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.

decorative

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.

Learn more
#

Get to know our team of experts

Alexander Caudarella, MDCM CCFP AM ABAM(d)

CEO

Area of Expertise:

  • Harm Reduction
  • Opioids
  • Recovery
  • Treatment
Read more

Karen Cumberland, MPA

Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and Community Outreach​

Read more

François Gagnon, PhD

Senior Scientist and Special Policy Advisor

Area of Expertise:

  • Alcohol
  • Cannabis
  • Gambling
  • Harm Reduction
  • Policy
  • More Area of Expertise
Read more

Pam Kent, PhD

Director, Research and Emerging Trends

Area of Expertise:

  • Cannabis
  • Mental Health
  • SGBA+
  • Substance Use Costs
Read more

Shawna Meister, MA

Associate Director, Innovation and Evidence in Practice

Area of Expertise:

  • Impaired Driving
  • Workplace
Read more

Adam Sherk, PhD

Senior Scientist and Special Policy Advisor

Area of Expertise:

  • Alcohol
  • Policy
  • Substance Use Costs
Read more

Sheena Taha, PhD

Associate Director, Quality and Accountability

Area of Expertise:

  • Cannabis
  • Harm Reduction
  • Opioids
  • Treatment
Read more

John Weekes, PhD

Director, Knowledge Mobilization and Strategic Partnerships

Area of Expertise:

  • Substance Use Costs
  • Substance Use Epidemiology
Read more

Aisha Giwa, PhD

Knowledge Broker

Area of Expertise:

  • Cannabis
  • Impaired Driving
  • Mental Health
Read more

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
Learn more

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.
Learn more

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.
Learn more

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.
Learn more

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.
Learn more

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.
Learn more

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.
Learn more