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Methamphetamine, otherwise known as meth or crystal meth, is a powerful and dangerous drug. Overdoses are tragically common and can result in long-lasting harm or even death. Being aware of the signs of meth overdose can help you identify this life-threatening situation and seek immediate help.
Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug that can be prescribed to treat conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), in controlled doses. This article discusses the impact of illegal meth use and overdose.
If you suspect a methamphetamine overdose, seek immediate emergency medical care. Call 911 (U.S. emergency number) or 112 (common international emergency number). In non-emergency situations, you can also seek advice from the U.S. national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222).
This information is not intended to replace professional medical advice. If you are concerned about methamphetamine use, seek support from your healthcare provider.
- It is possible to overdose on meth. Methamphetamine overdoses can lead to serious health complications or even death.
- Individuals having an acute meth overdose may experience breathing difficulties (or even stop breathing), stroke, heart attack, seizures, heat stroke, or a mental health crisis.
- Emergency medical treatment is urgently needed if you suspect a meth overdose. There are many rehabilitation options available to you if you want to stop using meth.
Can you overdose on methamphetamine?
Yes, it is possible and far too easy to overdose on methamphetamine. In the U.S. alone, it is estimated that over 16 million people have used meth at some point in their life. Considering that 1 in 4 people who have used meth report having needed emergency medical attention, it is clear that methamphetamine overdose is a significant problem. [1][2]
Methamphetamine overdose is generally broken down into acute and chronic overdoses: [3]
- Acute: Sudden and severe adverse effects, which have the potential to cause immediate death
- Chronic: Long-term health effects caused by regular meth use, which can also lead to significant disability or death
Can you die from overdosing on meth?
Again, yes. It is estimated that around 35,000 people in the U.S. die each year as a result of methamphetamine or similar illicit stimulant use. Meth overdose can cause life-threatening damage to several major organs, including the heart and brain. [4]
Signs and symptoms of a meth overdose
Several significant and dramatic symptoms are associated with methamphetamine overdose (commonly referred to as overamping).
Breathing
Meth overdose can cause breathing to slow or even stop. This may result in snoring sounds (indicating an obstructed airway) or blue/gray discoloration of the skin from poor oxygenation. The person may be unconscious. [3]
Individuals who take opioids (morphine, heroin, fentanyl, etc.) alongside meth are more likely to suffer from life-threatening breathing difficulties. [5]
If someone is not breathing, call 911 immediately and follow the instructions given by the emergency dispatcher. Start chest compressions as soon as possible.
Circulation
Overdosing on methamphetamine can cause a heart attack or stroke. The following signs of a heart attack may be present: [3][6]
- Chest pain
- Sweating
- Pain in the arms, neck, or jaw
- Shortness of breath
- Fast heart rate
- Light-headedness or unconsciousness
The following symptoms of a stroke may be present: [7]
- Face drooping
- Arm weakness
- Slurred speech
- Sudden numbness
- Visual disturbance
- Difficulty walking
- Sudden confusion, headache, or unconsciousness
If you suspect a heart attack or stroke, call 911 immediately.
Seizure
High levels of stimulants (such as methamphetamine) can cause seizures. The major signs of seizure include uncontrolled whole-body shaking and unconsciousness. [3]
Heat
Extreme overheating or heatstroke is a common emergency associated with methamphetamine overdose. An individual with heat stroke may show the following signs: [3]
- Excessive sweating
- Hot and sweaty skin (early signs) or cold and dry skin (late signs)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache, dizziness, or confusion
Other symptoms
An acute meth overdose can also cause the following symptoms: [3]
- Agitation
- Loss of consciousness
- Cardiac arrest
- Intense stomach pains
- Mental health crisis - paranoia, mania, or psychosis
Long-term effects of meth overdose
Aside from the medical emergencies triggered by acute methamphetamine overdose, several significant health complications can arise from chronic meth use: [3]
- Rotted teeth
- Skin abscesses or sores
- Significant weight loss
- Repeated infections
- Severe insomnia
- Mental health symptoms, including paranoia, delusions, mood changes, mania, or psychosis.
What to do in case of a meth overdose
The most important action to take in case of a meth overdose is to call 911 (U.S.) or 112 (international) for emergency medical help. If you are worried about the legal implications of meth use, remember that you do not need to provide identifying information to the dispatcher, and emergency medical professionals will only be interested in saving the life of the individual affected.
Try to give as much information as possible about the overdose (the drug taken, the amount, how long ago it was taken, etc.) and clear instructions on where to find the overdosing person.
Emergency dispatchers can guide you through providing emergency first aid measures. These may include rolling the person onto their side if unconscious, protecting the head if they are having a seizure, or giving chest compressions if they have stopped breathing.
Treatment for methamphetamine overdose
Meth overdose cannot be appropriately treated without professional medical help. When in the hospital, healthcare providers may: [3]
- Start vital sign monitoring.
- Order testing, such as blood tests, x-rays, and ECGs.
- Give activated charcoal and laxatives if the drug was taken recently by mouth.
- Provide fluids or breathing support.
- Initiate treatments for emergency conditions, such as heart attack, stroke, or seizure.
- Refer the individual for emergency mental health evaluation and support.
Preventing meth overdose
Methamphetamine is a Schedule 2 controlled drug in the United States. We do not advocate or promote the use of illicit substances. However, we believe those who do should be able to access information to reduce harm and experience these substances as safely as possible.
The best way to avoid meth overdose is to avoid taking the drug at all. The effects of methamphetamine use can have a devastating impact on you and your loved ones.
However, if you do use methamphetamine, it can help to be aware of some general drug safety advice to help reduce the risk of overdosing: [8]
- Avoid injecting meth. Snorting or swallowing is considered safer.
- Try to reduce the amounts used and take a break to avoid building up a tolerance level.
- When using a new batch or using it for the first time after a break, only try a little to judge its potency and effects.
- Be aware of contamination or “lacing.” Try to find a reliable dealer and consider the experiences of other people who take methamphetamine.
- Do not take meth alongside other drugs, especially opioids, such as morphine, heroin, or fentanyl.
- If you are going to inject, always use a new needle and clean the injection site thoroughly.
For more information on safer methamphetamine use, check out A User’s Guide to Methamphetamine from The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre in Australia.
Treatment for meth addiction and recovery
It is never too early to get help for a methamphetamine addiction. Specialist services can support your journey towards a safer and more fulfilling life. The following treatments may be offered to support methamphetamine addiction recovery: [9]
- Contingency management: Some programs offer rewards (such as vouchers) in exchange for continued meth abstinence to provide an incentive to quit.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT can support meth addiction recovery by helping you identify triggers for drug use and support the development of positive coping strategies.
- 12-step recovery groups: Organizations such as Narcotics Anonymous offer facilitated group sessions to build accountability amongst a supportive network.
Take a look at our rehabs directory for more information on addiction recovery service providers.
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