Unpleasant experiences with methamphetamine are often related to the intense effect and long duration of action if this is underestimated by users in advance. Negative effects can include irritability, aggression, anxiety and depression. Physical and mental performance can be overestimated under the influence of methamphetamine, which can lead to an increased willingness to take risks. Tension in the jaw muscles, dry mouth, loss of fluids, urinary retention (despite a full bladder it is difficult to urinate) and tremors are also common adverse effects. After the breakdown of methamphetamine in the body, the brain needs a few days to weeks to restore the neurotransmitter balance. During this time, the effect can be reversed: Those who were previously full of energy now feel tired and listless, those who were previously strong and confident are now irritable, dissatisfied and unfocussed. In principle, the more frequently methamphetamine is used and the higher the doses, the greater the undesirable side effects.

Methamphetamine mainly causes an increased release of the neurotransmitters dopamine (acts on the reward centre in the brain) and noradrenaline in the brain. This is followed by an increased release of adrenaline in the rest of the body. Body functions such as breathing, blood pressure and pulse are increasingly activated and the body temperature rises. Methamphetamine has a more intense and longer-lasting effect than other amphetamines such as speed. One reason for this is that it is more fat-soluble, making it easier to cross the blood-brain barrier (barrier between the bloodstream and the brain). It is also partially converted to amphetamine in the body, which also prolongs the effect.

Metamphetamine has a high psychological dependency potential and is known to cause a strong craving (the overwhelming desire to continue using a substance). It is possible that one does not pay enough attention to the needs of the body. Therefore, methamphetamine can be very draining, especially with chronic use. This can lead to weight loss, deficiency symptoms (which affect teeth and bones), circulatory disorders and changes in the menstrual cycle. Other long-term consequences can include damage to the nasal and gastric mucosa, skin inflammation, cerebral haemorrhages, heart attacks, cardiac arrhythmia and strokes. The negative effects of chronic methamphetamine use on the brain have not yet been fully clarified. However, there are indications that it can lead to long-term changes or damage to the brain.
The possible long-term psychological consequences include aggression, depression, constant restlessness, sleep disorders, severe anxiety and paranoia. The consumption of methamphetamine can lead to a substance-induced psychosis (formerly known as amphetamine psychosis). It is assumed that high doses, sleep deprivation, but also the mental stability and life circumstances of the user play a role. Psychosis is a state of loss of reality. It manifests itself through paranoid and nonsensical thoughts, delusions, but also through tactile (affecting the skin, e.g. tingling or pricking under the skin), visual and auditory hallucinations.

• As the purity of methamphetamine can vary and it is often the case that other or additional psychoactive substances are present, take advantage of the substance analysis service if you have the opportunity to do so. If you don't have this option, try very little at first to see whether the effects you want occur with the expected intensity or other effects.
• Don't take too much at once and avoid redosing.
• The least harmful form of methamphetamine use is oral consumption.
• If you consume nasally, do not share your tube with others, as this can be a transmission route for diseases (herpes, hepatitis C, possibly HIV). Do not use banknotes either (risk of infection as they are very dirty).
• Drink regularly (non-alcoholic drinks), but not more than 1/2 litre per hour.
• Take rest breaks and make sure you cool down (fresh air, remove headgear...)
• Eat light meals (fruit) and take vitamins.
• Think about how long you want to "party" and end your consumption in good time.
• Don't keep using methamphetamine to delay coming down: it can make the hangover more unpleasant.
• Take longer breaks before the next consumption.

If you use methamphetamine despite the health and criminal risks, you should observe the following rules:

As the purity of methamphetamine can vary and it is often the case that other or additional psychoactive substances are present, take advantage of the substance analysis service if you have the opportunity to do so. If you don't have this option, try very little at first to see whether the effects you want occur with the expected intensity or other effects.

Don't take too much at once and avoid redosing.

The least harmful form of methamphetamine use is oral consumption.

If you consume nasally, do not share your tube with others, as this can be a transmission route for diseases (herpes, hepatitis C, possibly HIV). Do not use banknotes either (risk of infection as they are very dirty).

Drink regularly (non-alcoholic drinks), but not more than 1/2 litre per hour.

Take rest breaks and make sure you cool down (fresh air, remove headgear...)

Eat light meals (fruit) and take vitamins.

Think about how long you want to party for in advance and end your consumption in good time.
Don't keep using methamphetamine to delay coming down: it can make the hangover more unpleasant.

Take longer breaks before the next consumption.

Methamphetamine (crystal, pico) is an amphetamine with a very intense stimulating effect and belongs to the phenylethylamine group of substances. It occurs as a powder or in crystalline form. It is usually taken nasally (through the nose) or orally (swallowed). More rarely, it is smoked or consumed intravenously (injected). Methamphetamine is often mixed with other substances and the methamphetamine content can vary greatly. This makes dosing difficult.

Methamphetamine is covered by the Narcotic Drugs Act. The acquisition, possession, import and export, transfer to and procurement for others (transfer and sale) are punishable by law. Consumers who violate the SMG must expect a mandatory visit to a public health officer (in Vienna: the outpatient centre of the Addiction and Drug Coordination). There, health-related measures may be ordered and a drug test may be expected. If you adhere to these requirements, there will be no court proceedings.