Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant drug with a wide range of profoundly negative health effects. While a very mild form of methamphetamines is sold as a prescription medication known as Desoxyn®, it is more commonly known as an illegal street drug that goes by slang terms like meth, crystal meth, Tina, or ice.1 This form of meth can be ingested in various ways, though whether it is smoked, snorted, injected, or taken orally, meth impacts the body and mind in profound ways, leading to serious health risks, addiction among them. Understanding the risks of using meth is critical to combating meth addiction and its devastating consequences.
The short-term effects of methamphetamines can be felt at any point between immediately and 20 minutes after use, depending on how it is ingested. If the substance is smoked or injected, it quickly enters the bloodstream to produce an intense “rush” of euphoria. This rush wears off nearly as quickly, leading inevitably to a “crash.”
Some people try to avoid the crash by repeatedly taking meth in a binge pattern. Of course, this repeated use of meth increases the risk of developing methamphetamine use disorder, or addiction. It also increases the risk of meth overdose, which can be fatal.1
Common short-term effects of using meth include:1,2
Methamphetamine overdose can be categorized in one of two ways: acute or chronic. An acute meth overdose occurs when the user takes the drug and experiences side effects, some of which can be life threatening. Chronic meth overdose refers to the long-term health effects that someone who uses the drug regularly might experience.3
Meth overdose, also known colloquially as “overamping,” becomes more likely when the user has not slept, eaten enough food, or is dehydrated. The risk of overdose also increases if the user combines meth with other substances like alcohol or heroin. Fentanyl-laced meth also increases the risk of fatal overdose. The signs and symptoms of meth overdose include:4
If you believe someone is experiencing meth overdose, or if the user has collapsed, had a seizure, is experiencing trouble breathing, or can’t be woken up, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Stay with that person until medical help arrives and be prepared to give information about the amount and kind of substances the person took.
Methamphetamine affects many of the body’s organs and systems and, if used with the type of frequency typical of meth addiction, can have many negative long-term health consequences.
The different methods of meth use come with their own unique health risks. For instance, when meth is snorted and absorbed through blood vessels in the nasal passages, the risk of nosebleeds and loss of the sense of smell is increased. When meth is smoked, damage to the lungs can occur, including pulmonary granulomatosis or inflammation of the blood vessels in the lungs, as well as bronchospasm or tightening airways in the lungs.
Long-term effects of using meth include: 1, 2
Long-term use of meth can lead to severe health consequences. Even after people stop taking meth, these consequences can linger. Development of skin sores from scratching is also one of the long-term effects of meth use. Long-term meth use can also raise the risk of developing premature osteoporosis.2
When meth is used via shared injection equipment, the risk of acquiring HIV, viral hepatitis, or bacterial infections such as infective endocarditis (heart infection) is increased. Tooth decay and tooth loss are also common health consequences among long-term meth users, so much so that it has led to the slang term “meth mouth.”1
We at Empowered Recovery Center in Atlanta know that recovery from meth addiction can be challenging, requiring courage and commitment. Our meth addiction treatment programs in Atlanta are designed to help you make this lasting change in your life.
We offer a variety of rehab programs tailored to fit your needs, including outpatient (OP) treatment, partial hospitalization programs (PHP), and intensive outpatient (IOP) treatment. We also offer one full year of recovery coaching at no cost to help you keep working toward the life you deserve.
The Empowered Recovery Center admissions team can answer any questions you have about our programs, the costs of addiction treatment, or paying for rehab with insurance. If you’d like to learn more about our drug and alcohol rehab in Atlanta, call us or verify your insurance benefits online.
Empowered Recovery Center is dedicated to providing addiction treatment services to the greater Atlanta area including Acworth, Alpharetta, Canton, Cartersville, Kennesaw, Marietta, Powder Springs, Sandy Springs, and more.
Empowered Recovery Center
3651 Canton Road,
Marietta, GA 30066