Meth Abuse: What You Should Know

By Alan S. Peterson, M.D.

What is meth?

Methamphetamine, or meth, is an addictive drug. In small amounts, it can be given by doctors to treat some illnesses, but it is often made and sold by people illegally in very dangerous forms.

Some other common names for meth are crystal meth, ice, crank, speed, and tina. Meth can be smoked, snorted, injected or swallowed. Meth abuse is linked to risky sexual behavior, criminal activity, and death. 

Illegal meth is often made in home labs by mixing over-the-counter medications. This is the reason some of your over-the-counter medications are now being controlled. Fumes from a home meth lab can irritate skin. The chemicals can also cause poisoning. Some home meth labs explode and burn or kill people.

When people use meth they feel excited and have a lot of energy. This feeling lasts about six to 24 hours; however, using meth can cause a heart attack, stroke, high body temperature, or seizures. Using meth while you are pregnant can harm your child or cause you to go into premature labor. 

What happens if someone keeps using meth?

Tolerance to meth is instant.  That means, from the beginning, it takes more meth to get the same effect.  People who are addicted to meth will need more to feel the effects. 

A person may feel depressed or unhappy when he or she stops using meth for even a short time. Even if a person doesn't use it often, it can cause cravings and withdrawal problems like depression, tiredness and anxious feelings. 

What problems does meth cause?

Over time, using meth causes problems like violent behavior, feeling anxious or threatened, mood changes, confusion, sleeplessness, and hearing or seeing things that aren’t real.

Using meth over time also changes how the user looks. The user ages quickly and his or her teeth decay. Many people who use meth don’t get proper nutrition and lose weight.  Injecting meth may cause skin rashes and infections like MRSA. Some people pick at their skin and get infections in that manner.

Children in homes where meth is used are often neglected or abused. They are also at risk of injury and physical symptoms.

How is meth abuse treated?

Meth abuse is treated with individual or group therapy to help the user quit. Joining a support group or drug treatment program also may help. A meth user should talk to his or her doctor to help you find a program or a group.  This is a problem that requires help to overcome.

Where can I find more information?