Meth (Crystal Meth) Use: Effects, Addiction & Rehab

Meth is a synthetic stimulant that has a high risk of abuse, and users may not always know how strong the substance they’re taking is, or if it is laced with other dangerous substances like fentanyl. For these reasons, using methamphetamine comes with a high risk of overdose. 

If you want to overcome your methamphetamine addiction, Empowered Recovery Center in Kansas City can help. Our programs are designed to use a combination of therapy and practical coping skills to overcome your addiction for the long term. 

What is Meth?  

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant. It falls in the amphetamine family of drugs and is known to dangerously speed up the central nervous system. ¹ 

Meth goes by many names, including speed, chalk, crystal, and ice. It typically comes in the form of a white powder that can be swallowed, snorted, injected, or dissolved in a liquid, or it can be in the form of transparent crystals that are smoked. It is classified as a Schedule II drug, meaning it has a high risk of abuse.² 

Illicit Meth vs. Prescription Methamphetamines

Methamphetamine wasn’t always known as the dangerous substance it is today. When it was first developed in 1919, people used the substance for everything from decongesting their nose to boosting their energy.³ 

In fact, the drug is still used for medical purposes to this day. There is one meth-containing medication, Desoxyn®, that is currently approved by the FDA.² This pill form of the drug is used to treat obesity and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in very small doses.²

However, the vast majority of methamphetamines consumed in the U.S. today are illicitly manufactured in makeshift meth labs. To create the modern version of the drug, illegal manufacturers replaced ephedrine, which is one of the key ingredients needed to make meth,  with pseudoephedrine, an ingredient commonly found in cold medicine.³ This illegal concoction also often includes fentanyl, which can be deadly even in small amounts. 

Meth vs. Crystal Meth

It’s a common misconception that meth and crystal meth are two different substances. While they look very different and produce slightly different effects, they are forms of the same drug. 

Meth was traditionally produced as a powder; however, recently, a tablet form of the drug has been becoming popular. Officials believe drug suppliers could be attempting to make the drug look more like ecstasy, so it’s more tempting for people who have never taken meth before.³ This presents a great concern that people may be ingesting meth when they think they’re taking something else. 

Crystal meth, on the other hand, can look like glass shards or like blueish, crystal-like rocks.² It is smoked with a pipe.

The main difference between meth and crystal meth is how long the effects last. When injected or taken by mouth, a person may experience the drug’s effects for six to eight hours. When smoked, the effects of crystal meth can last 10-12 hours.¹

Effects of Meth

Taking meth results in a mixture of effects. There are the desired effects, such as feeling alert, energetic, and confident; however, these are combined with adverse effects that are experienced during and after the high. 

Unwanted, short-term meth effects can include:^1,2,4

• A racing heart
• Chest pain
• Physical tension
• Dry mouth
• Increased blood pressure
• Decreased appetite 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Diarrhea 
• Anxiety
• Restless 
• Irritable 
• Paranoid delusions
• Aggressive behavior 
• Kidney damage

After prolonged illicit meth use, even in small doses, the dopamine-producing cells in the brain can become damaged.² This can result in different long-term behaviors and effects experienced when taking the substance. 

Long-term effects of crystal meth and other forms of meth can include:^1,2 

• Violent behavior
• Tooth decay
• Insomnia 
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Homicidal or suicidal thoughts
• Feeling of bugs under skin, leading to skin picking and sores
• Memory loss
• Anorexia

The intensity of the drug’s effects depend on many factors, including frequency of use, average dose, and if other substances are also being taken.

Risks of Meth Overdose

Using meth poses a high risk of overdose. Research from the CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) found that methamphetamine is the second most commonly found drug in people who fatally overdose (after synthetic, lab-made opioids).⁴

Part of this risk comes from the user not knowing how much meth is actually in the substance they are snorting, smoking, or injecting. High quantities can cause dangerous complications like irregular heartbeat, extremely high blood pressure, and seizures. This can result in a heart attack, stroke, or organs to fail from overheating.² 

The other main concern for meth and crystal meth overdose comes from the possibility of meth being laced or combined with other substances, particularly fentanyl. 

Below are some common meth overdose signs and what to do if you see them.⁵ If you notice any of these signs, call 911. 

Symptoms of overheating

• Heavy sweating; nausea or vomiting; severe headache; dark urine; red/hot skin or clammy/pale skin

Symptoms of heart problems/stroke

• Racing heart, numb or spasming limbs, slurring words, confusion

Symptoms of breathing problems

• Shallow breath; snoring/gurgling sounds; vomiting; blue/gray lips or skin

In the event that you think the person may have also taken opioids, administer naloxone if it’s available and call 911.

Meth Addiction & Dependence

A person may develop a meth addiction in a relatively short amount of time. Part of this danger comes from the substance’s long-lasting effects.

When someone takes meth, a percentage of the drug stays in the body for hours on end. This is different from other drugs, like cocaine, which is metabolized and quickly removed from the body shortly after use. Meth being present in the body,  and particularly the brain, longer than many other drugs can lead to higher rates of addiction.⁶

Meth or crystal meth use can start as a way to stay awake or alert but can quickly deteriorate into addiction due to the intense changes to a person’s mood. When someone uses meth, their brain is flooded with high amounts of the neurotransmitter dopamine.⁶ Every single use of methamphetamine lowers the person’s natural supply of dopamine, meaning they feel depressed or empty when the high wears off. To feel “good” again, the person will smoke or use more meth. 

This is the cycle that leads to physical dependence on the drug, which can shift into addiction, where the person no longer has control over their urge to use a substance, even if it negatively affects their life.⁷ 

Here are some common signs of meth abuse and addiction:⁸ 

• You feel a strong urge to use meth regularly
• Your meth usage has increased over time
• You spend a lot of time obtaining, using, and recovering from using meth
• You tried to cut down on your meth usage, but were unable to
• You experience withdrawal symptoms if you try to stop using
• Your relationships, work, or responsibilities have been neglected due to your meth use

Can You Withdraw from Meth?

Yes, a person may experience withdrawal after they stop using meth. Depending on the person, the physical meth withdrawal symptoms can last a few days or a few weeks. 

Meth and crystal meth withdrawal symptoms can include:⁹ 

• Extreme fatigue
• Trouble sleeping
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Not wanting to eat
• Muscle spasms

There are also emotional and mental symptoms associated with detoxing from meth or crystal meth abuse, which are best addressed with a clinical team through therapeutic methods. These symptoms can include:⁹

• Feeling depressed
• Feeling anxious
• Experiencing paranoia
• Feeling unmotivated
• Experiencing cravings for meth

Treating Meth Addiction/Dependence

There are many options available to treat meth addiction. For some people, an inpatient treatment program may be the best option, while others may thrive in a more flexible outpatient setting. 

No matter what treatment route they choose, a medically supervised detox is often the first step for someone who wants to end their meth addiction. During this stage of treatment, the person will have an experienced medical team to help them relieve their withdrawal symptoms while monitoring their physical health. 

After the medical detox is complete, a person has several options for continuing their treatment. While each facility is different in the methods and techniques they use, most will offer a combination of therapy and life skills classes to help patients address their addiction. 

Common types of treatment programs include: 

Inpatient program

At an inpatient or residential program, a patient lives on-site at a facility as they go through their treatment protocol. 

Partial hospitalization program (PHP)

At a PHP, a patient lives at home while they go through 25–30 hours of treatment per week at an outpatient facility. 

Intensive outpatient program (IOP)

At an IOP, a patient has more flexibility with their schedule as they attend 9–20 hours of treatment per week. 

Standard outpatient program 

Patients who have completed higher levels of care may shift down to a standard outpatient program, where they participate in nine or less hours of treatment per week. 

After completing treatment, a patient will typically continue support through aftercare sessions. At Empowered Recovery Center in Kansas City, we offer one year of aftercare at no charge to all of our patients. 

Meth Addiction Treatment in Kansas City 

Overcoming a meth addiction can seem overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together a skilled, compassionate team to be there for you every step of the way. 

At Empowered Recovery Center, our clinical team will get to know you and personalize your treatment so it best fits you, your life, and your goals. Through our combination of individual and group therapy and dual diagnosis care, we’ll help you address the deeper issues driving your addiction and teach you new coping skills to change how you deal with life’s stressors. 

Our admissions team can answer any questions you have about our program, from what the admissions process looks like to different payment options for our program. They can describe our different programs in detail and also verify your insurance benefits, so you can get an exact picture of how much your insurance will cover. 

We’re here to help you achieve long-term sobriety. Give us a call or fill out our contact form to see how we can help you today. 

References 

1. Methamphetamines. (n.d.). CAMH. Retrieved May 1, from https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/methamphetamines
2. Methamphetamine. (n.d.). FDA. Retrieved May 2, from  https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2025-01/Methamphetamine-Drug-Fact-Sheet.pdf
3. Health and Human Services. (2024, August 7). Origins of Meth – Arkansas Department of Human Services. Arkansas Department of Human Services. Retrieved May 1, from  https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/divisions-shared-services/shared-services/office-of-substance-abuse-and-mental-health/me-over-meth/origins-of-meth/
4. Methamphetamine. (2025, January 30). National Institute on Drug Abuse. Retrieved May 2, from https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/methamphetamine#addictive
5. Methamphetamine Overdose (Overamping): For Public Health Professionals. (2022). In Comagine Health, Public Health Division. Retrieved May 2, from  https://www.Oregon.Gov/Oha/Ph/Healthyenvironments/Trackingassessment/Environmentalhealthassessment/Documents/Methamphetamine-Overdose-Overview_oregon_dec2022.Pdf
6. Meth Myths – Arkansas Department of Human Services. (2024, August 7). Arkansas Department of Human Services. Retrieved May 1, from  https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/divisions-shared-services/shared-services/office-of-substance-abuse-and-mental-health/me-over-meth/meth-myths/
7. Szalavitz, M., Rigg, K. K., & Wakeman, S. E. (2021). Drug dependence is not addiction—and it matters. Annals of Medicine, 53(1), 1989–1992. Retrieved May 8, from  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8583742/
8. Meth addiction | Meth abuse signs and symptoms | UKAT. (2025, March 28). UK Addiction Treatment Centres. Retrieved May 8, from   https://www.ukat.co.uk/addiction/drug/meth/
9. Withdrawal from methamphetamines. (n.d.). Retrieved May 8, from  https://myhealth.alberta.ca/alberta/Pages/Methamphetamine-what-to-expect-when-someone-quits.aspx