "priapism," a condition in which an erection can last for four hours, which can lead to permanent damage.12

The most current research involving these two drugs took place in San Francisco where researches found that about 43% of gay men surveyed were using ecstasy in combination with Viagra.13 Back to Top

Paraphernalia Users can often be seen with water and pacifiers - items used to counteract side effects of MDMA such as dry-mouth, dehydration, and jaw or teeth-clenching. Lollipops and chewing gum may also be used for the same reasons. Dancers at raves often use glowsticks and small handheld lights used to enhance the visual effects of ecstasy, although glowsticks are also a common feature of this style of dancing. Other paraphernalia includes Vick's Vapo-Rub®, Vick's Inhaler®, other menthol products, and nearly anything else that can be used to stimulate the senses. Users can often be seen hugging or massaging one another, as physical sensitivity is extremely heightened. Terminology Slang Terms for Ecstasy: E, X, XTC, Pills, Rolls, E-tarts, ADAM, Go, Speed for Lovers, Love Drug, Hug Drug, Scooby Snacks Slang Terms Related to Dosage or Effects: Some pills are believed to be two or three times more potent than others, and are referred to as "double- or "triple-stacked" "Speedy" or "Dopey" - depending on the ingredients of the pill, a tablet of ecstasy can have stimulant or depressant effects Common "Brand Names" of Ecstasy Pills: Mercedes, Mitsubishis, Ferraris, Volkswagons, Red Devils, Blue Nikes, 007s, Playboys, Batmans, Supermans, Rolexes, Pokemons, Red Stop Signs, Buddhas, Butterflies, X-Files, White Diamonds, Yin Yangs, Armanis, etc. Use & Users: Roll/Rolling - under the influence of ecstasy (like "tripping" on acid) E-tard - person who uses a great deal of ecstasy; a burnout Candy flipping - using LSD with ecstasy Flower flipping/Hippy flipping - using mushrooms with ecstasy Elephant flipping - using PCP with ecstasy Kitty flipping - using ketamine with ecstasy Love flipping - using mescaline with ecstasy Back to Top

Links •

NIDA Ecstasy InfoFacts

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NIDA Community Drug Alert Bulletin - Club Drugs

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NIDA Research Report Series: MDMA (Ecstasy) Abuse

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ONDCP Club Drugs

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DEA MDMA facts

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American Council for Drug Education

Footnotes 1 ONDCP Ecstasy Fact Sheet. http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/publications/pdf/ncj188745.pdf. May 29, 2002. 2 Julie Holland. Ecstasy: The Complete Guide. A comprehensive look at the risks and benefits of MDMA. 2001. 3 NIDA Ecstasy/MDMA Infofax. http://www.drugabuse.gov/Infofax/ecstasy.html. July 29, 2002. 4 ONDCP Ecstasy Fact Sheet. 5 DEA MDMA Brief. http://www.dea.gov/concern/mdma/mdma.html. May 29, 2002. 6 ONDCP Ecstasy Fact Sheet. 7 WebMD. "New Drug Phenom: Ecstasy + Viagra = 'Trail Mix'." Retrieved December 3, 2002. http://my.webmd.com/content/article/1728.84361 8 Baltimore Sun. "Mixed Drugs Spur Renewed Warnings." Retrieved December 3, 2002. http://www.sunspot.net/news/health/bal-te.sextasy29nov29,0,1552313.story? coll=bal-health-headlines 9 Center for Substance Abuse Research. "Ecstasy-JustFacts.org." Retrieved December 3, 2002. http://www.justfacts.org/jf/drugs/ecstasy.asp 10 WebMD. "Sildenafil (oral)." Retrieved December 3, 2002. http://my.webmd.com/content/article/4046.2186 11 Center for Substance Abuse Prevention. Reality Check: Sextasy: Ecstasy and Viagra." Retrieved December 3, 2002. http://www.health.org/reality/articles/2002/sextasy.asp 12 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Medical News: San Francisco: Increased Risk of HIV and Sexually Transmitted Disease Transmission Among Gay or Bisexual Men Who Use Viagra." Retrieved December 3, 2002. http://www.thebody.com/cdc/news_updates_archive/aug24_01/viagra.html 13 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "A Deadly Mix -- Viagra and "Club Drug" Use Found Prevalent." Retrieved December 3, 2002. http://www.thebody.com/cdc/news_updates_archive/july11_02/viagra.html

The chemical methamphetamine hydrochloride is generally just known as methamphetamine. Common street names for methamphetamine include crank, speed, meth, crystal meth, and crystal tea. It has been a popular drug of abuse for many years in the United States in its conventional, powdered form, which is usually snorted, ingested, or injected. Methamphetamine hydrochloride is processed to produce a potent, smokable form of methamphetamine known as "glass" or "ice". This substance is called "ice" because it resembles rock candy or a chip of ice. How does Ice compare to crack?

Ice is a potent, smokable form of methamphetamine, while crack is a potent form of freebase cocaine. The substances are smoked in a similar fashion and both provide the user with an immediate, intense high and increased alertness. Users refer to the sensation from smoking ice as "amping", as in an "over-amped wire", because of the amplified euphoria it gives them. Unlike the 15-minute high produced from using crack, the high from smoking ice can last from 8 to 24 hours. Where does ice come from?

In contrast to cocaine, which is derived from the refined leaves of the South American coca plant and then imported, ice is synthesized in a chemical laboratory. Crack is usually packaged in glass or plastic vials and sold in small quantities of 300-500 mg. Ice is normally packaged in a penny-size plastic bag called a "paper". How is ice used?

Ice is used by placing the substance in a glass pipe, heating it, and inhaling the resulting vapors. The vapors enter the bloodstream directly through the lungs and are rapidly transported to the brain. When ice is heated, its solid crystals turn to liquid. When it cools, ice reverts to its solid state and is therefore reusable. Since ice is odorless, it can easily be used in public without being detected. In addition to its use for recreational purposes, ice is often used in the workplace to increase alertness. Some users smoke ice for days at a time and then "crash" in a deep sleep lasting 24 hours or more. Clear Body Clear Mind

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Despite limited experience with ice, a variety of adverse effects have been reported with its use. So far toxicity appears to be similar to that seen with the older forms of methamphetamine. Reported adverse effects include severe weight loss, aggressive behavior, fatal lung and kidney disorders, and long-lasting psychological problems characterized by paranoia and hallucinations. More serious lung disorders are anticipated with the smokable form of this drug. As with most amphetamines and amphetamine-like drugs, ice can potentially cause increases in blood pressure and heart rate, abnormal heartbeats, heart attacks, strokes, convulsions, and coma. Furthermore, continued use of ice can rapidly lead to addiction and the various social problems associated with an expensive drug habit. As experience with ice increases, additional adverse effects may be discovered. It is unknown at the present time whether the adverse effects already reported are dose-dependent. In other words, as with cocaine, it may be possible for adverse effects to occur with ice regardless of the amount used. In addition, it may be possible for life-threatening reactions to occur with ice whether it is being used for the first or fiftieth time. One case has been reported of an individual experiencing a stroke after snorting methamphetamine for the first time. This type of unpredictability may be even more extreme with ice, due to its more rapid and more intense effects. Index of Terms Term

Definition ad·dic·tion - n. the condition of being addicted to something Addiction [trying to conquer an addiction to drugs] Often called "speed" this drug is a synthetically produced Amphetamines Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulant with cocaine-like effects. A bitter, crystalline drug obtained from the dried leaves of the coca shrub; it is a local anesthetic and a dangerous, illegal Cocaine stimulant; the primary psychoactive ingredient in the coca plant and a behavioral-affecting drug. Drugs essentially are poisons. The degree they are taken determines the effect. A small amount acts as a stimulant. A Drugs greater amount acts as a sedative. A larger amount acts as a poison and can kill one dead. This is true of any drug. Each has a different amount at which it gives those results. Ice A smokable form of methamphetamines. Methamphetami A powerfully addictive stimulant that dramatically affects the ne central nervous system.

What is Ice?

Ice is the high purity crystalline form of the drug methamphetamine. It's cheap, addictive, it's a 'party drug' and its use is reaching pandemic proportions.

This Lens warns of the potential dangers of this highly addictive drug. Contents at a Glance 1. What is Ice? 2. Getting Help 3. Reader Feedback Explore related pages Drugs Crack Cocaine Heroine Amphetamines Addiction Abuse I Am Your Disease: The Many Faces of Addiction Spirituality for Recovering Addicts Alcohol Addiction Recovery Drug Addiction: Real Questions With Real Answers About How To Stay Clean And Sober Headquarters Diary Of A Recovering Addict

What is Ice?

Ice has gone from relative obscurity to a party drug of choice in an extremely short amount of time. Other common nicknames for methamphetamine include "meth", "shabu", "crystal", "tina", "p", "pnp" and "glass". Australia alone has an estimated 102,600 regular users of methamphetamines. According to the University of New South Wale's National Drug & Alcohol Research Centre, which believes about 72,700 or two thirdss of users, are dependent on the drug. The high rate of problems such as dependence and psychotic symptoms are now being observed in chronic long-term users. Ice is a potent stimulant drug, which speeds up the activity of the central nervous system. Although few deaths have been reported in Australia as a direct result of using ice, it is considered more addictive and is associated with more significant physical, emotional and social harms than other types of amphetamines. Emergency psychiatric nurse Beaver Hudson, at Sydney's St Vincent's Hospital, says ice-related presentations to the emergency department first began to concern him 4 years ago. Hallucinations, disorganised behavior and injuries such as fractures have become common place, he says, and in the past year he has seen more and more violently disturbed patients with destructive tendencies. "Those who have been using ice for longer are showing more significant mental health problems. With methamphetamine, it's all about frequency and duration of use as well as the means of ingestion" Mr. Hudson says. The difference between ice and other forms of methamphetamine is largely a matter of degree. Ice is often about 80% pure although this can vary significantly, compared to other forms of methamphetamine such as speed or

base, which are approximately 10% - 20% pure. Making matters worse, ice is usually smoked or injected, and the faster absorption combined with the greater purity creates an intense user experience that results in high levels of addiction, which in turn accounts for the elevated rates of psychosis found among users.

A quarter of ICE users have reported symptoms of psychosis such as hallucinations and paranoia.

That's because methamphetamine mostly works on the neurotransmitter dopamine, high levels of which can result in strange behaviour patterns and psychosis. Prolonged use of ice can bring on schizophrenia-like symptoms, including anger, panic, hallucinations, formication (sensation of bugs crawling over the skin) and paranoia, which can result in homicidal or suicidal thoughts. And studies have shown that heavy use of methamphetamine can permanently damage dopamine neurons and can reduce brain tissue volume. Ice use brings with it a string of other health and social problems. It affects the kidneys, liver and lungs and can cause strokes and heart attacks. Ice users also have a tendency toward high-risk behaviours, including unsafe sex and intravenous drug use, which runs the risk of contracting blood-borne viruses such as hepatitis B and C. The drug can also play havoc with users' relationships, jobs and finances. As the effects of ice wear off, users may experience a range of symptoms such as tension, depression, radical mood swings, uncontrollable violence and exhaustion.