Meth Addiction Information & Resources

Mental and Physical Effects of Methamphetamine

Meth is incredibly toxic and damaging, both physically and mentally.¹ Those who chronically use meth lose their appetites and fail to eat. Because of the stimulating effects of the drug, they may stay up for days or as long as they have a supply of the drug. Eventually, they crash and sleep around the clock, only to get up and find more meth.

Those addicted to meth often become paranoid, anxious, confused, aggressive and even psychotic. A meth user may become homicidal or suicidal. Users suffer memory loss, malnutrition, severe tooth decay and damage to both their brains and cardiovascular systems.

Damaging Social Effects of Methamphetamine

The grip of methamphetamine is powerful. Those who become addicted often become completely compulsive about getting and using more of this drug. They may become drug dealers to support their own habits. Their grooming and personal care go out the window. They neglect their children, their homes, financial situations and other responsibilities.² Terrible child abuse has resulted from parental use of methamphetamine.

Methamphetamine use is often associated with crime, including a high association with violent crime.³ One study into the national cost of methamphetamine use looked at how much violent and property crimes contributed to national losses. This report calculated that crimes attributed to people using meth or seeking to finance their meth addictions resulted in a cost of $1.8 billion each year.

Methamphetamine Fatalities

It is possible to fatally overdose on meth.¹ As a stimulant, meth speeds up the heart and increases body temperature. If the body can’t take it or too much of the drug is consumed, cardiovascular collapse is possible, accompanied by death. Strokes, heart attacks and multiple organ collapse can also result from the stressful effects of this drug.

It is common for meth users to also abuse other drugs, particularly opioids.⁴ Methamphetamine supplies are sometimes contaminated with fentanyl, increasing the danger of using this drug.

Withdrawal from Meth

Withdrawal from methamphetamine can cause severe depression, anxiety, and even psychosis. The person trying to withdraw from meth should be prepared to experience intense cravings for more of the drug.