What Are the Side Effects of Methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine, or meth, is a potent synthetic stimulant that acts on the central nervous system and stimulates the release of dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter that rewards behaviors.[1] It’s highly addictive and carries a significant risk of toxicity and fatal overdose, as well as other adverse health effects.

Meth may be smoked, snorted, injected, or consumed orally to achieve an intense high – or ‘rush.’ This rush has serious side effects in both the short- and long-term on physical and mental well-being.

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Side Effects of Methamphetamine

Short-Term Effects of Meth

Even small amounts of meth can cause harmful health effects like:[2]

• Increased blood pressure
• Extremely elevated body temperature
• Rapid breathing rate
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Loss of appetite
• Sleep disturbances
• Nausea
• Erratic, aggressive, or violent behavior
• Stroke or heart attack
• Death

The short-term effects of methamphetamine, including crystal methamphetamine, a high-purity form, may include:

• Rapid heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Increased respiratory rate
• Elevated body temperature
• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Insomnia
• Aggression and violent behaviors
• Stroke or heart attack
• Convulsions
• Death

Long-Term Effects of Methamphetamine

Chronic meth use can lead to long-term health effects, even once you stop taking meth, such as:[3]

• Permanent damage to the brain and heart
• High blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and death.
• Liver, kidney, and lung damage
• Anxiety, confusion, and insomnia
• Paranoia and hallucinations
• Psychotic symptoms and psychosis
• Skin sores from intense itching and scratching
• Premature osteoporosis
• Dental disease
• Weight loss

The long-term effects of crystal methamphetamine are similar to other types of meth and may include:

• Stimulant use disorder
• Changes in brain structure and function
• Decreased motor skills
• Chronic anxiety
• Mood disturbances
• Aggressive or violent behaviors
• Delusions
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations
• Mood swings
• Twitching or jerky movements
• Severe dental disease
• Malnutrition

Long-Term Effects of Methamphetamine Use on the Brain

People who chronically misuse meth or develop a methamphetamine use disorder are at risk for significant structural and functional brain changes that negatively impact memory, emotions, and decision-making abilities.[4] This may be why methamphetamine use disorder can be challenging to treat and overcome.

Some brain changes from chronic meth use can be partially reversed with abstinence. Studies indicate that certain meth-related brain changes may improve after a year or more of abstinence.[5]

Methamphetamine Long-Term Effects on Physical and Mental Health

Chronic meth use has many serious long-term effects, including increasing the risk of developing associated physical and mental health issues.[6]

Physically, people who use meth over long periods develop problems like malnutrition and severe dental problems with tooth loss. High blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and irregular heart rate can also be an effect of long-term use, which increases the risk of stroke or heart attack.

Meth use has mental health consequences as well, including prolonged psychotic symptoms like hallucinations, paranoia, and delusions that can last for months or years after they stop taking meth.

There are indirect risks associated with meth use because of increased risk-taking behaviors and poor decision-making. People who inject meth may contract bloodborne diseases like HIV and hepatitis B and C from sharing needles. Unprotected sex, driving under the influence, or taking other unnecessary risks are common while taking meth.

Amphetamine Side Effects

Methamphetamine is derived from amphetamine, a type of central nervous system stimulant that may be used in medical settings to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and obesity. Because amphetamines have limited medical uses, most meth and amphetamines are used recreationally.

The side effects are similar to methamphetamine and may include:[7]

• Euphoria
• Sociability
• Increased energy
• Increase in heart rate
• High body temperature
• Increased blood pressure
• Methamphetamine Overdose
• Stimulant use disorder

Treatment for Methamphetamine Addiction

Methamphetamine and crystal meth are highly addictive drugs. Due to its potency, methamphetamine abuse can cause people to binge and become dependent faster than other illicit drugs – and it’s difficult to quit.

Once the body and brain crave meth, a person can develop an addiction. Quitting leads to extremely uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms like fatigue, irritability, insomnia, hallucinations, extreme cravings, and dry mouth. These symptoms can be so severe that they cause relapse to relieve them.

Fortunately, addiction treatment can be effective for treating methamphetamine use disorder, the formal term for methamphetamine addiction. If you or a loved one is struggling with meth addiction or meth abuse, here are some treatment options that may be available to you:

Medical Detox

Meth withdrawal is not usually life-threatening, but it can be extremely unpleasant. Medical detox allows the body to rid itself of the drug under medical supervision, with medications to manage symptoms like insomnia and anxiety, ensuring safety and comfort.

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Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient programs offer round-the-clock intensive care with medical supervision, behavioral therapies, and counseling sessions. These programs are ideal for people who need the accountability and support of a residential setting.

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Aftercare

Aftercare services help people transition from inpatient or outpatient care to daily life. They typically include support groups and other therapies for relapse prevention, stress management, and other life skills as part of a long-term alumni program.

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