Snorting Meth – Signs and Dangers
- September 4, 2022
- Prosperity Haven
- Addiction Treatment
Crystal methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth or simply meth, is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant drug. It usually takes comes as a white, crystalline powder or as larger crystals. It can also be found in pill form. Meth is typically smoked, snorted, injected, or taken orally. When smoked, it produces a high with rapid onset that lasts for several hours or even days. When injected, the onset is even faster, and the effects (and comedown) even stronger. Meth can also be taken orally, but this method produces a much weaker high.
If you’re wondering “can meth be snorted”, the answer is a resounding yes. Many people snort the drug to get high. Snorted meth provides similar effects to other methods of taking this drug, and comes with the same dangers. Snorting meth also comes with its own set of risks. In this article, we look at everything that you need to know about snorting this drug.
Why Do People Snort Meth?
People snort crystal meth for the intense and powerful meth high that it produces. The effects of crystal meth are felt almost immediately after taking a hit, which makes a meth high particularly addictive. Users also meth so that they can find escapism from mental health problems and problems that are happening in their lives.
Effects of Snorting Meth
Snorting meth effects vary depending on how much you take, but they can include:
- Increased energy and alertness
- Decreased appetite
- Euphoria
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Dilated pupils
- Hyperactivity
- Psychotic symptoms (paranoia, delusions, hallucinations)
The high from snorting crystal meth can last anywhere from 4 to 24 hours, and sometimes even longer. This is another reason why meth is so addictive – users want to keep chasing that first high.
Signs of Snorting Meth
There are a few common signs that might indicate if someone is snorting meth.
Dilated pupils
This is a sign not only of meth use, but also of other stimulants. For example, someone with dilated pupils may have been taking ecstasy or cocaine. Dilated pupils can also be a sign that someone is taking a non-illicit drug, like caffeine. Alternatively, someone may have dilated pupils simply because they are tired or feel happy. You should not assume that someone has been taking meth simply by their pupils becoming bigger.
Hyperactivity
This is a key sign of meth use. Methamphetamine is a stimulant, so it speeds up the user’s heart rate and makes them feel more energetic. his can manifest as fidgeting, pacing back and forth, or feeling like they can’t sit still.
Hyperactivity is not always the case when it comes to meth use though. People who have ADHD might actually exhibit the opposite effects, meaning that when they take meth, their hyperactivity reduces.
Psychotic symptoms
Another sign of snorting meth is if that they start to exhibit psychotic symptoms. This can include things like paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations. These symptoms can be short-lived, or they may last for days or weeks after someone has used meth.
If someone you know is showing any of these signs, it’s possible that they’re using meth. However, it is important to bare in mind that these signs can also be caused by other factors, like sleep deprivation or stress. If you’re concerned about someone’s meth use, the best thing to do is talk to them about it.
Bleeding nose
One of the most common side effects from snorting meth is a bleeding nose. This is because the drug dries out the mucous membranes, which can lead to inflammation and irritation. The blood vessels in the nose may also become damaged, which can cause them to bleed more easily. If you see someone with a bloody nose, it’s possible that they’ve been snorting meth.
Tooth decay
Meth use can also lead to tooth decay. This is because the drug decreases saliva production, which can lead to dry mouth. Dry mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria, which can then cause tooth decay. Meth users may also have poor dental hygiene, which can contribute to tooth decay. If you see someone with poor dental hygiene and tooth decay, it’s possible that they’re using meth.
Weight loss
Another common side effect of meth use is weight loss. This is because the drug increases metabolism and suppresses appetite. Meth users may also experience severe dehydration, which can lead to weight loss.
Dangers of Snorting Meth
There is a reason why meth has such a bad reputation. Snorting meth is dangerous for a plethora of different reasons. If you snort meth consistently, you can be sure to become afflicted by some of these.
Addiction
Meth is a highly addictive drug, so snorting it can lead to addiction. While the cliche that someone may use meth a single time and become addicted is unlikely, it does occasionally happen. More often, though, someone begins by trying meth a number of times, finding that the drug helps them with a certain problem that they have in their lives. A person may face depression and find that meth use reduces or eliminates this feeling.
It is this escapism that often hooks people to meth, whether they are snorting meth or using it in another way. When someone stops taking meth after a period of addiction, they must deal with the problem that they were attempting to mask by using meth.
Damage to the nose
Snorting meth can also damage the nose. This is because when someone snorts the drug, they are basically putting chemicals up their nose. These chemicals can damage the delicate tissue in the nose, leading to inflammation and irritation. In some cases, this damage may be permanent.
Increased risk of contracting HIV/AIDS
One of the dangers of snorting meth is that it can increase the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. This is because when someone snorts meth, they are often sharing straws or other drug paraphernalia with others. If someone who is infected with HIV/AIDS uses these straws or other drug paraphernalia, there is a chance that they could transmit the virus to someone else.
There is also a risk of contracting HIV/AIDS if someone has unprotected sex while under the influence of meth. This is because meth use can lead to risky sexual behavior.
Mental health problems
Meth use can also lead to mental health problems. This is because the meth can cause changes in brain chemistry. These changes can lead to psychosis, which is a break from reality. Meth psychosis can cause hallucinations, paranoia, and delusions. If someone is experiencing meth psychosis, they may act out in ways that are dangerous to themselves or others.
Physical health problems
Meth causes physical health problems in users. The drug can cause damage to the heart, lungs, and liver. Meth use can also lead to stroke and kidney failure. In addition, meth use can weaken the immune system, making someone more susceptible to illness.
How To Get Help For A Meth Addiction
If you or someone you know is struggling with a meth addiction, there is help available. There are many drug rehab centers that specialize in treating meth addiction. These centres can provide the support and resources needed to recover from an addiction.
If you’re not sure where to start, contact Prosperity Haven today. We have staff on site who have helped countless people navigate themselves out of meth addiction.
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