Meth
Methamphetamine
What is it?
Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant that can be highly addictive. It’s made in a lab. It most often appears as a white or clear crystal-like substance that can be smoked, injected, snorted, or swallowed. It's also called meth, crystal meth, ice, or Tina.
A prescription version of methamphetamine is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for limited medical uses. It can be used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, most meth used in this country is illegally manufactured and sold in forms that can vary widely in purity and strength.
Meth is often mixed with other drugs including fentanyl. This increases the risk of overdose.
How it works
Methamphetamine increases dopamine, a brain chemical involved in motivation, pleasure, and reward. This causes intense feelings of energy, confidence, and euphoria, but also puts extreme stress on the body and brain.
Repeated use can quickly change how the brain releases and responds to dopamine. Over time, this makes it harder to feel pleasure or motivation without the drug. This can lead to dependence and addiction.
Short-term effects
Meth’s effects can appear within minutes, depending on how it’s used. Smoking or injecting it causes a rapid and intense “rush,” increasing the chance of overdose, while swallowing or snorting produces a slower high.
Short-term effects can include:
- Increased energy, alertness, and confidence
- Decreased appetite
- Heightened sex drive
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Increased blood pressure and body temperature
- Anxiety, paranoia, or panic
- Trouble sleeping or staying still
The euphoria fades quickly, often followed by a crash of fatigue, sadness, and irritability. Some people binge meth or other drugs to avoid this crash. Taking drugs to avoid a crash increases the risk of overdose, psychosis, and addiction.
Psychosis means not knowing what is real.
Long-term effects
Frequent or heavy meth use can lead to serious mental and physical health problems, including:
Dependence and addiction
- Tolerance, needing more meth to feel the same effect
- Withdrawal symptoms like fatigue, depression, and strong cravings
Mental Health effects
- Anxiety, confusion, and severe mood swings
- Paranoia or hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real)
- Delusions, false beliefs that feel very real
- Increased risk of psychosis, or not knowing what is real, which can return even after stopping meth use
Cognitive (thinking) effects
- Memory and attention problems
- Slower reaction times or reduced coordination
- Difficulty with learning and decision-making
Other long-term health effects
- Severe dental problems (“meth mouth”)
- Skin sores from scratching or poor hygiene
- Weight loss and malnutrition
- Increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or heart failure
- Higher risk of infections like HIV, hepatitis B and C, and endocarditis (a serious heart infection), especially when sharing injection equipment
- Sexual dysfunction in men
Impacts on mental health
Meth can initially increase confidence and energy. Over time it often worsens anxiety, depression, and sleep problems. Long-term use can disrupt the brain’s chemical balance. This imbalance can lead to psychosis and other mental health challenges that may last even after stopping use. Psychosis is the term for symptoms that happen when a person has trouble telling the difference between what’s real and what’s not.
These mental health symptoms can feel scary and isolating. Recovery is possible with medical and emotional support.
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 for free, confidential mental health help anytime.
FAQ's
Can you overdose on meth?
Can you overdose on meth?
Yes. Taking too much meth or using meth mixed with other drugs, like fentanyl can cause a life-threatening overdose. Signs include extreme agitation, chest pain, trouble breathing, or loss of consciousness. If someone may be overdosing, call 911 right away and use naloxone if fentanyl exposure is possible.
Naloxone is a life-saving medicine that can reverse an opioid overdose. It will only reverse an overdose caused by opioids. Naloxone will not harm someone that has not taken opioids, so it is worth trying if someone is experiencing an overdose.
[insert find naloxone cta]
How does meth use relate to HIV or hepatitis?
How does meth use relate to HIV or hepatitis?
Sharing needles can spread HIV and hepatitis B or C. Meth use can also increase risky sexual behaviors, raising the chance of infection. Dispose of used needles in secure sharps disposal containers and use protection during sexual activity.
Can people recover from meth addiction?
Can people recover from meth addiction?
Absolutely. Recovery takes time, but many people stop using and rebuild healthy, fulfilling lives with support and treatment. There are currently no FDA-approved medications for meth addiction. Therapies and peer support can make a big difference.
Supporting Loved Ones
Can using meth during pregnancy harm the baby?
Can using meth during pregnancy harm the baby?
Yes. Meth use during pregnancy can cause complications such as premature birth, low birth weight, and developmental problems. If someone uses meth during pregnancy, they should seek medical care as soon as possible. Support is available, and treatment can help improve outcomes for both the parent and baby.