What happens when you are on meth?

Short-Term Effects

When methamphetamine is injected or smoked it immediately produces an intensely pleasurable sensation known as a "rush" or a "flash" by releasing high levels of dopamine in the brain. Snorting methamphetamine produces an euphoric sensation, but not a rush.

Even taken in small amounts, methamphetamine can cause:

• Increased wakefulness.
• Increased physical activity.
• Decreased appetite.
• Increased respiration.
• Hyperthermia.
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure.
• Irregular heart beat.
• Cardiovascular collapse.

Other effects of meth use on the central nervous system can produce the following symptoms:

• Irritability.
• Prolonged insomnia.
• Confusion.
• Anxiety.
• Tremors.
• Convulsions.
• Paranoia.
• Aggressiveness.

Hyperthermia and convulsions can be fatal. Methamphetamine can also cause irreversible damage to the blood vessels in the brain, resulting in a stroke.

Chronic meth use can result in:

• Violent behavior.
• Psychotic behavior.
• Auditory hallucinations.
• Mood disturbances.
• Delusions and paranoia.
• Homicidal or suicidal thoughts.

The long-term use of methamphetamine can cause damage to the brain similar to that caused by Alzheimer's disease, stroke and epilepsy. This brain damage lingers for months even after the user stops methamphetamine use. Methamphetamine abuse can produce extreme anorexia. Even over a short period of use, methamphetamine can cause drastic changes in the appearance of the user. DO NOT DO METH!