Methamphetamine use in Australia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Under Australia's law, methamphetamine is a Schedule 8 drug, available for medical use but restricted in manufacture, supply, and possession.[1] The drug is sought after to give oneself a ‘high’ or a ‘rush’ in their body.[2] Users of this drug often feel senses of exhilaration and arousal as the brain is flooded with monoamines. Methamphetamine has many names not only in Australia, but also around the world. These include chalk, crypto, gear, getgo, tweak, and cristy, although the two most common ones in Australia today are ice and shard.[3] Speed refers to the powder form of the drug, while ice refers to the highly purified, crystalline form.[4] The powder form is often diluted with adulterants including glucose and sucrose.[4]
Methamphetamine was synthesized in Japan in 1893 from the drug ephedrine;[5] and since then has changed into a variety of different forms.[5] Australia has a drug scene which is increasing with the demand for drugs like methamphetamine since the start of 2000. As of April 2017, Australia has the highest methamphetamine addiction rate in the world.[6]