For those who struggle with meth abuse, there is a very real risk of overdose. Understanding the dangers of a meth overdose can help you keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Seaglass Recovery offers extensive meth detox and recovery support to those struggling with addiction. We can provide the support and care you need to achieve lasting sobriety.
What Is a Crystal Meth Overdose?
A crystal meth overdose occurs when a person consumes a dangerously high amount of methamphetamine. This powerful stimulant can have severe, even fatal, consequences. Anyone can overdose on meth, even after just one time using this drug. Currently, the U.S. is experiencing a significant increase in meth-related overdose deaths.
Often referred to as “overamping,” overdosing on meth can cause significant damage. This term results from those who have experienced a meth overdose. In many cases, individuals describe this as a series of side effects that gradually increase in severity. In severe situations, meth overdose symptoms can be life-threatening.
Meth Use Statistics
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, approximately 2.5 million people aged 12 and older use methamphetamine on an annual basis. It is important to note that this number reflects only the individuals who reported their use.
It is fair to assume that this number is larger when taking into account other age groups and unaccounted cases of meth use. Furthermore, approximately 32,537 overdose deaths involving a stimulant (primarily methamphetamine) occurred in 2021.
With these concerning numbers in mind, it is more clear than ever that there is a dire need for effective meth addiction treatment options. If you or a loved one is struggling with meth abuse, Seaglass Recovery can help.
How Do People Use Meth?
Methamphetamine can be consumed in several ways. The method of use can vary depending on the individual and the form of the drug. It is important to note that all methods of using meth carry significant health risks.
Injecting Meth
Many people may choose to use meth intravenously. In its liquid form, the drug can be injected intravenously, intramuscularly, or subcutaneously. This produces a fast and intense high.
However, this method of use also has a high risk of overdose, as well as several other health consequences. This includes the risk of developing blood-borne diseases, such as HIV, through contaminated needles.
Smoking Meth
For some people, their preferred method of use is smoking meth. This substance is typically smoked in a glass crystal meth pipe or a homemade device. While smoking can produce a longer-lasting high, it also comes with its own health risks.
Smoking meth can lead to serious lung damage, breathing complications, and respiratory issues. These problems can be hard to treat and can seriously decrease the individual’s quality of life.
Snorting Meth
Meth can sometimes be found in the form of a powder. This can be snorted through the nose for a quick and intense onset of the drug’s effects. Over time, however, repeatedly snorting this drug can do serious damage to the individual’s nasal passages.
What Are the Sign and Symptoms of a Meth Overdose?
A meth overdose can be a medical emergency. Recognizing the signs and symptoms is crucial for seeking immediate medical attention. There are several physical and behavioral symptoms that can occur when someone overdoses on meth.
Physical Signs
The physical symptoms of a cocaine overdose can be severe and even life-threatening. Some of the most common physical meth overdose side effects include:
- Rapid heartbeat
- High blood pressure
- Increased body temperature (hyperthermia)
- Seizures
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Coma
Behavioral Signs
Behavioral meth overdose signs can be just as severe as the physical symptoms. These signs can include:
- Agitation or paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Rapid speech
- Excessive energy
- Loss of appetite
Are you struggling with substance abuse and mental illness?
Royal Life Centers at Seaglass is here to help you recover. Because we care.
How Much Meth Does It Take to Overdose?
It is difficult to determine a precise amount of meth that would cause an overdose. This is because individual tolerances can vary greatly. Factors such as purity, frequency of use, and overall health can also influence the risk of overdose.
However, even a small amount of meth can be dangerous. This is especially true for someone who has no tolerance. It is important to understand that an overdose can occur with any quantity of meth, even for a first-time use.
Factors that Influence a Meth Overdose
Because of how dangerous a meth overdose can be, it is important to understand what factors can increase your risk of experiencing one. Several factors can increase the risk of a meth overdose, including:
- Dosage: Consuming a large amount of meth in a short period can significantly increase the risk of overdose.
- Purity: The purity of the meth can vary, and impurities can increase the toxicity of the drug.
- Tolerance: Individuals who have built up a tolerance to meth may be more likely to use larger amounts. This increases their risk of overdose.
- Mixing with other substances: Combining meth with other drugs, such as alcohol or opioids, can increase the risk of overdose and other adverse effects.
- Individual health: Pre-existing health conditions can also increase the risk of complications from meth use. This includes heart disease or high blood pressure.
- Method of use: Injecting meth can increase the risk of overdose. This is due to the rapid absorption of the drug into the bloodstream.
- Setting: Using meth in an unfamiliar or stressful environment can increase the risk of adverse reactions.
What To Do If Someone is Experiencing an Overdose of Meth
A methamphetamine overdose can quickly become life-threatening. If you or someone else is struggling with meth abuse, it is important to understand what to do in the event of an overdose. Fortunately, there are steps you can take in this situation.
Call 911
If you suspect that someone is experiencing a meth overdose, it is crucial to call emergency services immediately. Do not hesitate to seek help, as early intervention can be life-saving. Calling 911 or your local emergency hotline is the first thing you should do if you suspect an overdose.
Use Narcan if Available
In many cases, meth can be mixed with other drugs, such as opioids. These can make an overdose significantly worse. Using Narcan can reverse the effects of an opioid and make it easier to treat the symptoms of meth overdose.
In the case that there are no opioids present, the Narcan will not have any negative side effects. It can not cause any more damage but only reverse that caused by opioids.
Stay Until Help Arrives
The best thing you can do for someone who is experiencing an overdose is to stay until help arrives. While waiting for medical assistance, you can take the following steps:
- Monitor their breathing: If their breathing is shallow or has stopped, begin CPR if you are trained to do so.
- Stay calm and reassure them: This can help to reduce their anxiety and agitation.
- Avoid giving them any substances: Do not try to give them anything to eat or drink, as this could interfere with medical treatment.
- Gather information: If possible, try to collect information about the person. This can include their medical history, recent drug use, and any known allergies.
What Happens After a Meth Overdose
The aftermath of a meth overdose can be severe and long-lasting. Even if a person survives an overdose, they may experience significant health complications and lasting effects on their physical and mental well-being.
If you or someone you know is struggling with meth addiction, it is important to seek professional help. Substance abuse treatment programs like Seaglass Recovery can help you overcome addiction and live a healthier life.
Find a Meth Treatment Program
At Seaglass Recovery, our meth treatment program takes a comprehensive approach to recovery. We incorporate both evidence-based and holistic recovery services to ensure our clients receive whole=health care.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy plays a crucial role in meth addiction recovery. It helps individuals understand the underlying causes of their addiction. It also allows them to develop coping mechanisms + and build healthier behaviors.
Common types of psychotherapy used for meth addiction include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Motivational enhancement therapy (MET)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Holistic Therapy
Holistic therapy for meth addiction focuses on treating the whole person. It addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of the addiction. While it may not be a standalone solution, it can complement traditional treatments and enhance the recovery process.
Some holistic therapies that may be beneficial for meth addiction include:
- Yoga and meditation
- Acupuncture
- Nutrition and exercise
- Mindfulness
- Massage therapy
Is Meth Addiction Recovery Possible?
For those who struggle with this disease, it is important to know that meth addiction recovery is possible. While it is a challenging journey, there have been many cases where those who struggle with meth addiction have gone on to live fulfilling lives.
With the right support and treatment, individuals can re-learn how to live a sober and healthy life. It is important to remember that recovery is a process, and there may be setbacks along the way.
At Seaglass Recovery, the well-being of our clients is our top priority. We provide comprehensive and personalized care that can help you achieve lasting sobriety and live a fulfilling life.
- Know the Risks of Meth | SAMHSA
- Methamphetamine (dea.gov)
- What is methamphetamine? | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) (nih.gov)
- Methamphetamine | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) (nih.gov)
- What are the long-term effects of methamphetamine misuse? | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) (nih.gov)
