Youth|Other Drugs| P Methamphetamine

What is "P"?

In New Zealand methamphetamine is commonly known as "P". Some other names are: Speed, Goey, Ice, Pure, Meth, Whiz, Crystal, Crank. "P" is manufactured illegally, often in "P labs" with a combination of chemicals. This may mean it is unsafe or dangerous to take. It may be a crystal or rock, or a powder, or as pill.

Why Do People Use "P"?

• "P" gives a "hit" or "high", which becomes addictive.
• "P" also makes the user feel more alert, "Hyped", "Amped", and like they have more energy.
• "P" keeps them awake and feeling that they can do whatever they want.

Negative Effects Can Include:

• Users often experience headaches, increased heart rate, sweatiness or clammy skin, and irregular breathing.
• Irrational thinking, such as delusions and paranoia, sometimes aggression.
• Anxiety behaviours, such as panic attacks and illogical suspicion. Out of control hyperactivity, insomnia and being highly irritable.

Dangers of using "P":

Some of the risks of use are physically dangerous:

• Fits (seizures), cardiac (heart) problems, high blood pressure, increasing body temperature - dehydration.
• Brain accident - bleeds, strokes. These can lead to brain damage, paralysis or even death.

Long-term Effects from Regular "P" Use:

Mental illness:

• Chronic depression.
• Obsessive, compulsive behaviour and thoughts.
• Psychosis - hallucination and paranoia, extreme aggression.
• Irrational belief; In being "special", in weird rituals.
• Anxiety, insomnia, irritability.
• Weight loss, skin rashes, "P" pimples, blotchy aged face.

Risks

• When injecting "P" there is a high risk of catching HIV/AIDS, Hep B, and Hep C.
• "P" is highly addictive and can cost $3,000 to $4,000 per week to finance the habit.
• Legally users are prosecuted for possession or supply, which can result in fines, a criminal record, and often jail.