Meth Addiction

Methamphetamine has existed since the late 1800s, but many non-users will recognize this illicit drug from the fictional show Breaking Bad. While the show itself is fiction, the disastrous impact of methamphetamine abuse and addiction is not that far from reality.

Continue reading to learn more about crystal meth and how it works, the dangers of crystal meth use, and how to get help for yourself or a loved one with a crystal meth addiction.

What Is Methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine is a potent, highly addictive Schedule II stimulant drug. Regular meth appears as a powder, while crystal meth looks like broken glass or blue crystals (hence the name).

Other names for illegal methamphetamine include:

• Crystal meth
• Glass
• Ice
• Crank
• Chalk
• Speed
• Poor Man’s Cocaine
• Shards

Illicit methamphetamine is taken by smoking, snorting, swallowing, or injecting it, and it is often abused for its stimulant properties.

Methamphetamine use affects the central nervous system by flooding your neurotransmitters with the brain’s reward chemical, dopamine.

What Is the Difference Between Prescription Meth and Crystal Meth?

Methamphetamine was initially developed in the 20th century from the drug amphetamine and was used to help WWII soldiers stay awake. Later, methamphetamine was prescribed for depression and weight loss.

Crystal meth is made illegally in clandestine hideouts, or “meth labs.” The production of crystal meth is dangerous due to the chemicals involved in the process, which contaminate the surrounding area and sometimes result in large explosions.

Side Effects of Methamphetamine Use

Methamphetamine abuse can result in several serious and even life-threatening side effects.

Not only are meth users at risk for dangerous short-term effects, but the long-term effects of meth abuse can also cause irreparable damage to the brain and other organs.

Abusing meth can cause the following short-term effects:

• Anxiety or paranoia
• Compulsive scratching
• Weight loss
• Confusion
• Increased wakefulness
• Raised body temperature
• High blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
• Stroke
• Death

Prolonged meth abuse can also cause several long-term effects, including substance use disorder.

Additional long-term side effects of meth use include:

• Liver damage
• Cardiovascular problems (e.g., irregular heartbeat, heart attack, stroke, etc.)
• Memory loss
• Acne or sores
• Extreme weight loss
• Tooth decay (i.e., meth mouth)
• Nerve damage
• Decreased immunity
• Violent behavior
• Psychosis (including hallucinations, mood swings, paranoia, aggression, and delusions)
• Increased risk of contracting HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis through risky behavior
• Long-term mental illness or permanent damage to the brain

Researchers are currently examining the possible relationship between methamphetamine and serotonin, which may explain why some meth users experience such severe aggression and psychosis.

Long-term mental health effects from prolonged meth use are common, and some individuals may never recover from the lasting damage to their brains. For instance, some research indicates meth users are more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease.

Seeking treatment for meth addiction as soon as possible is critical for a meth addict’s long-term health and well-being.

Methamphetamine Abuse and Addiction

Methamphetamine and crystal meth are highly addictive.

When abused, meth gives the user euphoria as dopamine levels spike in the brain. This high is what makes methamphetamine users so prone to developing drug addiction rather quickly.

Some meth users intentionally combine meth with other drugs, while other meth users are unaware that their crystal meth contains other substances.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that opioids (mainly fentanyl) are sometimes mixed into meth without the user’s knowledge. As a result, opioid overdose deaths have increased significantly since 2016.

Because meth use takes a significant toll on the body, a user should seek help for addiction as soon as possible.

Methamphetamine Overdose

A methamphetamine overdose can also cause deadly health complications like heart attack, stroke, or organ failure.

Even if the victim survives the overdose, they can still face permanent physical consequences afterward, such as loss of coordination and muscle function after a stroke.

If you suspect someone is experiencing a meth overdose, call 911 immediately and stay with the victim until help arrives.

Signs of a meth overdose can include:

• Trouble breathing
• Paranoia
• Chest pain
• Seizures
• Violent behavior
• Kidney failure (e.g., trouble urinating, urine is very dark)
• Unconsciousness

A meth overdose can happen even if the person hasn’t taken a large dose because meth builds up in your system over time.

And because crystal meth production varies, someone can accidentally overdose even if they’ve had meth before.

Methamphetamine Withdrawal

When someone becomes addicted to meth, they may experience meth withdrawals if they quit the drug.

Some meth withdrawal symptoms include: 

• Intense cravings for the drug
• Exhaustion/fatigue
• Severe depression
• Psychosis (can last up to a year)

Detoxing from meth can be unpleasant and even dangerous without medical support. People addicted to meth are strongly encouraged to seek professional treatment when quitting meth use.

Meth Addiction Statistics

• The 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) indicates that about 1.6 million Americans used meth within the past year; 774,000 people claimed to have used meth within the past month.
• Since 2015, the number of drug overdoses involving methamphetamine has tripled, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• In 2017, roughly 15% of all drug overdose deaths were meth-related—and 50% of those deaths also involved a synthetic opioid (such as fentanyl).
• In September 2021, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a public safety warning due to a sharp increase in counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and meth, resulting in more overdoses and deaths.
• The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that methamphetamine use is most prevalent among middle-aged white people.

Methamphetamine Addiction Treatment

Meth addiction is a treatable disorder, and several effective treatment options exist for people ready to quit. The most effective treatment for methamphetamine addiction is cognitive behavioral therapy.

In addition, you may opt to sign up for an inpatient or an outpatient treatment program. Both rehab options will include strong mental health support through various types of therapy.

There are currently no approved medications to assist with methamphetamine addiction but research in this area is ongoing.

Choosing the right meth addiction rehab program for you will depend on your length and level of substance abuse. You can work with a doctor or other health care provider to determine which type of treatment will be the best for you and your recovery.