Meth is becoming more available and is even being mixed into other drugs, so it’s no surprise you might hear about it more often, or maybe you’ve even come across it at a party. Whether you’re just curious or want to help someone else, understanding the facts about meth is important. In this blog, we’ll explain what meth is, how it can affect your health, and where to find help, so you can make informed choices.
What Is Meth
Meth, short for methamphetamine, is a powerful and illegal drug made in illicit labs using various harmful chemicals. To make meth, people use substances like cold medications, acetone, and even drain cleaner.
Since meth is made in illegal labs without any rules or supervision, there’s no quality control. This means that different substances can be added, which makes it even more unpredictable and dangerous.
Because meth can be produced using different methods, its appearance can vary. The color is most commonly white but can also be yellow, brown, gray, orange, and pink. It can look like crystals or powder. The crystals often resemble broken glass or ice, which is why it’s sometimes called “ice” or “crystal meth.” Other street names for meth include “speed,” “chalk,” “tina,” “uppers,” and “glass.” People use meth in different ways: they might smoke it, snort it, inject it, or swallow it.
Meth In Counterfeit Pills
Most recently, there has been a rise in counterfeit pills that look like other medications but actually contain meth. Many people might think they’re taking painkillers or anti-anxiety pills, but these fake pills can be mixed with meth, fentanyl, or other dangerous substances.
How Meth Works
Meth affects your brain by triggering the release of the chemical called dopamine, which helps you feel good and excited, like when you’re doing something fun. Meth causes a big spike in dopamine, leading to a strong “high.”
With occasional or one-time use, once the high wears off, you may have a temporary drop in dopamine, which can make you feel tired, down, or less interested in things you typically enjoy. However, with chronic use, your brain doesn’t release as much dopamine as it usually would, which can impact your mental health big time.
How Meth Affects Your Brain, Body, and Mental Health
Meth can mess with your brain’s ability to manage stress, decision-making, and impulse control, making it harder to stop even when it’s harming your life. Over time, you might need more meth just to “feel normal.”
Physically, meth raises your heart rate and blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. It can also lead to extreme weight loss, dental damage, and skin sores. As we mentioned above, meth can mess with your body’s natural supply of dopamine, making everyday activities that usually bring you pleasure, like music or your favorite food, less enjoyable.
Meth can also have a big impact on your mental health. It can lead to feelings of anxiety, sadness, delusional thinking, or paranoia, and some people may experience mood swings or feel more stressed than usual.
Meth Overdose
High doses of meth can cause the body to overheat to dangerous levels. Overdose or death can result from stroke, heart attack, or multiple organ problems caused by overheating.
Recognizing The Signs Of Addiction
Recognizing the signs of meth use becoming a problem is important. Sometimes, what starts as occasional use can turn into more regular use quite quickly. Some signs to watch out for include:
- Using meth more often to get the same feeling
- Spending a lot of time thinking about meth
- Losing interest in things you usually enjoy
If you or someone you know needs help, you can call SAMHSA’s national helpline at 1-800-622-HELP (4357). For more information on how to support someone who may be struggling, check out our blog Supporting a Friend Struggling with Meth.
You can also visit their website at https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline, or send your zip code via text message to 435748 (HELP4U) to find help near you.
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