What are amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS)?

ATS are group of mood modifying drugs, with some hallucinogenic qualities that stimulate the central nervous system. Common ATS substances found in Asia and the Pacific are methamphetamine and ecstasy. Their most common forms are pills/tablets, crystals and powder.

What is methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine is a synthetic stimulant with little or no legitimate therapeutic use. The most common abuse patterns of methamphetamine in Asia and the Pacific are smoking, oral ingestion/swallowing, sniffing/snorting and injecting. The appearance of methamphetamine in Asia and the Pacific can either be as a white or off white powder known as shabu, pills/tablets known as ya ba or ya ma, or chunky crystals known as crystal meth/ice. The sought-after effects of methamphetamine are a feeling of well being, euphoria, increase in energy and improved performance. The side effects of methamphetamine abuse include loss of appetite, bizarre and violent behavior, hallucinations, disorientation and psychological dependency.

What is ecstasy?

Ecstasy is a synthetic stimulant chemically known as MDMA with somewhat different effects from other ATS. The most common way of taking ecstasy in Asia and the Pacific is either orally/swallowing pills/tablets or snorting powder. The pills/tablets often come with an imprinted design or logo, such as a “smiley-face”. Sought-after effects of ecstasy are increased energy and emotional closeness. The desire is to increase sociability and ecstasy is commonly referred to as the “hug-drug”, frequently used at rave parties. The side effects also differ slightly from other ATS and include depression, restlessness, rise of blood pressure and risk of neurotoxicity and brain damage.

Additional information including photographs can be found in the ATS information section.