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• What is it?
• Physical effects
• Problems

Problems using ice

Studies have shown the use of ice and base is associated with brain and mental health conditions, including ruptured blood vessels in the brain, memory-loss indecision, depression and psychosis. These drugs can cause paranoia and hallucinations and the user may also become aggressive and violent – possibly requiring sedation and physical restraint or police intervention.

Using ice or base can also lead to social and financial problems and the risk of family breakdown and losing friends.

Dependence on ice and base can be physical, psychological, or both

People who are physically dependent on ice or base develop tolerance to the drug. This makes it necessary to take more of the drug to get the same effect. They can also find that their body has become used to functioning with the drug present. As a result the user needs to increase their dosage as they develop tolerance and require ice in their system to feel ‘normal’.

People who are psychologically dependent on ice or base find that using these drugs becomes far more important than other activities in their lives. They crave these drugs and find it very difficult to stop using it.

If a person who is dependent on ice suddenly stops taking it, they will experience withdrawal symptoms, because their body has to readjust to functioning without the drug. People may experience withdrawal symptoms for a couple of weeks.

Ice or base withdrawal symptoms may include:

• cravings for ice or base
• disorientation and poor concentration
• decreased energy, apathy and the limited ability to experience pleasure
• irritability
• depression, anxiety and panic
• paranoia
• extreme fatigue and exhaustion
• headaches
• general aches and pains
• hunger and increased appetite
• disturbed and restless sleep, often interrupted by nightmares

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