Methamphetamine HCL, a type of amphetamine, is also known as “cocaine of the poor” or "poor man's cocaine." Other names are Shabu, Ubas, Siopao, Sha, Ice, crystal meth, and meth.
Shabu (crystal meth)
is a white, odourless crystalline crystal or powder with a bitter, numbing taste, often appearing as clear or chunky crystals. Shabu is the term for crystalline methamphetamine in the Philippines. It is the drug of choice for 90% of Philippine drug users.
Shabu is usually made with cheap medications that contain ephedrine. Philippine police say shabu is often manufactured in industrial-style laboratories capable of producing more than a ton per day.
Methamphetamine
is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Crystalline methamphetamine is a form of the drug that looks like shards of glass or shiny bluish-white rocks.
It is chemically similar to amphetamine, a medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, a sleep disorder. This medication is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain. Methamphetamine belongs to a class of medications known as stimulants.
It can help increase your ability to pay attention, focus on an activity, and manage behavioral problems. It can also help you organize your tasks and improve listening skills. This medication should not be used to treat tiredness or to delay sleep in people who do not have a sleep disorder. The good news is that methamphetamine misuse can be prevented and drug addiction can be treated with behavioral therapy.
Therefore, political and communication interventions must specifically address the ways in which the shabu has been framed to justify not only Duterte’s deadly war on drugs, but also other similar wars across the region. As an example, shabu is often portrayed in the Philippines as an especially dangerous substance among illegal drugs, which is used to justify aggressive law enforcement and policy measures. These views are based on the perception that shabu is especially dangerous unlike other drugs, such as marijuana, and therefore represents an exceptional threat to the political body. Studies show that HIV causes more damage to nerve cells and more cognitive problems in people who use methamphetamine than in people who have HIV and don’t use the drug. In some cases, people take methamphetamine in a form of binge eating known as running, that is, stopping eating and sleeping while continuing to take the medication every few hours for several days.
However, the Philippine drug war’s approach to shabu is not only about epidemiology, but also about the ways in which drugs have been constructed and taxonomized in political and popular discourse. Substance abuse involving methamphetamine has significant social consequences, contributing to increased addiction, violence, and crime within affected communities.
Methamphetamine can be used in several ways, including injecting, smoking, and snorting, each method carrying its own health risks. Regular users may develop a tolerance, leading them to consume larger amounts or high doses of the drug to achieve the same effects, which increases the risk of severe physical and psychological complications.
The following symptoms may occur with methamphetamine use: increased heart rate, high blood pressure, anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, and convulsions. These symptoms can indicate serious health risks, especially when the drug is used in high doses or larger amounts. Quitting methamphetamine can result in withdrawal symptoms, which typically subside within a month, but professional support is often needed if usage has significantly impacted health and daily life.
Introduction to Shabu
Shabu, widely known as crystal methamphetamine, is a powerful stimulant drug that has become a significant public health issue in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia. Often called “poor man’s cocaine,” shabu delivers effects similar to cocaine but is much more affordable and accessible. The drug is typically found in a crystalline form, resembling glass fragments or ice shavings, which is why it is sometimes referred to as “ice.” Shabu can be smoked, injected, or ingested, making it a versatile and commonly abused substance. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and other drug enforcement bodies are actively engaged in efforts to curb the spread of shabu and other illicit drugs, as its use continues to pose serious challenges to communities and law enforcement agencies throughout the region.
Effects of Shabu
The use of shabu can have immediate and profound effects on both the body and mind. Short-term use often results in a rapid increase in heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and a spike in body temperature, accompanied by intense feelings of euphoria and heightened energy. However, these effects come at a high cost. Chronic use of shabu can lead to devastating health outcomes, including heart failure, stroke, and a range of mental health issues such as anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime warns that methamphetamine use also increases the risk of contracting infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis, especially among users who inject the drug. Over time, the risks associated with shabu use can lead to lasting damage to both physical and mental health, making it one of the most dangerous illicit drugs in circulation.
Drug Enforcement
Combating the spread of shabu and other illicit drugs is a top priority for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and similar agencies worldwide. In the Philippines, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has intensified its efforts through frequent raids, targeted arrests, and the disruption of drug supply chains. These actions are often coordinated with international partners to share intelligence and improve strategies for drug enforcement. According to recent data, drug-related arrests in the Philippines have surged, with shabu being the most commonly seized drug during these operations. The ongoing battle against shabu and other drugs highlights the persistent challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing the widespread issue of drug abuse and trafficking.
Health Consequences
The health consequences of shabu use are severe and can persist long after the drug is taken. Chronic use of methamphetamine, especially in the form of shabu, significantly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious cardiovascular problems. Mental health is also at great risk, with users frequently experiencing anxiety, paranoia, and even psychosis. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that long-term methamphetamine use can alter the brain’s structure and function, damaging the dopamine and serotonin systems that regulate mood and behavior. Shabu use also raises the risk of contracting infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis, particularly among those who inject the drug. The combination of physical, mental, and social risks makes shabu abuse a major public health concern.
Mixing with Other Drugs
Mixing shabu with other drugs can dramatically increase the risk of dangerous side effects and overdose. The World Drug Report highlights that combining shabu with other stimulant drugs can lead to severe heart problems, including irregular heartbeat and heart attack. When shabu is used alongside depressant drugs like heroin or cocaine, the risk of respiratory failure and death rises sharply. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has issued warnings about the serious consequences of using shabu and other illicit drugs together, emphasizing the heightened risk of fatal outcomes. Preventing drug use and promoting access to treatment and rehabilitation are essential steps in reducing the harm caused by shabu and other substances.
