Using crystal meth? (crystal, meth, Tina)
Crystal methamphetamine is a form of amphetamine. Crystal affects the central nervous system, acting as a psycho-stimulant. It acts on the body to produce a rush of adrenaline, which can increase strength and endurance. Crystal also elevates brain chemicals or neurotransmitters, like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. These chemicals relate to mood, sexual function, body movement, sleep and sensory perception, and regulation of body temperature and blood pressure.
This combination can lead users to feel very confident and alert, to have an elevated mood, feel euphoric, have increased energy, movement, and speech, and decreased appetite. Some gay men also report feeling very sexual on crystal, with a reduction in inhibition and an increase in their ability to have sex for a long period of time.
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- Dehydration: People on crystal can dance for hours without stopping. In a crowded, hot dance party this can increase your risk for dehydration or overheating.
- Dependence (addicton): A tolerance for crystal builds up very quickly. This means if you use crystal regularly, it will quickly take more and more of the drug to give you the same high. At the same time, crystal is associated with a tough come down period or 'crash' - significant fatigue and depression which can last a few days to a week or more. Also, for some gay men crystal makes sex more intense and last longer. These factors contribute to a potential for psychological dependence or a habit forming with the drug that makes quitting more difficult.
Anecdotally, experienced users and treatment counsellors who work with gay men say that crystal is a drug that is particularly difficult to use recreationally. If you want to use crystal, take extra steps to ensure you do not develop dependence. Learn the signs of developing dependency and strategies you can use to reduce your risk of becoming dependent on the drug.
- HIV: Research in the United States has shown that gay men who use crystal are at increased risk for HIV. Gay crystal users were either less likely to use a condom when they fuck or were more likely to experience condom breakage while fucking.
- Amphetamine Psychosis: Chronic use of crystal can lead to severe paranoia or sudden, violent, and irrational behaviour.
Drug Class: stimulant
Individual drugs: crystal methamphetamine
Common Terms: crank, crystal, ice, jib, meth, speed, Tina.
Standard Dose:
- crystal is typically sold as clear crystals in small baggies.
- crystal is typically snorted in small bumps, or smoked in the form of ice.
- crystal can be swallowed, smoked, injected, and hooped (placed up the ass). There are risks and benefits to different methods of taking the drug.
The Buzz:
- When snorted the effects come on gradually and peak after about 15-30 minutes.
- When injected, the effects are felt immediately and much more intensely.
- Crystal is a stimulant drug with effects similar to cocaine but much longer lasting.
- It can lead to feelings of confidence, alertness, talkativeness and euphoria.
- It causes a sudden increase in heart rate, blood pressure and breathing.
Overdose and other negative effects:
- The intense high can lead to an unpleasant comedown which can inturn lead a user to take more.
- In high doses, crystal can lead to seizures, strokes, hear attacks or difficulty breathing (even in experienced users).
- After effects can include depression, agitation, anxiety and paranoia.
- Repeated snorting can damage the nasal membranes.
- Many users can become compulsive in their use of crystal which can lead to physical or psychological addiction.
- Can lead to severe tooth decay and weight loss.
Dangerous Drug Combinations:
- other stimulant drugs like ecstasy or coke
- heart and blood pressure medications, anti-depressants
- downer drugs like K or GHB.
 | Crystal Info Card June 2005.pdf | 458 (Kbytes) |