Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant drug from the amphetamine family. It speeds up the brain and body and can have long-lasting and intense effects.

Although methamphetamine is less common in the UK than some other stimulants, it is extremely strong and carries a high risk of physical and mental harm, particularly when smoked or injected.

Street names you might hear

Across the UK and North West, methamphetamine may be known as:

  • Meth

  • Crystal meth

  • Ice

  • Glass

  • Tina

  • Yaba (usually tablets)

These names are often used for different forms of the drug, especially the crystalline version.

What does methamphetamine look like?

Methamphetamine can come in several forms:

  • Tablets (sometimes called yaba)

  • White or off-white powder

  • Clear or white crystals, often called crystal meth or ice

The crystal form is usually the strongest and most dangerous.

How do people use methamphetamine?

People use methamphetamine in different ways depending on the form.

It may be:

  • Swallowed

  • Snorted

  • Smoked (most commonly with crystal meth)

  • Injected

Smoking or injecting methamphetamine produces a very intense high and greatly increases the risk of addiction, overdose and long-term harm.

How methamphetamine can make you feel

Methamphetamine has very strong stimulant effects.

People may feel:

  • Extremely alert or awake

  • Energised or exhilarated

  • Confident or sexually aroused

  • Less hungry or tired

It can also cause:

  • Agitation or aggression

  • Anxiety or paranoia

  • Confusion

  • Overheating

The comedown from methamphetamine can be severe and long-lasting.

How long the effects last

Methamphetamine lasts much longer than many other stimulants.

  • Smoking crystal meth can produce effects lasting 4 to 12 hours

  • The comedown can last for days

Methamphetamine can usually be detected in urine for 1 to 4 days after use.

Physical health risks

Methamphetamine places extreme strain on the body.

Risks include:

  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure

  • Heart attack or stroke

  • Overheating and dehydration

  • Damage to lungs, kidneys and digestive system

  • Collapse, coma or death in overdose

Lowered inhibitions and increased sex drive can also lead to risky behaviour, including unsafe sex, increasing the risk of sexually transmitted infections.

Mental health risks

Methamphetamine can have a severe impact on mental health.

Risks include:

  • Anxiety and paranoia

  • Severe agitation or aggression

  • Psychosis, where someone loses touch with reality

  • Hallucinations and delusions

Long-term use can damage the brain, although some recovery is possible if use stops.

What methamphetamine is often mixed with

Street methamphetamine is often cut with other substances to increase weight and profit.

This can include:

  • Other amphetamines such as speed

  • Caffeine or ephedrine

  • Sugars or starches

  • Laxatives or talcum powder

  • Paracetamol

  • Other drugs with similar effects

There is no reliable way to know what methamphetamine contains by looking at it.

Mixing methamphetamine with other substances

Mixing drugs always increases risk.

Mixing methamphetamine with alcohol is especially dangerous. The stimulant and depressant effects interact unpredictably, increasing the risk of overdose, injury or death.

Dependence and addiction

Methamphetamine is highly addictive.

Some people develop:

  • Strong cravings

  • Physical and psychological dependence

  • A powerful urge to keep using despite serious harm

Crystal meth, in particular, is extremely addictive and is often compared to crack cocaine due to its intense high and severe comedown.

Staying safer

If someone is using methamphetamine, harm reduction steps include:

  • Avoiding smoking or injecting

  • Avoiding mixing with alcohol or other drugs

  • Eating, drinking and resting where possible

  • Taking breaks and not using continuously

  • Seeking help early if mental health symptoms appear

If someone experiences chest pain, severe overheating, collapse, confusion or psychosis, call 999 immediately. Seeking medical help will not get you into trouble.

Support from Wirral Ways

Wirral Ways offers free, confidential support for people affected by methamphetamine use, as well as support for families and carers.

We can help with:

  • One-to-one support

  • Support to reduce or stop using

  • Harm reduction advice

  • Mental health and wellbeing support

  • Physical health support

  • Help with housing, relationships and wider life issues

Support is tailored to you and your goals.

Worried about someone else?

If you are concerned about a friend, partner or family member, you can contact us for advice and support. You do not have to manage this alone.

Get support

You can contact Wirral Ways to access support:

  • Self-refer online

  • Speak to a member of our team

  • Visit one of our services

Support is available, and help is there when you’re ready.

Last Updated on 4 February 2026