Methamphetamine is a potent, illegal stimulant drug. It is highly addictive, and people who abuse it for a short time may quickly develop a dependence on it.
Research from 2021 revealed that approximately 2.5 million people in the United States reported abusing meth in the previous year. This dangerous drug is related to severe health problems, addiction, and overdose. People who abuse meth must seek treatment as quickly as possible to avoid potentially life-threatening consequences.
Using meth in any way is dangerous. However, there are additional risks associated with injecting it. This article will explore the effects and risks of shooting up meth. You will learn:
- The effects and risks of meth abuse
- The dangers of injecting meth
- How to recognize and treat methamphetamine abuse
- Where to find comprehensive addiction treatment and recovery support
If you or someone you love abuses methamphetamine, you are not alone. Contact the specialists at The Best Treatment to learn about our comprehensive treatment and support programs. Reach out to learn more, verify your insurance, or schedule an intake appointment.
What is Meth?
Methamphetamine is a synthetic, illegal stimulant drug. People make methamphetamine by combining household chemicals, over-the-counter medications, and other substances. The process of creating methamphetamine is dangerous, and using it can be hazardous.
Common slang terms for meth include:
- Ice
- Crystal meth
- Speed
- Stovetop
- Hot ice
- Hawaiian salt
- Blue
- Shards
- White
- Zip
- L.A. ice
- Crank
Meth is available as a solid, called crystal meth. It also comes in powder form. People can smoke, swallow, or inject meth.
What are the Effects and Risks of Meth?
Meth produces potent stimulant effects. It reaches the brain quickly and increases central nervous system (CNS) activity. Some of the short-term side effects of meth include:
- Increased energy
- A euphoric “high”
- Elevated blood pressure
- Appetite loss
- Increased heart rate
Some meth users also experience adverse 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
- Increased risk of sexually transmitted infections
- Stimulant use disorder
Using different forms of meth can result in different health risks. For example, people who snort meth are at risk of facial and sinus damage, while people who inject it are at higher risk of scarring and skin infections.
What are the Dangers of Injecting Meth?
All meth use is dangerous. However, injecting meth has unique risks. It is important to understand the dangers of shooting up meth and seek treatment as quickly as possible.
Injecting meth can lead to more intense effects. Users who inject this stimulant drug experience a faster, stronger euphoric “high.” The more potent effects of injecting meth may increase a person’s use and risk of addiction.
Shooting up meth also increases the risk of overdose. People may use increasingly larger doses, which puts them at risk of taking a lethal dose.
People who inject meth often do not use sterilized needles. They may share needles with others, putting them at high risk of contracting a bloodborne disease like HIV or Hepatitis C.
Shooting up meth and other injection drugs can lead to severe infections, scabs, and other skin problems. People may develop track marks from using the same injection sites and over again. They may also experience a collapsed vein or scarring that prevents blood flow.
Injecting meth is a sign of a serious substance use disorder (SUD). People who inject meth may require medical, professional treatment that can help them manage withdrawal symptoms during detox. Then, people must participate in a comprehensive treatment program to address the medical, behavioral, and mental health roots of their substance abuse.
Recognizing Meth Abuse
Stimulant abuse, including meth abuse, can change a person’s behaviors, emotions, and appearance. Recognizing the signs of meth abuse can help you find support and treatment.
Some common signs of meth abuse include:
- Aggressive or violent behaviors
- Sudden, dramatic weight loss
- Picking or scratching the skin that results in wounds or scarring
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Memory problems
- Severe dental problems
If someone is injecting meth, you may find equipment like:
- Lighters
- Burnt spoons
- Tourniquets, including rubber hoses or bands, shoelaces, etc.
- Needles and syringes
Finding this paraphernalia is a sign someone is using IV drugs and needs treatment. Seek treatment as soon as you recognize any signs of meth addiction.
Find Treatment Now
Methamphetamine abuse is dangerous and can cause life-threatening consequences. If you or someone you love injects meth or uses it another way, you must seek treatment as quickly as possible.
The Best Treatment offers compassionate, effective treatment for substance use disorder (SUD). Learn more about our addiction treatment programs or schedule an appointment by contacting our intake team now.
References:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): What is the scope of methamphetamine use in the United States?
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Know the Risks of Meth
- Wiley Online Library: Characteristics and harms associated with injecting versus smoking methamphetamine among methamphetamine treatment entrants
- Science Direct: Changes in injecting versus smoking heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine among people who inject drugs in San Diego, California, 2020–2023
- Harm Reduction Journal: Methamphetamine use and HIV risk behavior among men who inject drugs: causal inference using coarsened exact matching