Methamphetamine Fact Sheet

Methamphetamine Fact Sheet

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  Methamphetamine Fact Sheet

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What is Methamphetamine?

  • Methamphetamine is an extremely addictive man-made stimulant1
  • In 2020, 2.6 million people ages 12+ reported using Methamphetamine at least once2
  • From 2019-2020 Oregon had the highest rate of methamphetamine use in the United States3
  • In Oregon, methamphetamine is involved in 49% of overdose deaths4
In Oregon, methamphetamine is involved in 49% of overdose deaths graph

Intended use

  • Known as Desoxyn®, it has limited approved usage for ADHD and weight loss treatments1

Common names

  • Chalk, Crank, Crystal, Glass, Ice, Meth, Shards, and Speed2 

Forms

  • Ground white powder that is snorted up the nose2
  • Pill/tablet2
  • Dissolved powder that is injected into the bloodstream2
  • Blue crystals that can be smoked1

How Methamphetamine works

  • Consumption is believed to release a high level of dopamine into parts of the brain responsible for feeling and pleasure regulation1
  • When smoked or injected it results in a short, intense rush1
  • When snorted or taken orally it results in a longer high1

Short term health effects

  • Decreased fatigue, hyperthermia, increased blood pressure, focus, physical activity, and wakefulness; loss of appetite, rapid breathing, and rapid or irregular heartbeat2

Long term health effects

  • Addiction, aggressive and/or violent behavior, changes in the brain's structure and/or function, insomnia, impaired verbal learning, loss of memory, psychosis (paranoia, hallucinations, repetitive motor functions), reduced motor speed, skin sores, and tooth decay2 

Withdrawal

Symptoms

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Fatigue
  • Intense cravings1

Given the symptoms of withdrawal, a person may need medical supervision to ensure their safety during the process.5

Overdose

  • High doses can result in stroke, heart attack, severe organ problems from hyperthermia, and ultimately death1

Addiction treatment

  • Behavioral therapies such as CBT or Contingency Management1
  • Currently there are no medications specifically designed for the treatment of Methamphetamine withdrawal, but such medications are in development1

References

  1. Methamphetamine Research Report
  2. Methamphetamine - Drug Fact Sheet
  3. 2019-2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Model-Based Prevalence Estimates (50 States and the District of Columbia)
  4. Unintentional Drug Overdose in Oregon: The Current and Potential Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic
  5. Withdrawal

Acknowledgments

This fact sheet was developed by the Oregon State University Coast to Forest team, a collaboration of the College of Health, OSU Center for Health Innovation and OSU Extension Service Family & Community Health program. We would like to thank the H 310 Health Field Experience students for their contributions.

For more information and to explore local resources, check out the Coast to Forest County-Specific Resource Guides.