Methamphetamine is often referred to as meth, tjack, tina, ice, crystal, and sometimes metatjack. Emojis like 💎🔮 on hookup apps can indicate that someone is interested in using methamphetamine in sexual contexts.

⬆️ Methamphetamine is a stimulant, and the high produces euphoric effects. Users may experience a significant increase in sexual desire.

🔴 There is a high risk of addiction, which can lead to serious physical and mental health problems. Methamphetamine overdoses are usually not fatal but can be very unpleasant.

Many who use methamphetamine in sexual contexts may do so in a controlled manner. It is important to be aware of the potential harmful consequences of its use and to know what steps can be taken to avoid them

Methamphetamine is one of the most common drugs used in chemsex. The substance is a more potent and addictive variant of amphetamine

Methamphetamine is most commonly a white powder, though it can sometimes appear slightly pink, grayish-yellow, orange, or brown. The powder can also be pressed into tablets that are swallowed 💊

Methamphetamine can also be produced in crystalline form, resembling crushed glass, coarse salt, or ice. The crystalline form, known as “ice,” is made for smoking and produces extremely intense effects 💎

Methamphetamine can be consumed in various ways, depending on preference and availability. Tablets or capsules can be swallowed. Methamphetamine in powder form can be wrapped in paper and swallowed, a method known as ‘bombing’. The powder can also be snorted through the nose.

The substance can be dissolved in water and injected directly into the bloodstream, a practice known as ‘slamming’, which produces a rapid and intense effect. Additionally, the dissolved substance can be administered rectally with a needleless syringe, known as ‘booty-bumping’.

The crystalline form, crystal meth (‘ice’), is designed for smoking and can be inhaled through a meth pipe or another device. Meth pipes are made of glass with a small bowl-shaped end that has a tiny hole. Methamphetamine is placed in the bowl, and when the pipe is heated (usually with a lighter), the drug vaporizes and can be inhaled. Crystal meth produces extremely powerful effects, much stronger than regular amphetamines. The drug lasts much longer (up to 24 hours) and is highly addictive.

Dosage varies depending on the method of use and the user’s tolerance. A recreational dose can range from 5-30 mg, but experienced users may take much higher doses. Injection and inhalation provide almost immediate effects, while swallowing or snorting the drug leads to effects within a few minutes. When ‘bombing’, effects typically occur after 30-40 minutes.

Recreationally, methamphetamine is used for its euphoric and stimulating effects, which include:

• Intense euphoria
• Increased energy and alertness
• Heightened self-confidence
• Suppressed appetite
• Increased sexual arousal and stamina

It takes a long time for the body to metabolize methamphetamine. The effects can last from 4 to 20 hours, with high doses extending far beyond 24 hours

In chemsex, methamphetamine is used to enhance sexual pleasure and stamina. The sexual desire can last for several hours, and users may experience repeated orgasms. Methamphetamine also has an analgesic/numbing effect, which can lead to longer and more intense sex. Sessions can sometimes last over several days, and it’s common for users to forget to eat, drink, or rest.

Methamphetamine also reduces feelings of stress, anxiety, or inadequacy, leading to a greater sense of relaxation. Users often report decreased inhibitions, which can result in risky behavior, such as not using condoms or pushing past personal boundaries of comfort.

The intense sexual arousal can lead to physical injuries and overexertion. Longer and more forceful sex can cause injuries to the anus, such as small tears or fissures, which increase the risk of transmitting sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Safer sex with methamphetamine:

• If using a condom during sex, change it every 30 minutes to prevent it from wearing out or breaking.
• Ensure you have everything you need, such as condoms, lubricant, gloves, and cleaning supplies for dildos and plugs.

Using methamphetamine can have serious short- and long-term consequences, including:

Physical:

• Overdose can result in high blood pressure and overheating, which in severe cases can lead to cardiac arrest
• Sharing injection equipment increases the risk of infectious diseases (e.g., transmission of HIV, hepatitis)
• Deterioration of dental health (“meth mouth”)
• Skin problems, such as sores and acne
• Impact on the cardiovascular system

Psychological:

• Difficulty enjoying sex without methamphetamine
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Mood swings
• Sleep disturbances
• Paranoia, hallucinations, and psychosis (due to prolonged sleep deprivation)

Methamphetamine overdoses are usually not fatal but can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Injecting (or “slamming”) methamphetamine increases the risk of overdose.

Signs of overdose can include:

• Chest pain
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• High fever
• Severe anxiety or panic attacks
• Violent behavior
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness

Always take signs of overdose very seriously. If an overdose is suspected:

1. Call for an ambulance: Dial 112, Sweden’s emergency number, which also works in all EU countries. Inform them that you suspect an overdose and describe the symptoms as accurately as possible. It’s crucial to be honest about what and how much the person has taken, as this helps medical staff provide the right care quickly
2. Keep the person awake and calm: If possible, try to keep the person awake and calm. Ensure they are breathing and keep their airways clear. Sit or lay them in a comfortable position. If they are unconscious, place them in the recovery position to keep the airways clear and reduce the risk of choking
3. Keep the person cool: Ensure the person is in a cool environment; you can open windows, doors, or turn on a fan. Use cool, damp towels on areas where major blood vessels are close to the skin, such as the neck, forehead, armpits, and groin. Offer water in small amounts. Avoid using extremely cold water or ice directly on the skin, as this can worsen the condition
4. In case of seizures: Protect the person from injury during the seizure, but do not hold them down. Place something soft under their head, ensuring it doesn’t obstruct their breathing. After the seizure, lay the person on their side with their head slightly tilted back (this helps with breathing and allows saliva to drain from the mouth)
5. Stay with the person: Regularly check their breathing and pulse. If breathing becomes irregular or stops, or if the pulse is weak or cannot be felt, you may need to perform CPR. If you’re unsure how to do this, follow the instructions from the emergency operator (112)

The risk of addiction is high, as methamphetamine triggers strong cravings for more and tolerance builds quickly, especially with the use of crystal meth.

Self-managed withdrawal without medical advice and supervision can be very challenging. Under “support and contacts” , you can find out where to turn for medical detox and addiction treatment

Combining methamphetamine with other drugs can be extremely dangerous and increases the risk of serious medical complications, including heart problems, hyperthermia, mental disturbances, and overdoses.

Cocaine

• The risk of overstimulation is high since both cocaine and methamphetamine are strong stimulants
• The combination can lead to extremely high blood pressure and heart rate, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular issues
• It may also amplify psychotic symptoms, including paranoia and hallucinations.

Ecstasy/MDMA

• Methamphetamine can mask the effects of Ecstasy/MDMA, leading users to take too much or take it too quickly
• This combination puts extreme stress on the circulatory system and increases the risk of overheating
• It can also raise the risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, affecting heart function.

Opioids (e.g., heroin, fentanyl)

• Methamphetamine stimulates while opioids depress the central nervous system
• This combination can mask overdose symptoms, increasing the risk of opioid overdose when the stimulating effects of methamphetamine wear off
• It can also enhance the addictive effects, raising the risk of dual addiction and difficulties with withdrawal

Benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, alprazolam)

• Benzodiazepines are sometimes used to reduce anxiety or agitation caused by methamphetamine
• However, this combination can increase the risk of overdose since benzodiazepines can mask warning signs of overstimulation
• High doses of benzodiazepines to counteract methamphetamine effects can lead to respiratory depression, especially if other depressants are also used

Alcohol

• The combination can cause dehydration, exacerbating the negative effects of both substances
• Simultaneous use can lead to severe liver damage, as both alcohol and methamphetamine put a strain on the liver

Cannabis

• Cannabis may sometimes be used to reduce anxiety or agitation from methamphetamine
• However, this combination can increase the risk of mental instability, including paranoia and hallucinations
• Both substances can raise heart rate, which can be dangerous for individuals with underlying heart conditions

Methamphetamine and HIV medications are metabolized by the same enzyme system (CYP450) in the liver, which can lead to interactions between the substances

HIV medications (protease inhibitors) that reduce CYP450 enzymes, which play a role in breaking down drugs and other chemicals in the body, can result in slower metabolism of methamphetamine. This may lead to higher levels of methamphetamine in the blood, increasing the risk of side effects and toxicity.

If an HIV medication instead increases CYP450 enzymes, it can lead to faster breakdown of methamphetamine, potentially reducing its effectiveness. This may mean that the user needs higher doses of methamphetamine to achieve the same effect.

Specific HIV Medications:

• Protease inhibitors (PIs) such as ritonavir and cobicistat are strong inhibitors of one of the key CYP450 enzymes, potentially increasing levels of methamphetamine.
• NNRTIs like efavirenz and nevirapine can induce CYP450 enzymes, decreasing the effectiveness of methamphetamine, which may lead to compensatory increased use of methamphetamine and thus raise the risk of toxicity.

Toxic Effects:

Increased concentrations of methamphetamine due to interactions with HIV medications can lead to serious side effects such as palpitations, high blood pressure, agitation, psychosis, and the risk of heart attack or stroke.

The combination can also increase the burden on the liver, thereby increasing the risk of liver damage.

Make sure to keep your HIV medications with you. If you often forget to take your medication, set an alarm or reminder on your phone. Take substances and HIV medications at different times; this can reduce the risk of side effects. Always take low doses of substances when using medications simultaneously.

Talk to your doctor or a knowledgeable person about interactions between HIV medications and methamphetamine.