Smoking Meth

Differences Between Smoking, Snorting, & Injecting Meth

Meth can be used in different ways, including smoking, snorting, injecting, and even oral ingestion. Smoking is the most common method, typically using a pipe made of glass or other materials. Traditionally, the meth is placed in the bowl and heated, often using a lighter. The smoke is inhaled into the lungs, and the effects can be felt within seconds.

Snorting meth involves crushing the drug into a fine powder and inhaling it intranasally, similar to cocaine. The effects of the drug are felt more slowly than with smoking, and typically last for several hours. This method of ingestion can result in damage to the nasal passages, but otherwise, it comes with similar risks as smoking.

Injecting meth requires dissolving the drug in water or another liquid and injecting it directly into a vein. Like smoking, the drug’s effects are felt almost immediately and can last for several hours. This method of administration can be particularly hazardous, as it increases the risk of infection, bloodborne diseases, and overdose.

Is Smoking Meth More Addictive Than Other Methods of Use?

There is little reason to believe that smoking meth is any more or less addictive than any other method of use. It can, however, elicit faster and more intense effects than snorting or taking it orally. This means that in some cases, individuals may be more likely to pursue repeated drug use due to an increased emotional drive, but overall, the risk of physical dependence is approximately the same.

How Long Does a Meth High Last?

The duration of a meth high varies depending on the administration method, tolerance, metabolism, and whether the drug was repeatedly used. When smoked, the effects of meth can last as long as 12 hours in some cases. (1)

Regardless of the method used, the effects of meth will eventually subside, and users may experience a “crash” as the drug leaves their system. This can include feelings of fatigue, depression, anxiety, and physical symptoms like headaches and nausea. A crash may occur following a period in which the user becomes unable to experience a high, giving way to extreme drowsiness.

Meth Dependence & Addiction

Drug dependence is a physical state where the body has chemically adjusted to the drug’s presence and requires it to function normally. Dependence is a key component of addiction, which is a complex brain and behavioral disorder marked by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences.

When meth is used repeatedly, the brain begins reducing the number of dopamine receptors, which are responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward. When this occurs, formerly enjoyable activities, such as eating, become less appealing, and using becomes a higher priority because it is the only activity that can now elicit rewarding effects for the individual.

Over time, meth use can lead to changes in brain structure, including decreased gray matter in areas of the brain responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and emotion regulation. These changes often make it hard for individuals to quit using and contribute to the development of meth addiction.

Meth Dependence Signs Include:

• Desire to use meth even in the face of negative consequences.
• Difficulty controlling meth use.
• Using meth in larger amounts or for longer periods of time than intended.
• Spending a significant amount of time obtaining, using, and recovering from meth use.
• Neglecting important responsibilities, such as work, school, or family obligations.
• Continuing to use meth despite experiencing negative physical or psychological effects, such as weight loss, dental problems, and psychosis.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when attempting to discontinue or reduce meth use.

Meth Withdrawal Symptoms

Once an individual becomes dependent on meth, attempting to quit or cut back will result in unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. The severity of these symptoms can vary depending on the individual’s level of dependence and the duration and frequency of use.

Common Meth Withdrawal Symptoms Include:

• Fatigue and lethargy.
• Depression and anxiety.
  Intense cravings drug cravings.
• Irritability and agitation.
• Insomnia and sleep disturbances.
• Increased appetite.
• Psychotic symptoms, such as paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions. (2)
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Withdrawal symptoms typically begin within a few hours to a few days after stopping meth use, and they can last for several weeks. In some cases, psychological withdrawal symptoms may persist for several months.