In Bexar County, Texas, deaths related to methamphetamine-related overdoses are rising, even as other substance-related deaths are decreasing. Between 2022 - 2023, meth-related deaths were 50% higher than in 2020.
The way someone uses methamphetamine (“meth”), whether they smoke it, snort it, inject it, or swallow it, can tell you a lot about how the drug might affect them. Each method carries different risks, some immediate and others that build over time. Knowing the differences can help you better understand what’s going on and what kind of support your or your loved one might need.
If you’re managing a meth use disorder, or care about someone who is, help is within reach. And if you’re also managing other substance use disorders or mental health conditions such as trauma, depression, or anxiety, we can provide the care you need. At San Antonio Recovery Center, we specialize in complex dual-diagnosis conditions, and our caring staff is here to help 24/7.
Methamphetamine, commonly known as “meth,” is a synthetic stimulant made in laboratories.
As a pharmaceutical, it’s legally used to treat ADHD and obesity in the form of an FDA-approved prescription called Desoxyn. Used illicitly (recreationally without a prescription), meth enhances the user’s energy and alertness while quickly increasing dopamine to the brain for a short-term euphoric “high.”
Illicit meth is most often taken in one of 4 ways: smoking, snorting, injection, or oral ingestion. Let’s take a closer look at these four approaches, why someone might take meth that way over another, and the risks associated with each.
While it may seem less extreme than injecting or smoking, snorting meth still carries serious health risks.
How snorting meth works: The substance, typically in powder or crushed crystal form, is inhaled through the nose. From there, it’s absorbed through the mucous membranes, producing effects within 3 to 5 minutes.
Snorting is a common method of meth use because it feels easier and less dangerous. But the risks are still serious, and sometimes even greater.
One of the most immediate side effects of snorting meth is irritation and injury to your nasal passages. Regular use can lead to nosebleeds, chronic inflammation, and the gradual erosion of nasal tissue. This can sometimes result in long-term damage.
Persistent sinus infections are also common because the substance weakens the delicate lining of your nose and sinuses, making it harder for your body to fight off bacteria.
Smoking meth is one of the most common ways people take the substance. It delivers a quick, intense high and is often the method of choice in social settings.
How smoking meth works: The version of meth typically used for smoking is called “crystal meth,” which is a glass-like form of the substance that looks like shards of ice or rock salt.
To smoke it, the crystals are placed in a glass pipe or on foil and then heated underneath. As the solid meth vaporizes, the fumes are inhaled through the mouth. The effects are almost immediate, often felt within seconds.
Many people prefer smoking meth because it delivers the most intense effects in the shortest amount of time, plus it’s a popular method of use in social situations.
Because smoking meth hits your system so quickly, it raises your chances of quickly becoming dependent.
One of the most visible effects of smoking the substance is what’s commonly known as “meth mouth.” This refers to severe dental decay caused by dry mouth, teeth grinding, and poor hygiene.
Long-term use can also lead to serious respiratory problems. Inhaling meth vapor irritates the lungs and airways, which can lead to chronic cough, breathing issues, or even lasting lung damage.
Injecting meth is often referred to as “shooting,” “slamming,” or IV drug use. Injection is one of the most dangerous ways you can take meth because it produces a near-instant high by delivering the substance directly into your bloodstream.
How injecting meth works: The substance is dissolved in water, then injected into your vein using a syringe. The effects are felt within seconds, producing an intense wave of euphoria that many people describe as overwhelming.
The appeal of injecting meth lies in its speed and intensity plus a perception of lower cost and higher efficiency.
Injecting meth comes with immediate, potentially long-lasting health risks.
Using needles greatly increases your chances of contracting bloodborne infections like HIV and hepatitis B or C, especially when needles are shared or not properly sterilized.
Repeated injections can lead to scarring, collapsed veins, and serious skin infections such as abscesses.
Because the effects hit so quickly and powerfully, injecting also increases the chances of accidental overdose.
Taking meth orally means swallowing it in pill form or mixing the powder form into drinks. It’s a less-common way to take it, but it is still used by some who are looking for long-lasting effects.
How oral meth use works: Meth can be swallowed as pills or the powder can be dissolved in liquids. The effects typically begin within 15 to 20 minutes and can last for several hours.
Oral consumption of meth is usually chosen for its convenience and a long-lasting energy boost. But its perceived safety can be misleading.
Taking meth orally may seem less risky because the onset is slower, but it still carries serious health risks.
Swallowing meth introduces the drug through the digestive system, which can cause nausea, stomach pain, or other gastrointestinal issues. With repeated use, the liver can become damaged due to the body’s prolonged effort to process the drug.
Because the effects are delayed, it’s also easier to take too much of the substance. For example, you might not feel the high right away and end up taking more to compensate, which significantly increases your risk of overdose.
With the right support, recovery from a substance use disorder is possible.
Treatment for meth addiction involves counseling and therapy, and recovery is possible with a strong support network.
At San Antonio Recovery Center, we’re very proud of our focus on the community and our alumni network, which is the largest in the area. Our treatment is compassionate, supportive, and tailored to your needs and experience. If you have questions or would like information on treatment for a substance use disorder, call us today at 866-957-7885, and a caring member of our staff will help you.
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