Methamphetamines are part of the amphetamine drug family - a group of drugs that stimulate the central nervous system (amphetamine-type stimulants). They can be swallowed, snorted, smoked or injected.
There are different forms of methamphetamine used illegally in South Australia - the crystal form is known as ‘ice’, the powder form is known as ‘speed’ and the paste form is known as ‘base’. The short and long-term effects of all three forms of methamphetamine are similar, but the intensity of effect may vary depending on the way it is used, the amount taken, and its form. Crystal methamphetamine ('Ice') has the most intense effects.
For information on the prevalence of methamphetamine use, the associated effects and harms, prevention and early intervention, treatment and where to get help, please see the Methamphetamines - your questions and answers fact sheet (PDF 222KB).
Information for the public
- Methamphetamines – your questions and answers (PDF 177KB) – multiple-page fact sheet, SA Health
- What is methamphetamine? (PDF 85KB) for people in healthcare facilities - two-page fact sheet, SA Health
- What are amphetamines? (PDF 59KB) – two-page fact sheet, SA Health
- National Drugs Campaign – Drug Help
- Methamphetamine – one-page fact sheet, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre
- Cracks in the Ice: Crystal Methamphetamine - handbook, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre
- Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) – 1300 13 1340
- For Clean Needle Program information, contact the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) — 1300 13 1340
- The risks of using drugs
- Drugs – information for parents
- Young people and drugs
- The dangers of mixing drugs
- Drug and alcohol emergency information
Information for health professionals
- Clinical tools
- Substance withdrawal management
- Amphetamine withdrawal management
- Substance misuse and dependence
- Management of acute presentations related to methamphetamine use clinical guidelines for adults and adolescents (PDF 509KB) (2019)
- Management of patients presenting with acute methamphetamine-related problems: evidence summary (PDF 360KB) (2017)
Screening resources to enable a quick diagnosis of stimulant use in primary health care
Psychostimulant Check-up Training Kit (March 2008)
To obtain a copy of the demonstration DVD or for further information on these resources ring ADIS on 1300 13 1340.