Drug addiction can change the course of your life. Instead of choosing the direction of your life, drug abuse takes over and can lead you to severe, life-threatening consequences.
While many drugs have the potential for harm, some pose an increased risk of addiction and other long-term consequences. Methamphetamine is a potent, highly addictive drug that can cause severe physical and psychological damage.
Meth is dangerous and addictive any way people use it. However, snorting meth has additional risks. This article will explore the dangers of using meth in this way. You will learn:
- The effects and risks of meth
- The hazards of snorting meth
- Signs of meth abuse and addiction
- What happens in meth addiction treatment
- Where to find treatment for meth abuse
If you or someone you love struggles with meth addiction, you are not alone. Contact The Best Treatment specialists to learn about our meth addiction treatment programs.
Meth: Understanding the Effects and Risks
Meth is a common term for methamphetamine. It is a powerful stimulant drug that causes increased energy, euphoria, and other effects.[1]
Users typically ingest methamphetamine by injecting, smoking, or snorting it. Many users begin using meth by snorting it because it is the least invasive method of using the drug. However, many people start injecting or smoking meth as their addiction intensifies.
Meth is a central nervous system stimulant. After an intense rush, people may have long-lasting effects, including:
- Sustained energy
- Aggression
- Heightened senses
People create meth in illegal labs using a combination of chemicals. It resembles broken glass or crystals.[2] Common street names for meth include:
- Crystal meth
- Glass
- Ice
- Shards
Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) showed that in 2020, about 2.6 million people reported using meth in the previous year. Approximately 23,837 people in the United States died from drug overdoses involving meth and other psychostimulants.[3]
Meth abuse has many serious, long-term consequences. These include:
- Malnutrition
- Severe weight loss
- Severe dental decay (meth mouth)
- Scars and skin infections from injecting meth
Meth users may experience different effects depending on whether they smoked, snorted, or injected it. Each method has additional long-term effects.
What are the Effects of Snorting Meth?
Methamphetamine is a dangerous and addictive substance. Snorting methamphetamine has its unique risks and side effects.
Here is an overview of the potential short-term effects and long-term harm snorting meth can cause.[4]
Physical side effects of snorting meth
- Sinus, throat, and other facial damage
- Dilated pupils
- Gum disease
- Heart attack
- Insomnia
- Sores
- Seizures
- Runny nose
- Tooth decay
- Weight loss
- Worsening symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Elevated body temperature
Psychological side effects of snorting meth
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Delusions
- A feeling of bugs crawling on or under the skin
- Paranoia
- Mood swings
- Nightmares
- Memory problems
- Psychosis
- Racing thoughts
- Suicidal thoughts
Behavioral side effects of snorting meth
- Picking or scratching at the skin
- Financial or legal issues related to drug use
- Neglecting relationships, hobbies, and responsibilities
People who develop meth addiction are more likely to develop severe health problems or experience an overdose.
Meth Addiction and Treatment
Meth addiction is a complex condition that requires thoughtful, comprehensive treatment. All meth use is dangerous and can cause severe, sometimes life-threatening complications.
Snorting meth is often the first way users ingest this dangerous drug. However, as an addiction worsens, people may begin using it in different ways. They may smoke meth or inject it.
In addition to causing long-term physical damage, meth abuse can quickly spiral into a life-threatening addiction. Repeated or heavy meth use can change how the brain and body work. These changes can make it nearly impossible for people to quit using meth when they choose.
Some common signs of meth abuse and addiction include:
- Quick, dramatic weight loss
- Insomnia
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Memory problems
- Aggression
- Marks and scars on the skin from picking and scratching
Meth addiction can cause noticeable changes in behavior, including:
- Isolating or only spending time with others who use meth
- Experiencing legal or financial trouble
- Taking risks while under the influence of meth, such as driving or having unprotected sex
- Neglecting hobbies, relationships, and responsibilities
People with meth addiction will typically experience withdrawal symptoms if they quit using meth. These symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Delusions
- Increased appetite
- Intense cravings
These withdrawal symptoms may make people so uncomfortable that they relapse (start using meth again).
Substance use disorder (SUD) treatment can help people safely stop using meth and learn to prevent relapse. A meth addiction treatment program may include:
- Medically assisted detox services and support
- Behavioral therapies, counseling, and mental health treatment
- Medications to reduce the risk of relapse
- Relapse prevention education
- Group and family therapy
- Aftercare planning
- Holistic therapies like exercise, nutrition support, yoga, and mindfulness to support whole-person healing
Get Help for Meth Addiction Now
If you or someone you love lives with meth abuse or addiction, effective treatment is available at The Best Treatment. Take the first step of your recovery journey by contacting us to explore your treatment options.
References:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Methamphetamine
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Methamphetamine
- 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): Knowing the Risks of Meth
