NCJ Number
144645
Date Published
1990
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This fact sheet describes what "ice" is, who uses it, and how it affects a user's physiology and behavior.
Abstract
"Ice" is a smokable, highly addictive, crystal form of methamphetamine or stimulant and is, by popular account, more dangerous than crack cocaine. It is usually smoked in continuous "runs" of approximately 5 days, separated by periods of abstinence lasting about 4 days during which the user mostly sleeps. Most users range in age from late teens to early 30s. Among the one in six users who are female, housewives are represented disproportionately. Ice use is atypically high among bikers, street gangs, certain West Coast ethnic groups, and blue collar workers. Ice causes a "pounding heart" sensation, and, in high quantities, can result in permanent blood vessel or brain damage, or death. Symptoms include dilated pupils, blurred vision, dry mouth, increased breathing rate, severe headache, hand and finger tremors, nausea, excessive sweating, dizziness, and loss of appetite. Users typically become restless, anxious, talkative, unfocused, paranoiac, and impulsive, and may hallucinate, repeat simple acts, or otherwise show signs of impaired judgment. Included is a directory of resources from which users and those concerned about them can obtain further information.