Methamphetamine use is a serious problem in the United States. People who abuse this potent stimulant drug are at risk for severe short and long-term effects, including a life-threatening addiction.
While all meth abuse is dangerous, shooting up (injecting) meth has unique dangers. This article will explore the risks of shooting up meth.
What you will learn:
- The effects and risks of meth abuse
- The dangers of injecting meth
- How to recognize meth abuse
- How to treat meth addiction
- Where to find addiction treatment and recovery support
If you or someone you love struggles with methamphetamine abuse or addiction, find treatment at Alamo Behavioral Health. Contact our intake specialists to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine (meth) is a highly addictive, illegal stimulant drug. People make methamphetamine by combining household chemicals, medications, and other substances. The process of creating methamphetamine is dangerous. Using it can be even more hazardous.
Meth is available as a solid, called crystal meth. It also comes in powder form. Users typically smoke, swallow, or inject meth.
Understanding the Risks of Meth Abuse
Meth is a stimulant. This means it increases central nervous system (CNS) activity. Some of the short-term side effects of meth include:
- Increased energy
- Euphoria
- Increased blood pressure and heart rate
- Loss of appetite
Some meth users also experience unwanted or dangerous side effects. These may include:
- Aggressive or violent behavior
- Delusions
- Anxiety and panic
- Paranoia
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Poor concentration
- Memory loss
- Depression
Over time, meth abuse can result in tolerance, meaning that people need to take larger amounts to get the desired effects. Regular or heavy meth abuse may lead to physical addiction.
Abusing meth for a long time can lead to severe health risks, including:
- Extreme weight loss
- Malnutrition
- Skin infections
- Irreversible damage to the nasal passages or sinuses
- Lung damage
- Scarring
- Severe dental problems (meth mouth)
- Increased risk of sexually transmitted infections
- Stimulant use disorder
Different ways of using meth can result in various health risks. For example, snorting meth increases the risk of facial and sinus damage, while people who shoot up meth are at higher risk of skin infections and bloodborne diseases.
The Dangers of Injecting Meth
Using meth in any way is dangerous. However, injecting meth has unique risks. It is essential to understand the dangers of shooting up meth and seek treatment as quickly as possible.
Here is an overview of the dangers of shooting up meth.
Stronger effects
Injecting meth can lead to an intense rush of side effects. Users who inject meth typically experience a faster, stronger euphoric “high” that may increase a person’s use and risk of addiction.
Increased risk of overdose
Shooting up meth can result in a deadly overdose. People who use meth frequently or develop addiction may begin to use larger doses, which increases the risk of overdose. It may also be harder for users to regulate the amount of a drug they are injecting.
Exposure to bloodborne diseases
People who inject meth often do not use sterile equipment, including needles. Users may share needles with others. This can put users at increased risk of contracting a bloodborne disease like HIV or Hepatitis C.
Infections
Using injection drugs like meth can lead to serious health problems, including infections, scabs, and other skin problems. People may develop track marks from repeatedly injecting into the same areas of the body. People who inject meth are also at high risk for collapsed veins and other irreversible problems.
Injecting meth is a sign of a severe substance use disorder (SUD). Using meth in this way can lead to severe, even life-threatening health issues. Those living with meth or other drug abuse must seek treatment as quickly as possible to address their substance abuse.
Recognizing Meth Abuse and Addiction
Meth abuse and addiction can change the way a person thinks, looks, and behaves. Recognizing the signs of meth abuse can help you find support and treatment.
Some common signs of meth abuse include:
- Sudden, dramatic weight loss
- Paranoia
- Severe dental problems
- Frequent scratching or picking at the skin
- Aggressive or violent behaviors
- Hallucinations
- Memory problems
You may also find equipment related to IV drug use, including:
- Needles and syringes
- Lighters
- Burnt spoons
- Tourniquets, including rubber hoses, shoelaces, etc.
Finding this paraphernalia is a sign someone is using IV drugs. It can indicate a severe substance use problem that requires immediate treatment.
People who become addicted to meth or other drugs may exhibit behavioral symptoms of addiction, including:
- Using larger doses of the substance
- Using the substance more often
- Having withdrawal symptoms if they stop using it
- Experiencing cravings for the drug
- Spending a lot of time and energy getting, using, and recovering from using the drug
- Neglecting their responsibilities, hobbies, and relationships
- Doing dangerous, dishonest, or illegal things to get more of the drug
- New legal, social, or financial trouble related to their substance use
- Losing control of their substance use
It can be very challenging to overcome substance use disorder (SUD). Most people require intensive treatment options to address the roots of their substance use and move forward.
Treating Meth Addiction
Methamphetamine addiction is a complex condition. Treating methamphetamine abuse requires comprehensive, evidence-based treatment programs.
Meth addiction treatment programs may include:
- A medically supported detox program (medications, emotional support, and holistic therapies)
- Behavioral therapies
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- Mental health treatment
- Medical care and medication management
- Relapse prevention education
- Exercise, mindfulness, nutrition support, and other holistic therapies
- Aftercare planning
People may attend inpatient or outpatient rehab programs, depending on their needs.
Find Meth Addiction Treatment
If you or someone you love struggles with meth abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the intake team at Alamo Behavioral Health to explore our treatment and recovery support programs. You may also verify your insurance information or schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Methamphetamine
- Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA): Methamphetamine
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Increasing use and Associated Harms of Crystal Methamphetamine Injection in a Canadian Setting
- NIH: Patterns of smoking and injecting methamphetamine and their association with health and social outcomes