Methamphetamine, Cocaine, and Stimulants
Stimulants (or “psychostimulants”) increase activity in the body and can lead to fatal overheating or “over-amping.” Examples of stimulants include methamphetamine, cocaine, and amphetamine medications prescribed for the treatment of ADHD, like Adderall®. Someone experiencing a stimulant overdose usually remains conscious and may exhibit signs of extreme anxiety, rapid breathing, or psychosis.
Methamphetamine, commonly referred to as meth or crystal meth, typically comes in the form of a white crystal-like ‘rock’ or powder. Methamphetamine is most commonly used by smoking, snorting, and injection. Common street names for methamphetamine include crank, crystal, ice, and speed.
Over 1.5 million U.S. residents consumed methamphetamine in 2017, and over 5% of the U.S. population have tried methamphetamine at least once in their lifetime.
Methamphetamine and other stimulant use can lead to serious health issues.
Short-term effects
- Increased blood pressure and body temperature.;
- Faster breathing.
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat.;
- Loss of appetite, disturbed sleep patterns, or nausea.
- Erratic, aggressive, irritable, or violent behavior.;
Long-term effects
- Permanent damage to the heart and brain.
- High blood pressure leading to heart attacks, strokes, and death.
- Liver, kidney, and lung damage.
Withdrawal can occur when someone who uses methamphetamine stops consuming it. Symptoms of methamphetamine withdrawal include methamphetamine craving, depression, and fatigue.
When methamphetamine is consumed by smoking, sharing used and unsterile smoking equipment (most commonly called a ‘pipe’) can spread infectious diseases such as hepatitis C. When consumed by injection, sharing syringes and other injection equipment can spread infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis B and C.
When methamphetamine is consumed alongside opioids or alcohol, its energizing effects can ‘mask’ the sedative effects of opioid and alcohol consumption. This can lead to increased vulnerability for both opioid and alcohol-attributed drug overdose.
For those who use methamphetamine and are not ready to seek treatment and recovery supports, there are practical strategies that can reduce the risk of harm. If smoking methamphetamine, use a sterile pipe, and do not share pipes with others. If injecting methamphetamine, use new and sterile injection equipment, and do not share any injection equipment with others.
In Minnesota, methamphetamine has been found to be laced with (adulterated, mixed with, containing) fentanyl and fentanyl analogs.; Because of this, it is recommended that any person who uses methamphetamine should carry naloxone to be prepared for a drug overdose emergency.; Opioids cause respiratory depression, or trouble breathing.; Methamphetamine laced with opioids sharply increases the risk of a drug overdose.
A Syringe Service Program (SSP) provides services to reduce the harms associated with drug use, and prevent HIV and viral hepatitis infections.
Visit the Minnesota Syringe Exchange Calendar to find a SSP in your region.
Fact Sheet: Reducing Harms Associated with Substance Use Disorder through Syringe Services and Syringe Access (PDF)
Fact Sheet: Harm Reduction and Overdose Prevention (PDF)
Substance use disorder treatment and recovery support
Although medications have proven effective in treating some substance use disorders, there are currently no medications that counteract the specific effects of methamphetamine, or that prolong abstinence from and reduce the use of methamphetamine by an individual addicted to the drug.
Fast-Tracker
Visit the Department of Human Services (DHS) Fast Tracker for a statewide searchable database of substance use disorder and mental health treatment openings.
SSPs provide participants seeking treatment and recovery supports with referrals to culturally-responsive treatment services in their region. Visit the Minnesota Syringe Exchange Calendar to find locations and their dates and times of service.
Call or text the 988 Lifeline for free confidential emergency emotional support 24/7. Online chat is also available at 988lifeline.org
Commonly Abused Drugs - Prescription Stimulants (NIDA)
Misuse of Prescription Drugs (NIDA)
Methamphetamine (NIDA)
Please visit the Drug Overdose Dashboard for more information on drug overdose death, nonfatal overdose, use, misuse, substance use disorder, prescribing practices, supply, diversion, harm reduction, co-occurring conditions, and determinants of health.