DrugFreeMililani

What Is Ice?

Ice is a highly addictive form of the synthetic substance methamphetamine. It is a clear crystal similar in appearance to chipped ice, rock candy, or Hawaiian salt. It is also called: Crystal, ice cream, shabu, crank, meth and batu. Ice can be injected, inhaled, smoked, or taken orally. Smoking crystal meth delivers a very concentrated dose of drug which can cause damage to the lungs. It affects body tissues for up to 7-24 hours.

While ice and crystal meth are chemically the same, their structural makeup is different: Ice is a crystalline form of methamphetamine which is high in purity (90 - 100%). It is similar in size and appearance to quartz or rock salt. An ice high is said to last anywhere from 7 to 24 hours. Crystal meth, while it is called crystal, is usually obtained in a powder form and in varying levels of purity. The effects of crystal meth may last two to four hours.

Ice/Methamphetamine Use/Abuse In Hawaii:

In 1997, the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) encountered 762 cases of ice use and made 833 arrests. In Honolulu, crystal meth prices range from $1,500 to $2,100 an ounce. The State Department of Health/Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division reported that statewide methamphetamine treatment admissions increased from 508 in 1993 to 1,378 in 1997. According to a 1996 University of Hawaii study, more Hawaii twelfth graders (7.5%) report having tried methamphetamine during their lifetimes compared to other twelfth graders in the nation (4.4%). In 1997, Honolulu Medical Examiner data showed 36 methamphetamine-related deaths.

What Are Some Effects of Ice Use?

Dry mouth

Increased blood pressure and pulse rate

Confusion, anxiety, and paranoia

Chronic users may experience shakes, feel nauseated, vomit, and have stomach cramps

Hallucinations ~ users sometimes feel like bugs are crawling on them

Insomnia

Violent outbursts

Body temperatures as high as 106 degrees

What Are Some Indications Of Ice Use?

Dilated pupils (pupils remain large)

Weight loss

Hyperactive behavior (talkativeness)

Withdrawal Symptoms?

Extreme depression and tiredness

Paranoia

Panic attacks

Cold sweats

Increased hunger and violence

What Are Some Legal Issues?

According to the Honolulu Police Department, ice is classified as a dangerous drug. Possession of 1/8 of an ounce or more of ice, is a second degree offense and falls under a class B Felony. The maximum sentence for this penalty is 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $25,000. Possession of one ounce or more of ice, or the distribution of 1/8 of an ounce or more of ice, is a class A Felony, with a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $50,000. Possession or distribution of less than 1/8 ounce of ice is a class C Felony and the maximum sentence for this penalty is five years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000. Possession or distribution of a dangerous drug in any amount to a minor is a first degree offense and falls under a class A Felony. The maximum sentence is 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $50,000.