Crystal Meth Overdose: Symptoms & How to Stop an Overdose

An individual can suffer harm and may die from misusing methamphetamine (which comes in both prescription and illicit forms).^1-5 In fact, overdose deaths involving stimulants other than cocaine (e.g., meth) on grew from 547 in 1999 to more than 16,000 in 2019.⁶

Signs of a Crystal Meth Overdose

A type of meth known as crystal meth has an appearance similar to “rocks” which are blue-white and shiny or an appearance similar to little glass pieces.^1,4 Using a lot of meth might result in issues such as:^1,4,5,7

• Agitation.
• Paranoia.
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
• Heart attack.
• Significant stomach pain.
• Trouble breathing.
• Elevated blood pressure.
• Stroke.
• Hazardously increased body temperature.
• Seizure.
• Coma.
• Death.

What to Do If Someone Is Overdosing on Meth

A methamphetamine overdose is an emergency. If you notice someone displaying one or more of the signs above, get help immediately. Call 911 and stay with the person until help arrives.⁵

Possible Crystal Meth Effects: Short-Term

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) conveys that there are several impacts meth might have on an individual in the short-term, possibly including bringing about:⁸

• Heightened attention.
• Irregular or rapid heartbeat.
• Euphoria.
• Raised temperature.
• Increased energy and wakefulness.
• Appetite reduction.
• Increased breathing.

Possible Crystal Meth Effects: Long-Term

An individual who uses crystal meth for a long while might experience things including:^1,4,5,9

• Trouble experiencing pleasure without using meth.
• Anxiousness.
• Addiction.
• Aggression.
• Confusion.
• Distractibility.
• Skin sores.
• Serious dental issues, sometimes called “meth mouth”.
• Anorexia.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Paranoia.
• Delusions.
• Hallucinations.
• Problems with verbal learning and memory.
• Violent behavior.

The DEA indicates that, per researchers, following being exposed to comparatively small amounts of meth for a long while, up to half of brain cells that produce the neurotransmitter dopamine could suffer damage; additionally, there might be even greater damage among neurons with serotonin inside.⁴

Some impacts misusing meth for a while might have in the nervous system might be at a minimum somewhat reversible following time not using meth.^1,13 For instance, dopamine transporters might recuperate after an individual stops using meth for a while.⁹

Withdrawal

If an individual stops using meth, this individual might experience withdrawal and might experience some or all of the following:^1,9

• Fatigue.
• Anxiety.
• Depression.
• Suicidality.
• Cravings.
• Psychotic symptoms.

Crystal Meth Addiction Treatment

If an individual could potentially have overdosed, immediately call 911; it could save that person’s life.⁵

Don’t let your addiction reach rock bottom. If you or someone you love is struggling with the devastating side effects of meth addiction and are unsure of where to turn, call us today at . Greenhouse Treatment Center, American Addiction Centers’ inpatient rehabilitation center in Texas, is ready to help you get the treatment you need today.