Methamphetamine

While the prevalence of methamphetamine use among the general population in Canada is low, since 2013 there has been a dramatic increase in the availability and harms associated with methamphetamine in Canada. This trend is particularly true in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Understanding the impacts of the substance is essential to minimizing the risks and harms. CCSA brings together knowledge and provides targeted materials to support evidence-based decisions and actions for policy and practice.

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What Is Methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine is a synthetic drug known for psychoactive effects. It is classified as a central nervous system stimulant and comes in a variety of forms such as powder, tablets, crystals and rock-like chunks. Depending on its form, methamphetamine can be snorted, injected, ingested or smoked.

Methamphetamine produces a euphoric high and can be used to increase alertness, energy and self-confidence. It also produces harmful physiological and psychological effects including headache, elevated heart rate and body temperature, hallucinations and delusions. Regular use is associated with an increased risk of addiction, psychotic symptoms and cognitive impairment such as memory loss.

Methamphetamine is often produced illegally in laboratories using inexpensive chemicals found in medications, such as ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. Illegal production can be dangerous due to the toxicity of other chemicals used and the high risk of explosions.

Featured Resource

Informing Responses to Harms Related to Methamphetamine Use with Lessons from Public Health Crises

This literature review summarizes lessons learned from the current methamphetamine crisis as well as previous public health crises in Canada, including the HIV/AIDS crisis, the opioid crisis and other crises, to inform responses to the growing methamphetamine crisis in Canada. The report identifies potential areas for further investigation and improvement.

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methamphetamine

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Justine Renard, PhD

Senior Research and Policy Analyst

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Matthew Young, PhD

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Miguel Andres Hernandez-Basurto, MPH

Senior Knowledge Broker

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Robert Gabrys, PhD

Senior Research and Policy Analyst

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Samantha King, PhD

Research and Policy Analyst

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Sara Atif, MSc

Research and Policy Analyst

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  • Gambling
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Shea Wood, PhD

Senior Knowledge Broker

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Timothy Deloughery, CCAC, CCS-AC

Substance Use Health Specialist

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  • Harm Reduction
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  • Stigma
  • Treatment
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Browse the CCSA Network of Websites

CCSA's Issues of Substance Conference

This biannual, national conference brings together people from across the country, including addiction workers, healthcare professionals, researchers, policy makers, and people with lived and living experience
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Canadian Substance Use Costs and Harms

This project provides comparable and up-to-date data on the costs and harms of substance use in Canada and allows people to explore and analyze the data through its data visualization tool.
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Workforce Competencies

CCSA developed measurable technical and behaviour competencies in knowledge, skills and values for the substance use workforce, providing consistent care across the wide range of settings.
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Drink Less Live More

Canada has new guidance on alcohol and your health. CCSA wants you to be able to make the most informed decisions you can about drinking alcohol.
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Lower Risk Gambling Guidelines

Learn about the world’s first Lower-Risk Gambling Guidelines to help people in Canada make informed decisions about their gambling and lessen their risk of gambling-related harms. Use the Interactive Risk Assessment Tool to assess your personal gambling choices.
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The Highway Home

This interactive website takes an experiential approach to increasing youth’s and young drivers’ awareness of the risks and harms of drug-impaired driving, using real-life scenarios involving cannabis use and driving.
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CECA

CCSA contributes to the strategy development and provides secretariat, financial and support services to the council — a national, non-governmental organization that influences public policy on substance use.
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