Methamphetamine or meth is a drug that often comes in the form of a white powder, pill or crystals. Meth is highly addictive and can very easily lead to an overdose which is a life-threatening event. Even if an overdose is never experienced, meth addiction can lead to deadly side effects.
If you think that you or someone you know is experiencing a meth overdose right now, call an ambulance. It is vital that emergency care is administered as soon as possible.
If you are not in an emergency or emergency care is on the way, you can continue learning how to spot and respond to a methamphetamine overdose.
The effects of a methamphetamine overdose?
An overdose can happen when a lot of any drug or a combination of drugs is taken. The effects of an overdose happen when the dosage is too high for the body to handle.
Meth overdoses commonly cause heatstroke or a spike in blood pressure which can lead to multiple organ failure and haemorrhage. In rare cases, lead poisoning can occur from contaminants in the drugs.
Signs and symptoms of a meth overdose
Because meth is so highly addictive, any use of it puts people at risk of an overdose. Using meth can very quickly lead to addiction which needs a gradual increase in dosage to give the same high.
This gradual increase in dosage is what causes an overdose which can often be spotted with these symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Heart arrhythmias
- Hypertension
- Difficulty breathing
- Agitation
- Hallucinations
- Psychosis
- Seizures
- Hyperthermia
How to help with an overdose
Recovery from an overdose depends on how much of the drug was taken and how quickly treatment is received. It is important to call an ambulance right away when an overdose is happening. Once emergency care is on the way, make sure that the person is safe and as comfortable as possible until the ambulance has arrived.
In the case of a seizure, carefully hole their head to prevent injury and tilt their head to one side. If they vomit, this will stop them from suffocating. Do not attempt to hold their arms and legs.
Get Help can guide you through meth addiction recovery
An overdose is a clear sign of drug abuse, especially with meth. If you or someone you know is currently struggling with a meth addiction, you can call our helpline or email us and a professional addiction counsellor will give you the next step you can take to recovery.
