Effect of Meth
- Feeling happy and brave, and you think you are really deadly. This can lead you to make poor choices and do things you wouldn't normally do (e.g. have unsafe sex, drive dangerously, break the law).
- You have lots of energy and your heart beats faster and your pupils dilate (get bigger).
- You talk a lot. Some people might think you are talking too much.
- You stop eating because you do not feel hungry and you may get stomach cramps.
- Feel hot and sweaty or hot and cold.
- You may feel worried (anxious), restless, fearful, suspicious or jealous. This could make you aggressive.
- You may see and hear things that aren't there and your thoughts can become muddled up.
- Sleeping is difficult, sometimes people stay awake for days (1-3 days).
- Meth increases your blood pressure and this can cause heart problems or a stroke (a bleed in the brain).
- You can have very bad thoughts or feelings, which can last from a few hours to many weeks. It doesn't matter if you are a first time user or a long term users
- Mood swings - feel sad or mixed up, be worried or become angry with no warning. Your family and friends might be worried about you and scared by the changes in your behaviour. They may start to see you differently.
- You can become unhealthy.
- Get sick very easily because your body is run down.
- You may have strange thoughts and your thinking can become tangled and unclear.
- You may get paranoid (fearful, jealous and suspicious). When someone gets paranoid they may think people are after them.
- Some people may experience psychosis (seeing or hearing things that aren't there).
- Meth may cause you to have a stroke or a heart attack and this can cause long term health problems or even death.
- If you stop using meth after a long time, you will feel very uncomfortable or down. These feelings are known as withdrawal and can last for several days but will get better in time.
- Meth costs lots of money and this can put pressure on families and communities.
Reducing Harm
There is no safe level of meth use.
If you do choose to use meth:
- Have a trusted family member or friend around to stay in a safe place
- Don't mix meth with other drugs as this can lead to an overdose
- Never drive when using meth
- Drink small amounts of water regularly to replace fluid you lose from sweating
- Eat lots of healthy food
- Always have safe sex and always use a condom
- If injecting meth, always use a clean syringe and injecting gear
- Never share equipment
- If smoking meth, be careful not to burn yourself
- Make sure you get lots of sleep as rest is very important
- Take a break from using meth
- Reach out for help and support when you feel overwhelmed
- If in a group stay together
- If someone becomes very fearful or is acting paranoid, keep them calm and do not leave them alone
- If someone experiences any bad effects or passes out make sure you call and ambulance straight way. Dial triple zero (000)
- If someone has passed out, put them on their side(recovery position) make sure they can breathe: Dial triple zero (000) for an ambulance, stay with your friend/family until the ambulance arrives, if safe to do so
Getting Help
If you are thinking about reducing your alcohol use you might like some help or information. Or if you are worried about somebody and how their alcohol use is affecting you and your family, perhaps you would like some assistance.
It may not be easy reducing your alcohol use but your friends, family and other people in your community can support you to make changes.
If you would like further information, please head to our services and support page.
Page last updated20 August 2024