Crack and Crystal Meth

What You Should Know

About these substances

  • Crack and crystal meth are strong stimulant drugs.
  • They make people feel full of energy, awake, and confident for a short time. But the “high” does not last long, and the “crash” after can feel very difficult.
  • These substances are often mixed with other unknown and dangerous chemicals, making every use a serious risk that could lead to overdose.

Possible effects and consequences

On your body and mind: 
  • Feeling anxious, sad and/or paranoid
  • Not sleeping or eating properly
  • Teeth and skin problems
  • Nausea / vomiting
  • Pain in the chest / heart attack
  • Can cause strokes and seizures
  • Heart and brain damage
  • High risk of addiction
  • Risk of infection such as Hepatitis C – especially when sharing
  • Risk of overdose and death
On your life: 
  • Problems with friends, family and children
  • Relationship difficulties
  • Feeling isolated or losing trust in others
  • Trouble at work or school
  • Money problems or legal issues
  • Losing your freedom
On pregnancy and unborn baby (foetus):
  • Risk of miscarriage and foetal death
  • Risk of giving birth prematurely
  • Risk of severe bleeding during pregnancy or delivery (life threatening for both mom and baby)
  • Risk of giving birth to a small baby (growth restriction)

Even after using only a few times, the grips of these substances can have strong and lasting impacts on your life and health.

Taking care of yourself in hard moments

If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious or craving to use again, there are ways to help your body and mind to calm down and feel safer.

Grounding tools and calming techniques:

  • Breathe slowly — in through your nose, out through your mouth
  • Look around you — name 3 things you can see, 2 things you can touch, 1 thing you can hear
  • Go outside for a short walk or get some fresh air
  • Listen to calm music or hold something that feels comforting (a stone, a blanket, etc.)
  • Talk to someone you trust

These small actions can help you stay connected and grounded in the moment.

If you use, use more safely 

  • Don’t be alone when using; if something happens, you won’t be able to help yourself alone.
  • Start low, go slow; to decrease the risk of overdose, start with a small dose, especially if it’s a new batch, new dealer or if you haven’t used for a while.
  • If you’re using with friends or other people, don’t use all at the same time to make sure there’s a “spotter” in case of an overdose.
  • Avoid mixing alcohol with stimulants.
  • Use your own material; sharing pipes and other material can lead to an overdose and transmit infectious disease such as Hepatitis C. The material may not yet be available at your nursing station/CLSC, and if that’s the case, it should be available during winter 2026 – ask a Nurse or a Social Worker about it.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking water or juice and think of eating too.
  • Be mindful of the weather: whether it’s hot or cold, extreme temperatures can increase the strain on your body making it more sensitive to overdoses.
  • Carry a Naloxone kit with you; it could save a life – Naloxone is a nasal spray medication that reverse the effects of opioids if administered on time in the event of an overdose.  You can get a naloxone kit at your nursing station/CLSC or at the pharmacy.
  • Make a plan in case of an overdose: where’s the Naloxone kit, who can I reach out for help?

Get help 

You are not alone.

Help is available, whether you use sometimes, often, or if someone close to you does. Many people in Nunavik are working to make our communities safer and stronger.

You can talk to:
  • A trusted elder, friend, or family member
  • A wellness worker or social services worker
  • Your local nursing station/CLSC and ask for support and referral
  • If you are in danger or need help right now, call 9090
You can also reach out to:
  • Isuarsivik Regional Recovery Centre: 1-819-964-5646 (intake@isuarsivik.ca)
  • Info-Santé / Info-Social 811 (press 2 for English) – available 24/7
  • Drug, help and referral: 1-800-265-2626 (aidedrogue.ca)
  • Online support via A.A. meeting: AA-intergroup.org
  • Aaqitauvik Healing Centre: (aaqitauvik.ca ) (Quaqtaq)

Help is confidential and free. You can talk about what’s going on without being judged. 

Remember

Everyone can struggle. Asking for help is a sign of strength.

Healing takes time — but you don’t have to do it alone.

You deserve care, respect, and support — no matter where you are on your path. You are part of a community that cares for you.