Methamphetamine is an illicit, synthetic stimulant drug. This potent, highly-addictive substance can change how a person’s body and brain function in a short period. Abusing meth can quickly develop into a life-threatening addiction.

Research from 2021 discovered that around 2.5 million people in the United States had used methamphetamine in the previous year. This dangerous, illegal drug can cause serious, sometimes deadly health effects. It is critical to seek treatment for meth addiction as soon as you recognize it.

This article will explore what it feels like to use meth.

If you or a loved one struggles with meth addiction or SUD, you are not alone. Find comprehensive treatment and recovery support at Alamo Behavioral Health. Ask questions, verify your insurance, or schedule an intake appointment by contacting our treatment specialists today.

What is Meth?

Meth is a common slang term for methamphetamine. Methamphetamine is a synthetic drug. People produce meth by combining common medications and dangerous chemicals. Meth is typically a powder. However, people may use a special process to create a solid form of the drug called crystal meth. Users commonly ingest this dangerous drug by swallowing, inhaling, smoking, or injecting it.

Some people may take a less potent form of methamphetamine to treat symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, methamphetamine abuse is more common among people who use illicit forms of this drug.

Meth use can have short and long-term effects. People may quickly develop an addiction to meth after using it for just a short time. Many people require intensive treatment to quit taking it safely. People may also require significant ongoing support to prevent a relapse in the future.

The Effects of Meth: What it Feels Like to Use Meth

Methamphetamine is a potent stimulant drug. It increases central nervous system (CNS) activity, which can cause intense short-term effects. Some of the most common side effects of meth include:

• Elevated blood pressure
• Rapid heart rate
• Increased energy and activity
• Appetite loss
• Euphoria

People may experience intense energy, excitement, and agitation while using methamphetamine. Some users also experience unwanted, unpleasant side effects, including:

• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Confusion
• Memory loss
• Aggressive or violent behaviors
• Hallucinations and delusions
• Loss of coordination
• Hallucinations that bugs are crawling on the skin (meth mites)

The effects of meth can last a long time. Many people experience the drug’s effects for 6 to 12 hours. However, the effects may last up to 24 hours in some cases. The amount of meth someone takes, their general health, and others substances they use at the same time can affect how long the side effects last.

The Risks of Meth Abuse

Meth abuse can have serious long-term effects on a person’s physical and mental health. Some of the potential long-term risks of meth abuse include:

• Chronic runny nose
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Lung damage
• Severe damage to the nasal passages and sinuses
• Scarring or skin infections
• Extreme weight loss
• Higher risk of heart attack and stroke
• Malnutrition
• Severe dental decay or damage (meth mouth)

People who frequently abuse meth may develop tolerance (needing more to get the effects) and physical dependence. It can be very challenging to stop using meth once addiction has developed.

Many people require comprehensive treatment to overcome methamphetamine addiction. Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our treatment and recovery support programs.

Alamo Behavioral Health accepts many major insurance plans, including:

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Recognizing Meth Abuse and Addiction

Meth abuse can change the way a person looks, thinks, and behaves. Recognizing the signs of meth abuse can help you seek treatment quickly.

Some signs of meth abuse and addiction include:

• Quick, dramatic weight loss
• Scabs or scars on the skin
• New or worsening mental health symptoms
• Dental damage or decay
• Increased irritability
• Insomnia
• Aggressive or violent behaviors
• Increased energy
• Agitation
• Anxiety or paranoia
• Memory problems

People who abuse meth may also develop signs of addiction, which include:

• Using higher doses of meth over time
• Experiencing meth withdrawal symptoms if they stop using it
• Doing dangerous things while using meth, such as driving or having unprotected sex
• Doing dishonest or illegal things to get meth or money
• Isolating or only spending time with other people who abuse drugs

People with physical dependence on meth cannot simply choose to stop using it. They typically require intensive medical and mental health treatment to detox safely. After detox, people must participate in a comprehensive treatment program that includes:

• Behavioral therapies
• Individual, group, and family counseling
• Relapse prevention education
• Medication management
• Holistic therapies like exercise, creative expression, mindfulness, nutrition therapy, and more

Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to learn about meth addiction treatment or to schedule an intake into one of our programs.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love struggles with meth addiction or other forms of SUD, you are not alone. Find compassionate, comprehensive treatment and recovery support at Alamo Behavioral Health. Reach out to our intake specialists to explore your treatment options or to schedule an appointment.

References:

1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
2. National Institute of Health (NIH): Stigma towards persons who use methamphetamine: Results from a nationally representative survey of U.S. Adults
3. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Methamphetamine