Can You Overdose On Meth?

Methamphetamine, also referred to as meth, is a potent and highly addictive drug that affects the central nervous system. As with many substances that alter brain chemistry, meth use carries significant risks, including the potential for overdose. A meth overdose can result in severe physiological and psychological symptoms, such as cardiovascular collapse, hyperthermia, and delirium. All of these meth overdose symptoms can lead to life-threatening conditions. 

Recognizing the symptoms of meth overdose, how it occurs, and the potential consequences associated is crucial for combating its use. This blog will dive into the effects of meth overdose, what it looks like, and the treatment options available. WhiteSands Treatment serves individuals across Florida, providing addiction support with its team of compassionate experts who treat without judgment. If you or someone you know is at risk of meth overdose symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact them for preventative care.

How Much Meth Does It Take to Overdose?

The amount of meth to overdose can differ significantly based on several factors, including a person’s tolerance, body weight, overall health, and how the drug is used (e.g., snorted, smoked, injected). Generally, a meth overdose occurs when a person consumes a high enough dose that overwhelms the body’s ability to cope with the drug.

• Typical overdose threshold: For many individuals, a dose of 50-100 mg of methamphetamine could lead to severe effects, but those with a high tolerance might handle higher doses.
• Fatal doses: In some cases, doses as low as 200 mg can be lethal, especially if other factors like heart conditions are involved. However, fatal overdoses are more often reported with much higher doses.

Despite these general dosages for an overdose, it’s crucial to remember these figures can vary significantly per individual. As a result, the ability to recognize potential meth overdose symptoms is essential and can be life-saving. 

What Does a Meth Overdose Look Like?

A meth overdose can manifest through different physical and psychological symptoms, which can be life-threatening. 

Key symptoms of a meth overdose include:

• Physical Symptoms: Severe agitation or hyperactivity, elevated heart rate (tachycardia), chest pain or tightness, high body temperature (hyperthermia), severe sweating, dilated pupils, breathing difficulties, seizures, uncontrolled shaking, or tremors 
• Psychological Symptoms: Severe paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, aggressive or violent behavior

Severe Outcomes

• Stroke or heart attack – Meth overdose can cause blood vessels to constrict, increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
• Kidney failure – The body can go into shock or suffer from renal failure.
• Death – If not treated promptly, meth overdose can lead to fatal complications such as cardiovascular collapse, organ failure, or seizures that lead to brain damage.

If you believe someone has overdosed on meth, it is vital to seek medical help immediately. Meth overdose can escalate quickly and lead to a stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and even death. As a result, getting emergency care for an individual’s meth overdose symptoms is vital to prevent severe complications. 

Can Narcan Be Used for Meth Overdose?

No, Narcan (naloxone) cannot be used to reverse a meth overdose or its symptoms. Narcan is designed to reverse opioid overdoses by binding to opioid receptors in the brain. This typically helps to restore normal breathing and consciousness. Methamphetamine is a stimulant, not an opioid, and it works through different mechanisms in the brain and body.

If someone is suspected of overdosing on meth, the best course of action is to seek emergency medical attention as quickly as possible. Meth overdose symptoms require specialized care and prompt medical intervention. Crystal meth treatment isn’t always easy, but it’s important to remember it’s always possible, especially with help from treatment facilities like WhiteSands Treatment.

How to Treat a Meth Overdose?

Treating a methamphetamine overdose requires immediate medical attention in an emergency setting, as it can lead to issues such as heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, and seizures. 

While specific treatments will depend on the individual case, here’s an overview of general treatment strategies used in a medical setting:

1. Seek Emergency Medical Help: Call 911 or emergency professionals immediately if you suspect someone is overdosing on meth. Time is critical to avoid severe complications or death.
2. Supportive Care: Once medical professionals are involved, supportive care will be initiated, including stabilizing the patient and managing symptoms. Onlookers should ensure the person is breathing and that their airway is clear. If they’re not breathing or have difficulty breathing, CPR may be required until medical help arrives. Professionals may administer oxygen to ensure adequate oxygenation if the person has trouble breathing or low oxygen levels.
3. Managing Hyperthermia (High Body Temperature): Meth overdose can cause dangerously high body temperature, which can lead to organ damage. Medical professionals may use cooling blankets, ice packs, or intravenous fluids to gradually decrease body temperature.
4. Sedation for Agitation or Psychosis: If the person is experiencing severe agitation, paranoia, or psychosis, medications like benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam or diazepam) or antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol) may be used to calm the person and prevent violent behavior or self-harm.
5. Cardiac Monitoring and Support: Meth overdose can cause tachycardia, hypertension (high blood pressure), and other cardiovascular issues. Continuous monitoring and medication may be needed to stabilize heart function.
6. IV Fluids and Electrolyte Monitoring: Meth overdose can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, especially if the person is sweating excessively or has a high body temperature. IV fluids (saline or other electrolytes) will be administered to rehydrate and balance fluids in the body. Kidney failure can occur in severe cases, so doctors will closely monitor kidney function and urine output.
7. Psychological and Psychiatric Evaluation: A psychiatric evaluation is often needed once the person’s immediate physical health is stabilized. Long-term mental health treatment may be required to address potential issues like methamphetamine addiction or underlying mental health conditions.
8. Observation and Aftercare: Patients who survive a meth overdose may need to be observed for a period of time in a hospital setting. In some cases, additional treatment may include therapy for meth addiction, counseling, and rehabilitation services to prevent future overdoses.

The best way to prevent meth overdose is avoidance and seeking addiction treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling with meth misuse and addiction, seeking professional help can be crucial for both physical and mental health.

Contact WhiteSands Treatment to Help Anyone at Risk of Meth Overdose Symptoms

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of a meth overdose, it is critical to seek immediate medical attention. WhiteSands Treatment offers support for individuals struggling with substance use disorders, including methamphetamine addiction. 

Our team provides comprehensive care, including detoxification, counseling, and long-term recovery programs, to help individuals overcome addiction and reduce the risk of dangerous overdoses. Contact WhiteSands Treatment today at 877-855-3470 to learn how we can help you find the support needed to achieve lasting recovery.

External Sources

• WebMD – The Dangers of Crystal Methamphetamine
• Shasta County, California – The Facts About Naloxone
• National Library of Medicine – Methamphetamine Toxicity

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.