Abstract

AWARENESS AND USE OF METHAMPHETAMINE (ICE) AMONG THE PEOPLE OF KARACHI, PAKISTAN

Hammad Ahmed* and Gahzal Hakani

Abstract

Introduction: Methamphetamine, a synthetic psychostimulant drug belongs to the family of amphetamine that significantly boost up the activity of central nervous system. In Asia, methamphetamine is a common psycho stimulant present in three main forms i.e. base, powder and crystal. In some Asian countries base form of methamphetamine is recrystallized into crystal meth or crystal which is known as “ICE”. However, this method of recrystallization is slightly difficult and need specialized skills and equipments. Methamphetamine can be smoked, swallowed, injected or snorted whereas, ICE can be smoked with or without water in a glass pipe Methods: Questionnaire type survey was conducted from April 2018 to July 2018 which consist of 22 (twenty-two) questions that were divided into three sections i.e. five questions from demographic, seven questions from awareness section and ten questions were related to the use of ICE. In this research study, we followed electronic mean of online survey technique Result: A total 142 respondents were assessed in this study out of which 78 (54.93%) were male and 64 (45.07%) were female. 60 (42.25%) male and 45 (31.68%) female were aware of ICE. However, 54 (38.03%) male and 20 (14.08%) female use it. Conclusion: We conclude that the epidemic of smokable methamphetamine (ICE) is increasing among the youngsters of Pakistan which can cause a severe public health and safety threat on to the Government of Pakistan in near future. Therefore, it will be utmost important to monitor usage patterns of methamphetamine (ICE) in overall Pakistan in order to develop effective public health and law enforcement policies.

Keywords: Methamphetamine, ICE, Psychostimulant, awareness, use.