Drugs & Alcohol Information

Methamphetamine

Street Names

‘Yaba’ (ya-ba, ya ba), zip, meth, speed, go-fast, cristy, christal, tina, medicine, L.A. In New Zealand it is known as P – short for Pure

Description

Methamphetamine can come as a white powder, clear crystals or pills.

Routes of Use

The powder is soluble in water and alcohol enabling it to be snorted, ingested, smoked or injected intravenously. 

History

Amphetamines were rumoured to have been used in Japan, Britain, Germany and the US during World War 2 to enable soldiers to stay awake, alert and compulsively focused.

Effects People Seek

Its effects can broadly be described as being somewhere between crack cocaine and amphetamine although much longer acting than both.

The drug alters mood in different ways, depending on how it is taken.  Immediately after smoking or injecting, the user experiences a rush which lasts only a few minutes and is described as extremely pleasurable.

Other Effects

Prolonged use is increasingly likely to see personality changes, chronic paranoia, cardiac problems, stroke, brain damage.  Methamphetamine use is also associated (as are other stimulants) with highly risky behaviour, particularly around unsafe sexual practice. 

Dependence & Tolerance

Regular use of the drug can lead to tolerance (needing more methamphetamine to achieve the same result).  This can be a consequence of the tendency by some users to go on binges (using drugs repeatedly over a number of days).  Methamphetamine use can lead to dependency and addiction.   Heavy use may be followed by extreme fatigue.  

The Law

Because methamphetamine has no medical use in the UK, there is no legitimate reason for its possession.  It is a class B drug under The Misuse of Drug Act.  Maximum penalties for possession are 5 years imprisonment plus fine and for supply are 14 years imprisonment plus a fine. If any amphetamine type drug is prepared for injection it becomes a class A drug and increased penalties apply.