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In October of 2021, Eugune, Oregon was the site of the state’s largest methamphetamine bust. Law enforcement seized 384 pounds of meth, firearms, and a large amount of cash during this operation. With news stories like this, it is no secret that Oregon has a problem with methamphetamine. Unfortunately, this article does not communicate the tragic effect meth can have on families and individuals. Meth has severe health effects on those who use it, and it can make it difficult for a person to fully engage with their loved ones. Meth addiction treatment can help a person overcome meth use and live a healthy life.
A person should be aware of the signs of meth use. When using meth, a person often feels hyperactive and hyperaware. At first, someone using meth may even claim that it makes them more productive or active. If your loved one suddenly has more energy and is significantly more active than usual, it may be a sign that they are using meth.
Aggressive behavior results from meth use. This is because meth can make a person feel paranoid. When using meth, it is common for a person to feel threatened by their surroundings, and they will be more likely to lash out or demonstrate an extreme response to a situation. Meth use is associated with an increase in violence and criminal behavior.
Using meth causes a decrease in a person’s appetite. You may notice a rapid reduction in weight if your loved one is using meth. At times, those who use meth regularly will go days without eating because of this reduced appetite. Rapid weight loss can be an indicator and should prompt you to investigate the cause of this unhealthy change.
Meth use can also cause cardiovascular issues such as irregular heartbeat or hypertension. Meth use also increases a person’s chance of a heart attack.
Hyperthermia, which is an abnormally high body temperature, is a sign of meth use. Hyperthermia is caused by the failure of a person’s heat-regulating mechanisms. Hyperthermia is a severe consequence of short-term meth use and can lead to heat stroke and death if not adequately attended to.
Individuals who use meth often experience dehydration. One reason for this is the brain and body are overwhelmed by the stimulating effects of meth, making it difficult to think about drinking water. Another reason is the previously mentioned condition of hyperthermia, which may make a person sweat a lot, leading to dehydration.
Meth overdose happens when a person takes a lethal amount of meth. It is difficult to know how much is lethal because meth builds up in the body over time. Someone may take what they consider to be a small dose, which will interact with the meth build-up in their body and cause an overdose. Meth is a stimulant, meaning it is meant to give a person energy or speed up their bodily functions. Many of the side effects of meth overdose involve this stimulating effect, including:
Meth overdose brings the potential for severe and fatal effects. For example, due to heart problems from meth use, individuals who overdose could have a stroke or heart attack. In addition, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting can happen during a meth overdose. These issues can lead to dehydration. Also, if a person passes out, they may choke on vomit if no one can turn them on their side.
Breathing issues are expected during meth overdose. Some individuals experience hyperventilation, which is a term meaning rapid breathing. Others who overdose on meth experience labored breathing. Often, breathing issues can be the first visible signs of a meth overdose.
If a person overdoses on meth, they may have seizures. Seizures are characterized by the loss of motor functions and convulsions. This condition can eventually lead to cardiac arrest, loss of consciousness, and coma in some cases.
Psychosis and paranoia are psychological signs of a meth overdose. It is common for people to be confused, not knowing where they are or how they got there. It is common for people to say they feel like their flesh is crawling or that they have bugs under their skin. Hallucinations are also common during a meth overdose.
If you suspect someone is having an overdose, you should call 911 immediately. The 911 dispatcher may ask you questions such as:
Knowing the answers to these questions can help paramedics provide the best care, so do your best to answer the questions as accurately as possible.
After calling 911, do your best to keep the person awake. For example, you might ask them questions or use physical touch to keep them alert. If the person is unable to maintain consciousness, turn them on their side so they will not choke in the event of vomiting.
A seizure is a possible result of a meth overdose. If a person experiences a seizure, you should hold the back of their head to prevent them from becoming injured. However, the danger of vomiting is present, so turn them on their side if possible. Refrain from restraining them in any way. A common myth is that you should put something in the mouth of someone having a seizure, but do not do this. It can cause additional injury if you do.
In 2018 67,367 people died from a Meth overdose. Furthermore, it is possible to overdose after only using meth once. . Therefore, if a person uses meth, they are at risk for an overdose. If you or a loved one are using meth, you are at risk of experiencing an overdose, but quality treatment can help you overcome substance use.
No single factor will make a person use meth. Substance use is more complex than that. Often several risk factors co-occur and lead to meth use. A risk factor is a factor that makes it more likely that a person will use meth. For example, a family history of substance use is a risk factor for substance use. Still, not everyone with a family history of substance use uses meth or other illicit substances. Other risk factors include:
The first step in treatment for meth addiction is detox. Detox is a period where a person initially ends their meth use. During this time, a person will experience meth withdrawal. Withdrawal is the symptoms a person feels when they terminate the use of meth or another substance. When someone uses meth, their body becomes accustomed to the presence of meth. Because a person’s body has adjusted to regular meth use, it is not used to functioning without the effects of meth. Often, withdrawal symptoms are the opposite of the effects of a substance while the body adjusts to functioning without the substance. Meth withdrawal symptoms include:
Detoxing from meth usually takes around seven days, but it can take longer based on factors such as a person’s overall health or the amount of time they have been using meth. Sometimes mild withdrawal symptoms persist after formal detox ends.
Next, a person will often participate in residential treatment. Residential treatment is when a person lives full-time at a treatment center to take advantage of a structured environment, knowledgeable staff, and 24/7 support. In residential treatment, a person works on identifying the root causes of meth use in a therapeutic setting, receives education that will help them replace meth use with more positive outlets, and participates in support groups that will encourage them to seek recovery.
Outpatient treatment is usually utilized as a step down from residential treatment. During outpatient treatment, a person lives at home and travels to a treatment center for substance use treatment. Sometimes, a person who can not live full-time at a treatment facility utilizes outpatient treatment for all of their recovery needs. The same interventions available during residential treatment are usually available for outpatient treatment.
Serenity Lane offers treatment that will allow people to overcome their meth use and live healthy lives. Serenity Lane’s compassionate staff is ready to provide individualized and evidence-based treatment options that assist a person in meeting their recovery goals. If you are prepared to end meth use and achieve wellness, contact Serenity Lane at 800-543-9905 to get help today!
What to do when an overdose occurs?
Calling 911 is the first thing you do when an overdose occurs. Do your best to accurately answer the questions asked by the 911 dispatcher so paramedics will have the best information for treatment. Next, do your best to keep the person awake while help is on the way. If they are unable to remain awake, turn them on their side in case of vomiting. Sometimes meth overdose causes seizures. If this happens, be sure to support their head but do not restrain them or put anything in their mouth.
Is there any physical and psychological damage when someone overdoses?
Meth overdose can cause long-term physical and psychological damage. Cardiovascular issues often result from meth use and overdose. Psychosis and paranoia are two possible forms of psychological harm resulting from a meth overdose.
What medication is used to treat meth overdose?
Opioid overdose can be reversed with medications that interrupt the effects of the opioid. Unfortunately, similar medications for meth do not exist. Medications can be given to make a person more comfortable as they recover or to treat symptoms, but no medication can reverse the meth overdose. Sometimes laxatives are used to rid the body of methamphetamine more quickly.
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