fac t s hee t

Crystal 31 Au g u st

Methamphetamine
I n t e r n at i o n al
Ov e r d o s e
Awar e n e s s Day

What is crystal methamphetamine? Overdose response

Methamphetamine (or methylamphetamine hydrochloride)  efore you act, check for dangers such
B
is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. as needles.
It is generally available in four forms:  all an ambulance, tell the operator your
C
1 Speed which comes in powder form and is typically of low purity. location, and stay on the line.

2 B
 ase a damp oily substance with white to yellow or brown colour  ove the person to a quiet, safe room away
M
(also known as pure, paste, wax). from bystanders, noise, excessive light, heat
and other stimulation.
3 P
 ills/tablets usually contain only a small dose of
methamphetamine. If confused or panicking, try to reassure them.

4 C
 rystal purest form of methamphetamine and has a translucent I f overheating, try to cool them down by
to white crystalline appearance. The crystal form of the drug is loosening outer clothing or putting a wet towel
also known as ice. on the back of the neck or under their arms.

Meth can be swallowed, snorted, smoked or injected, with each I f you cant get a response or the person is
of these methods having different risks. For example, swallowing unconscious, put them in the recovery position.
makes it difficult to work out the dose and when its effects will be I f muscle spasms or seizures occur, remove
felt. Smoking is harsh on the lungs and risks burning them. Injecting anything from the immediate environment that
any drug attracts risks of injection-related injury and diseases might cause injury.
including blood borne viruses (e.g. HIV, hepatitis C).
Smoking and injecting ice can have a nearly instantaneous onset
of its effects which might account for the higher likelihood of The Recovery Position
methamphetamine dependence among people who smoke and/or Support face Place the
inject ice. arm nearest to you at right
angles to the body. Place
Signs of overdose their other hand against
their cheek.
Because of its high purity, meth overdose, or toxicity, can occur
even with small doses, especially when mixed with other drugs. Lift Leg Get hold of the
The greatest concern in meth overdose is the risk of seizures, far leg just above the knee
stroke and heart attack. Emergency presentations featuring meth and pull it up, keeping the
foot flat on the ground.
toxicity are less common than meth psychosis. However, risks to the
cardiovascular system from high levels are significant, especially Roll over Keep their hand
when there is a pre-existing health problem. pressed against their cheek
and pull on the upper leg to
Some signs of overdose can include: roll them towards you and
onto their side.
Physical signs Psychological signs
Hot, flushed, sweaty skin Psychotic symptoms in
Severe headaches individuals with no prior
mental illness  hat NOT TO DO in the event
W
Chest pain of a suspected overdose
Severe agitation or panic
Unsteady walking Do NOT leave the person alone.
Altered mental state (e.g.
Rigid muscles or tremors, Do NOT give the person anything to eat
confusion, disorientation)
spasms, jerky movements or drink, or try to induce vomiting.
Movement of the limbs,
and seizures
Difficulty breathing

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