Can a Person Overdose on Methamphetamines?
Yes, a person can overdose on methamphetamine. An overdose occurs when the person uses too much of a drug and has a toxic reaction that results in serious, harmful symptoms or death. Methamphetamine can raise your body temperature so much that you pass out. If not treated right away, this can cause death. Death can also occur from heart attack or stroke because the drug raises your heart beat and blood pressure, and constricts blood vessels. Since methamphetamine overdose often leads to a stroke, heart attack, or organ problems, first responders and emergency room doctors try to treat the overdose by treating these conditions.
Know the Signs of Methamphetamine Overdose:
- Trouble breathing
- Signs of a heart attack or stroke, such as chest pain or confusion
- Seizures
- High or low blood pressure
- A high body temperature
- Kidney failure, which might cause symptoms such as peeing less or very dark urine
- Intense stomach pain
- Changes in personality or alertness
- Loss of consciousness
- Intensely hyper or aggressive behavior
- Paranoia1
Know About Methamphetamine Addiction
Methamphetamine is highly addictive. The consequences of methamphetamine misuse are terrible for the individual —psychologically, medically, and socially. When people stop taking it, withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Severe depression
- Psychosis
- Intense drug cravings
Know That Support is Available
Remember that addiction is a disease and those suffering should be treated with care and compassion as with any other disease. It is a chronic brain disease that can be managed with medical treatment. Talk to your doctor and considering finding a support group to come together with others facing addiction and the road to recovery. It may be helpful to learn from the experience of others and receive emotional and social support.
