Almost one quarter of regular methamphetamine users will experience a symptom of psychosis in any given year.The effects usually last for between four and 12 hours, although methamphetamine can be detected in blood and urine for up to 72 hours. Physical effects can include dilated pupils, an increased heart and breathing rate, a reduced appetite and an increased sex drive. This is because methamphetamine dramatically increases the levels of the hormone dopamine - by up to 1,000 times the normal level – much more than any other pleasure seeking activity or drug. Users say they have lots of energy and can think clearly, feel like they can make good decisions, and plan effectively. The immediate effects from ice are intense pleasure and clarity.
Whereas if you ingest it through your stomach it's about 20 minutes before you start to feel the effects.' 'If you smoke it, it has an immediate high, just in a couple of minutes you'll get quite a big hit. Sometimes people dissolve it into alcohol or water and drink it. 'Mostly people will smoke, inject or swallow a pill,' she said. How quickly you feel the effect of methamphetamine depends on the form, the route of administration and how much of it you use, Dr Lee said.
