Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug that can cause individuals to overdose. Signs of a meth overdose can include chest pain, dizziness, and high blood pressure. Overdosing on methamphetamine is different than intoxication, and it is crucial to understand the difference. In the case of an overdose, emergency response is imperative, and help must be sought immediately.

Facts About Overdosing on Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine, which is commonly referred to as meth, is a synthetic stimulant that is known to have the potential for high levels of addiction for those who use the substance. Typically, Meth is smoked, but it can also be snorted, injected, or administered orally or rectally. It is possible to overdose on meth, and overdoses can be nonfatal or fatal. Overdoses can occur from methamphetamine alone or a combination of methamphetamine with other drugs, which commonly include fentanyl and heroin.

Methamphetamine is a popular street drug, and it is also referred to as crystal meth and ice. The unregulated nature of the drug makes it dangerous. Overdose deaths from methamphetamine use have increased in recent years, often due to contamination with opioids like fentanyl, rather than the strength of meth alone.[1]

An overdose of methamphetamine occurs when an individual takes the stimulant drug and experiences side effects. The drug may be taken by accident or on purpose; however, the side effects from using the drug can be life-threatening.[2] When an individual has an acute overdose, it is imperative to seek help immediately. The use of methamphetamine is highly dangerous due to the powerfully addictive nature of the drug and its potential to lead to fatal outcomes.

Polysubstance refers to when an individual is using multiple drugs at the same time, which can be deadly. In recent years, opioids have also played a role in the number of meth overdoses, because they usually have substances mixed in that the individual does not know about, which can include the deadly drug fentanyl. When an opioid is taken with meth, the body goes into a state of extreme distress, and overdoses commonly occur.[3]

Individuals who are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at a higher risk than others for substance use. They are also at a higher risk of developing stimulant use disorders.

This is important to note because these individuals who are diagnosed with ADHD may be at a higher risk of developing drug addiction than those who have not focused on seeking out the effects of psychostimulants. A pharmaceutical form of methamphetamine, marketed as Desoxyn, is FDA-approved for treating ADHD and narcolepsy in rare cases. However, it is chemically identical to illicit methamphetamine and not considered a ‘weaker form.[4] Individuals who are diagnosed with ADHD may be more likely to overdose because of the reasons above.

Overdose Symptoms Associated With Meth and What To Do

It is crucial to understand the signs of methamphetamine use. The central nervous system is affected by methamphetamine’s highly addictive nature; it is explicitly known to increase the release of dopamine in the brain, which stimulates reward-seeking behavior. Due to this, meth affects an individual’s behavior.

Specific psychological signs of meth use include:[5]

• Confusion
• Paranoia
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Anxiety

Physical effects of meth use include:[6]

• Tremors
• Increased body temperature
• Weakness
• Headaches
• Increased heart rate

It is crucial to understand the signs of methamphetamine use, along with the signs of a methamphetamine overdose. A methamphetamine overdose can be acute or chronic. Acute overdose refers to an individual taking meth by accident or on purpose but having side effects, which can also be referred to as sudden overdose.

In this case, many of the potential side effects are listed above, including both psychological and physical effects. Chronic methamphetamine use can lead to long-term health effects.[7]

In the case of an overdose, emergency response must be immediate. Call 911 for medical attention from first responders. Naloxone (Narcan) is effective only for reversing opioid overdoses. It does not reverse methamphetamine toxicity, but may be administered if an opioid is suspected to be involved. The larger the dose, the more at risk the individual taking the drug is of having an overdose. Large doses of methamphetamine can result in death.[8]

Those who are known to have issues with drug abuse are at a higher risk of overdoses and should seek help from mental health providers. In this case, addiction treatment may be necessary. Treatment centers, treatment programs, group support, coping skill development, and cognitive behavioral therapy are beneficial in addressing substance use disorder.[9]

How Does Methamphetamine Overdose Differ From Intoxication

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) notes that meth is known to have short-term and long-term effects. Overdosing on Methamphetamine differs from intoxication, and it is essential to understand the difference. Intoxication refers to the point at which individuals have an observable impact of drug use, but are not in danger of death. An overdose refers to life-threatening symptoms or the potential for death.[10]

Short-Term Effects of Meth Use

Intoxications that are considered to cause individuals to show short-term effects include: feelings of a “rush” or euphoria, increased wakefulness, and increased sex drive. Euphoria often leads to a “crash”, which many individuals try to avoid, so a pattern of drug overuse usually ensues. Adverse effects of short-term intoxication usually include many disruptions to the cardiovascular system, which can include:[11]

• Irregular heartbeat
• Rapid heart rate
• Heart attack
• Difficulty breathing

Long-Term Effects of Meth Use

Knowing the long-term effects of meth use can help identify substance use disorders. Using methamphetamine can lead to substance use disorders, effects on cognition, and overall adverse health effects. Specific mental health disorders can occur from long-term methamphetamine use, including:[12]

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• mood disturbances.

Cardiovascular events such as stroke and heart failure are also known long-term effects of meth use; injecting methamphetamine increases the risk of infective endocarditis, especially when sterile injection practices are not followed.[13] Specifically, this shows the effects of long-term intoxication and the adverse effects of the overdose crisis.

You Are Not Alone. Receive Help For Meth Addiction.

If you or someone you know is addicted to meth, you are not alone, and help is available. The road to recovery takes time, energy, and commitment, but it is essential to be proactive in taking the steps toward recovery. Seek professional help today and begin a safer path forward.