The Effects of Snorting Meth

Snorting meth is a method of administration that comes with its own signs of use, as well as some symptoms that are commonly found with any type of drug use.

Crystal methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth or simply meth, is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant drug. It usually comes in white, crystalline powder or larger crystals. It can also be found in pill form. A meth addiction costs a lot, but more importantly, it can have serious health effects for the user.

Prosperity Haven, the leading provider of addiction treatment for men in Ohio, dives into the signs and effects of snorting meth and highlights the possible dangers of this method of drug use.

Can You Snort Meth?

Yes, you can snort crystal meth, and other common methods include smoking, injecting, and taking orally.

Many people snort meth to get high. Methamphetamine snorting provides similar effects to other methods of taking this drug and comes with the same dangers. This method, alternatively known as sniffing crystal meth, also comes with its own risks.

Snorting Meth Meaning

Snorting meth is a method of inhaling the drug through the nose, often by sniffing the drug up a straw. You can snort crystal meth relatively easily, without requiring any expensive equipment. The drug is absorbed through the mucus membranes into the bloodstream.

Snorting Meth vs Smoking Meth

	Snorting Meth	Smoking Meth
Onset Of High	3-5 minutes	5-10 seconds
Duration Of High	4-8 hours	8-12 hours

When injected, the onset of the high is even faster, and the effects (and comedown) are even stronger. Meth can also be taken orally, but this method produces a much weaker high.

Why Do People Snort Meth?

People snort crystal meth for the intense and powerful high that it produces. The effects of crystal meth are felt almost immediately after taking a hit, which makes the high particularly addictive. Users also take meth so that they can find escapism from mental health problems and other difficulties that they face in their lives.

EFFECTS OF SNORTING METH

The effects of snorting meth vary depending on the dosage taken, 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 methamphetamine snorting 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 of snorting meth that a person may exhibit. Some signs can indicate use of any drug, whereas others point to meth use in particular.

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 the user feel more energetic. This 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 sniffing crystal meth is exhibiting psychotic symptoms. This can include paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations. Psychotic 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, they may be using meth. However, it is important to bear in mind that these symptoms can also be caused by other factors, such as 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 of snorting meth is a bleeding nose, what some may call ‘meth 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. Tissue damage from snorting meth is another common occurrence, such as perforation and necrotic tissue in the septum.

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, ultimately causing the teeth to decay. Meth users may also have poor dental hygiene, which can contribute to this symptom. Tooth decay is one of the symptoms of a broader condition called meth face, where someone’s appearance is altered due to use of the drug.

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

It’s not for naught that meth has such a bad reputation. Snorting meth is dangerous for a plethora of different reasons. Someone who snorts meth consistently 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 life. 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

As mentioned earlier, another effect of snorting meth is tissue damage in the nose. This is because when someone snorts the drug, they are 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 pose dangers to themselves or others.

Physical Health Problems

Methamphetamine 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 an Addiction to Snorting Meth

If you or someone you know is struggling with a meth addiction, there is help available. Many drug rehab centers specialize in treating meth addiction, and they 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 professional staff on site who have helped countless people navigate themselves out of meth addiction. Your first step towards lasting recovery starts now.

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The Effects of Snorting Meth