Meth is a highly addictive stimulant with over 2 million users in the US. It affects the central nervous system, the respiratory system (breathing), and the cardiovascular system (heart). Although meth overdoses are low compared to other synthetic drugs such as opioids, they greatly increase the risk of stroke or heart attack. And a new challenge is the presence of fentanyl-laced meth, which increases the risk of deadly overdoses [1].
Read on to understand how to recognize and respond.
What Does Meth Look Like and How Is It Used?
Meth is sold in the form of pills, liquid, or crystal form (known as crystal meth) and often injected, snorted, swallowed, or smoked. It can range in color from clear to white, off-yellow, or even blue.
Usually, colored meth means it has been laced or cut, while clear or colorless meth means it’s purer. There are a few common forms of meth, each with its own methods of use [2]:
- Powder: White or off-white, finely ground and usually snorted or smoked (commonly sprinkled on top of a marijuana pipe).
- Pill: Tablets or pills vary in color and are often referred to as “yaba” on the street. These are usually crushed and snorted and are often combined with an opioid.
- Crystal: Often called ice or glass because it resembles blue-white shards. This form is most commonly smoked.
The effects of meth typically last 2-6 hours if smoked, and 6-8 hours if injected, longer than cocaine. It’s also cheaper and easier to make with commonly available ingredients, making it an easily accessible drug.
Identifying Signs of Meth Use
Meth users experience heightened euphoria, alertness, and energy because it quickly increases the amount of dopamine in the brain, eventually leading to addiction, depression, and even psychosis.
It also speeds up the body’s nervous system to dangerous levels, increasing blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing. Other signs of meth use include:
- Paranoia, anxiety, aggression
- Mood swings
- Hallucinations or delusions
- Intense itching, skin scores from scratching
- Tooth decay “meth mouth”
- Odd or irrational behavior (e.g., pacing around the house, covering the blinds out of fear)
- Lying, stealing money, and trouble with the law
Can You Overdose on Meth? Understanding Overamping
Yes, meth overdoses or toxicity can occur in small doses, especially when mixed with other drugs. It’s known as “overamping” and happens when someone takes too much meth and causes excessive stimulation to the central nervous system (CNS) [3].
This spikes neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin in regions of the brain that control mood, heart rate, and body temperature. Some of the signs someone is overamping include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Chest pain or tightness
- Sweating or chills
- High blood pressure, fast heart rate
- Tremors, shaking, weak or numb limbs
- Headache, teeth grinding, inability to sleep
Many users also mix meth with downers such as opioids or benzodiazepines, which greatly increases the risk of a deadly overdose.
Fentanyl and Meth: How Lacing Increases Overdose Risks
In 2020, nearly 82.6% of methamphetamine overdose deaths also involved fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid almost 100x stronger than morphine and contributes to a majority of drug-related deaths in the United States. Over recent years, lacing drugs with fentanyl has been driving overdose deaths, especially among methamphetamine users [4].
Some users combine the two or take them alternately for their different effects. Other users only intend to use meth but may get a laced batch. This combination can be deadly, with the stimulating effects of methamphetamine often masking the respiratory depression effects of fentanyl and increasing the risk of a fatal overdose until it is too late.
What To Do if Someone Shows Meth Overdose Symptoms
If you or someone you love is experiencing a meth overdose (overammping), it’s important to stay calm, provide support, and act quickly. Overdose symptoms might include a fast heart rate, confusion, seizures, or chest pain. If you notice any warning signs, here are some steps to take:
- Call 911 for emergency medical help. Many US states have Good Samaritan laws that protect those who call in about an overdose from drug possession arrests. You can report that the person is having an overdose or a mental health crisis.
- Stay with the person and keep them calm. Get them some water, and if they are overheating, an ice pack or cold towel.
- If they are unconscious, have difficulty breathing, or are having seizures, put them on their side with their knees to their chest to prevent choking.
- If you suspect an opioid is involved, administer Narcan if you have some. If you are unsure, it can still be administered for precaution.
- Stay with them until help arrives and monitor their breathing.
Meth Addiction and Treatment Options in Utah
At Maple Mountain Mental Health and Wellness, our compassionate team of clinical psychiatrists and experienced therapists provides evidence-based treatment to end the cycle of methamphetamine addiction. Our licensed medical team prioritizes your safety, health, and well-being throughout the entire recovery journey.
Through a holistic, blended approach, we address each aspect of your health and recovery needs to support long-term healing. Contact our admissions team to see how we can support you today.
Sources
[1] Compton, W. M. (2022). Methamphetamine use in the United States: epidemiological update and implications for prevention, treatment, and harm reduction. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1508(1), 3–22.
[2] Department of Justice. Methamphetamine. 2020.
[3] Stimulant Overamping Basics. National Harm Reduction Coalition.
[4] Opioid Prevention Program: Data to Action Overdose Deaths Involving Methamphetamine With and Without Fentanyl. 2020. New York State Department of Health.