Methamphetamines are stimulants, and part of the amphetamine group of drugs manufactured from common pharmaceutical drugs and readily available chemicals such as acetone, bleach, battery acid, and engine coolant.

Methamphetamines are potent and illegal stimulants that speed up the function of the brain and nervous system.

There are four main forms of methamphetamine:​

  1. Ice – also known as ‘crystal meth’ is the purest form. It has a clear to white crystalline appearance. Ice is usually smoked or injected.
  2. Powder – a white or off-white powder generally known as ‘speed’, typically of low purity, which can be snorted, injected or swallowed.
  3. Base – a damp or oily substance, white/yellow/brown in colour with a higher purity than powder. This form is typically injected and sometimes swallowed.
  4. Pills – methamphetamine has also been sold in pill form.

Crystalline methamphetamine is the purest form of methamphetamine available in Australia.​​​​​

Current as at: Tuesday 17 November 2020