How Ice Affects Mental Health - Anxiety and Depression

Methamphetamine or Ice affects our brains in various ways. Therefore it can have quite a strong impact on our mental health. 

The below article covers two conditions briefly - anxiety and depression.

Ice and Mental Health - Anxiety

It is common for people who use methamphetamine to experience symptoms of anxiety as a direct effect of the drug. These include excessive worry, agitation, racing heart, sweatiness, rapid breathing or a feeling of breathlessness, tightness in the chest or chest pain, fear or panic, and sleep disturbance. Symptoms of anxiety usually resolve when the person stops using, but may worsen during withdrawal.

General anxiety management strategies may help, even in the case of continued use, including:

• Moving to a quiet environment with low stimulation
• Mindfulness and meditation
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Pleasant soothing activities
• Noticing and questioning unhelpful thinking
• Exercise
• Healthy eating
• Improving sleep habits

If anxiety symptoms worsen after withdrawal, referral to a specialist psychologist or psychiatrist should be considered.

Ice and Mental Health - Depression

Depression is common among people who use methamphetamine, probably related to the depletion of dopamine. Symptoms include withdrawal from social contact, negative thoughts, feelings of sadness, guilt or pessimism, loss of libido and energy, and changes in appetite.

Suicidal thinking among people who use methamphetamine is higher than in the general population and should be assessed and monitored carefully. One US study 

Among people who use irregularly or occasionally, symptoms of depression tend to be related to the temporary depletion of dopamine and usually resolve quickly when use stops. In people who use regularly and long-term, depression can persist for months or years after methamphetamine use is stopped. 

General depression management strategies may be helpful, including:

• Mindfulness and meditation
• Regular pleasant activities
• Noticing and questioning unhelpful thinking
• Exercise
• Healthy eating
• Improving sleep habits

If symptoms are not well managed or worsen, or if suicidal thoughts are evident, referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist should be considered. However, continued methamphetamine use can interfere with some antidepressant medication.

 

The side-effects can also lead to a state of pshychosis. Read more about ice and psychosys.