Meth is a drug that can have numerous physical consequences and one that can affect the central nervous system. One of those consequences is tolerance. When a person becomes tolerant, the effects of meth use are dulled. This makes them take more of the drug to get the high that they want. This will make it more likely for them to overdose on meth.
A meth overdose is something that will need medical attention. Left untreated, it can be potentially fatal. Drug overdose deaths involving stimulants such as meth are prevalent in the United States. However, not many people may be able to recognize the signs of a meth overdose, so they may not know what to do in case one occurs.
Signs of a Meth Overdose
Meth is a highly addictive stimulant. Because of this, a person who uses meth may take too much of it and overdose. Here are some signs of meth overdose to look out for:
Agitation
People who are going through a meth overdose may become agitated for no discernible reason. This agitation may quickly escalate in some cases, and a person may become aggressive.
Aches and Pains
Some crystal meth users may also experience chest pains as a result of excessive drug use. Furthermore, people who are overdosing on meth may experience headaches. Severe stomach pains are also possible when using too much methamphetamine.
Difficulty Breathing and Sweats
Some people who use too much meth can have slowed or shallow breathing. This may sometimes be accompanied by clammy skin.
Irregular Heartbeat
Some meth users may also experience rapid or irregular heartbeat as a result of excessive substance abuse. This is a common side effect of many stimulants.
Confusion
Some people who are amid a meth overdose may find themselves becoming disoriented or confused about their surroundings.
Strange or Impaired Movement
Some people who overdose on methamphetamine may have stiff, rigid muscles. They may also have spasms and tremors, and they may also have odd limb movements. Some people may also have difficulty walking.
Serious Symptoms of Meth Overdose
Substance use disorders can generally have severe consequences. Many meth users may experience hallucinations as a result of an overdose. The respiratory difficulties described above may lead to permanent brain damage due to a lack of oxygen in the brain.
There are also cardiovascular consequences to a meth overdose, and some people may experience a heart attack or cardiac arrest. Severe cases of an overdose may even result in seizures. Some people may even lose consciousness as a result of a methamphetamine overdose, and they may even slip into a coma.
Some individuals who overdose on methamphetamine may experience hallucinations and see, hear, or even feel things that aren’t there. In some cases, a person with no prior history of mental illness may develop psychotic symptoms.
Some people’s bodies may shut down as a result of a methamphetamine overdose. In truly severe cases, a person may pass away as a result of overdosing on methamphetamine.
What to Do in the Event of a Methamphetamine Overdose
A meth overdose is a serious situation, and a person who discovers someone else in the middle of one will have to act fast to get them the help that they need. Here’s what to do in such a scenario:
Remain Calm
One of the most important things to do when someone overdoses on methamphetamines is to remain calm. Many people who are faced with such scenarios panic; because they panic, they either do the wrong thing or become so overwhelmed by their emotions that they end up doing nothing.
As such, it is crucial to remain as calm as possible.
Call Emergency Services
Another vital thing to do when a person is in the middle of an overdose is to contact emergency services. Unless a person has medical training, they have to call 911 if they suspect a person is overdosing. This is one of the most important steps in helping a person recover from an overdose.
The person on the other end of the line can also guide a person on what to do until help arrives.
Gather Information
An essential step in helping a person is gathering information. Many first responders carry Naloxone or Narcan for opioid overdoses, but such a drug will be useless for a meth overdose unless the meth is mixed with fentanyl.
As such, it’s important to gather as much information as possible to relay to first responders so they know exactly what they are dealing with and the appropriate measures to take.
Keep Them Safe
It’s also essential to stay with a person experiencing a meth overdose and to get them to a safe place. If they are overheating, a wet towel can be placed on their heads to cool them down. Tight clothing should also be unbuttoned.
Because disorientation is a symptom of a meth overdose, a person experiencing one should be moved to a quiet, safe place, as stimulation may worsen their disorientation. Anything from the immediate vicinity that could hurt them should also be removed as the risk of accidents increases during a seizure or muscle spasm.
Causes of Meth Overdose
The most prominent cause of a meth overdose is taking too much meth at once. However, other factors can increase the risk of overdose. For example, polysubstance use can make a person more likely to experience harmful effects.
In some cases, this polysubstance use may be unintentional as illicit meth is often mixed or ‘cut’ with other drugs. The method of ingestion can also be a factor; smoking or injecting it can deliver it into the bloodstream quickly.
Long-term substance abuse can also wear down the body’s ability to properly metabolize drugs, making it more likely that an overdose can occur. People with underlying health conditions are also at greater risk for harmful effects.
Meth Addiction Can be Overcome
An overdose is one of the worst consequences of drug addiction. There are meth addiction treatment programs available to help a person stop their drug use before it gets to that point. These treatment options can also be used to prevent another one from occurring.
If you or a loved one are experiencing difficulties with meth, then Luxe Recovery can help you. Contact us to learn more.
