The Dangers and Effects of Snorting Meth

Meth is an addictive substance. One has to be cautious of the dangers of smoking or snorting this drug because the physical and psychological effects of meth use can affect your entire life. In this article, we will discuss the dangers and effects that may be experienced by individuals who snort meth.

What Is Meth?

Methamphetamine (also known as crystal meth or meth) is a stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system. Meth may be injected, snorted, or smoked. Even though the drug has medical use, meth is a controlled substance because of its high potential to be abused. 

What Makes Meth so Addictive?

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, one of the causes of meth high is because of the extremely high levels of dopamine in one’s system.

Methamphetamine triggers the brain to release dopamine, which is a hormone that gives a person a feeling of euphoria. Many people snort meth as they want to keep experiencing that sense of excitement and happiness. Meth also helps a person to be more awake and lessen the fatigue they feel. The continuous methamphetamine use can then lead to a meth addiction. 

Why Do People Snort Methamphetamine?

Meth can be administered in different ways. It can either be taken by pill, injected, smoked, or snorted. However, many meth users prefer to snort meth.

Methamphetamine is usually available in pill form. Meth users wanted to experience the effect much faster, so they snort the drug instead of taking the pill orally. It is said that when you take meth orally as a pill, the effect would be felt in fifteen minutes. On the other hand, if you crush and snort the drug, the effects of the drug can be felt in as fast as five minutes.

As the person gets strong urges as an effect of taking the drug, they start abusing meth. Long-term meth abuse could then cause severe effects on one’s overall health. 

Short-Term Effects of Snorting or Smoking Meth

Meth is a powerful stimulant that short-term effects can be felt even when a person is only snorting or smoking meth in small doses. The physical effects of meth can be observed almost immediately after meth use.

There are different signs of a meth addiction. A person’s body can also have different reactions associated with snorting methamphetamine. Snorting it can lead to adverse effects. However, the effects of meth use can also vary depending on the person’s overall health. The short-term effects of snorting meth include:

• feelings of euphoria
• sudden agitation
• increased heart rate
• decreased appetite
• hyperthermia
• decreased fatigue
• high levels of energy
• becoming more sociable

Meth users may experience mild to severe effects depending on how much and how long they have been snorting and smoking it. Factors such as their environment and diet can contribute to the severity of the health effects of meth overdose.

Long-Term Effects of Snorting Meth

Over time, the repeated use of meth can cause long-term effects. Chronic meth use will not only affect one’s physical and mental health conditions. Snorting meth can also affect a person emotionally and socially.

Here are some of the effects caused by meth:

• sudden weight loss
• dental problems (i.e., meth mouth)
• increased risk of heart attack and stroke
• liver or kidney damage
• insomnia

Snorting crystal meth can cause hallucinations, including a condition known as meth mites. It refers to the hallucination that mites are crawling under the skin. People scratch their skin because of the itchy sensation until they feel it’s gone obsessively. Other psychological effects caused by meth use include:

• anxiety
• confusion
• memory impairment
• poor concentration
• mood swings
• depression

Many users who snort meth still experience meth binge. This refers to repeated methamphetamine use over a short period, which later on results in addiction. As a person gets addicted, meth can damage relationships as real-life obligations get neglected. They may even forget to take care of themselves.

Meth comes with short-term and long-term effects on a person’s overall health. If ignored, the damage from the side effects of meth abuse can be irreversible. It is crucial to identify the signs early and get the necessary treatment.

Meth Addiction Treatment

Dealing with the effects of methamphetamine abuse can be challenging. The good thing is, just like other forms of addiction and mental health issues, methamphetamine addiction can be treated. Meth addiction treatment programs can come in different levels of care, such as:

Detoxification

Detoxification involves purging drugs and other harmful chemicals from the body. As a person has stopped to snort crystal meth, their body reacts and adjusts to the sudden absence of meth. This is when symptoms of withdrawing from meth will start to show up. To lessen one’s suffering from meth withdrawal, medication will be administered during the process. 

Inpatient Treatment

In inpatient treatment, the individual is admitted to a residential treatment center. There, they are closely supervised and provided care and support 24/7. The treatment center provides individuals with a safe, drug-free environment that is conducive to their recovery. 

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment programs are ideal for mild cases who require less supervision. They will be administered with medication to manage the side effects of snorting meth and will be staying in the comforts of their home. The therapist will call them when it’s their schedule to do therapy. This is also applicable to people who have completed detoxification or have been transferred from inpatient rehab.

Substance abuse and mental health issues can co-occur. Hence, the treatment plan can include various modalities and forms of therapy. Among those offered are:

• Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
• Individual Therapy
• Group Sessions
• Family Therapy

Choosing the right form of treatment is an important factor in one’s recovery. Getting the right treatment also leads to less intense effects when a person undergoes withdrawal. 

Escape the Dangers of Snorting Meth and Heal at Twilight Recovery

Meth is a highly addictive substance and could negatively impact one’s health. If you or your loved one is struggling with meth addiction, please know that our specialists at the Twilight Recovery Center can provide the help and support you need. We provide treatment options customized based on your needs and condition.

Everyone deserves a chance for a fresh, healthier start in life. Contact Twilight Recovery Center to learn more about our programs. 

Frequently Asked Questions