Meth psychosis is a terrifying and dangerous side effect of crystal meth abuse. In this article, we’ll explore that phenomenon and tell you what you need to know.
What Is Crystal Methamphetamine?
Crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as “crystal meth,” is a powerful and highly addictive central nervous system stimulant. It is a form of methamphetamine that appears as clear, crystalline shards resembling broken glass or ice. This drug is typically smoked, though it can also be snorted, injected, or ingested orally.
Methamphetamine abuse is a growing problem in the United States. From 2015 to 2019, frequent use of the drug increased by 66%. In 2023, over 2.6 million Americans used methamphetamine in the past year.
Street names for crystal methamphetamine include:
- Crystal meth
- Meth
- Crystal
- Ice
- Crank
- Glass
- Speed
Methamphetamine directly impacts the brain’s reward system by increasing the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation. This rapid and intense release of dopamine is what makes the drug highly addictive. Over time, repeated use can cause significant changes to the brain, impairing its ability to function normally. Meth psychosis is a particularly dangerous side effect of crystal meth abuse.
Methamphetamine Side Effects
Methamphetamine use can lead to a wide range of short-term and long-term side effects. These can vary depending on the method of consumption, the dose, and the individual’s health.
Below are the common side effects:
- Euphoria
- Increased heart rate
- Reduced appetite
- Increased energy
- Increased internal body temperature
- Dilated pupils
- Increased focus
- Insomnia
In the long term, there are a variety of dangerous side effects – most notably meth addiction, but also dental problems (meth mouth), skin sores, increased risk of heart failure or stroke, and mental health issues such as meth psychosis.
What Is Methamphetamine Psychosis?
Meth psychosis, which results from chronic meth use, is a terrifying form of drug psychosis in which a person experiences persistent visual hallucinations, paranoia, and persecutory delusions, similar to a psychotic disorder. It’s particularly similar to schizophrenia.
Although there are various factors behind it, meth psychosis is most often the result of chronic meth use.
Meth Psychosis Symptoms
There are a variety of unpleasant and highly visible symptoms of meth psychosis:
- Hallucinations: A person with meth psychosis may experience a variety of hallucinations. They may see things that aren’t there, including, disturbingly, bugs crawling on the skin (something known as “formication.”). They may even get the sensation of the “bugs” crawling on them, something known as “meth mites.” There are also audio hallucinations as well, like hearing voices that aren’t there.
- Paranoia: A person with meth psychosis may feel like they are being persecuted or followed, leading to extreme fear and distrust.
- Delusions: This includes all manner of false beliefs, including the idea that everyday events have special meaning, that strangers mean the meth user harm, or that they have special powers or knowledge.
- Increased Agitation: Users may become extremely agitated or aggressive, often due to heightened anxiety and fear stemming from their hallucinations or delusions.
- Cognitive Impairment: Poor judgment, difficulty focusing, and impulsive decisions due to an impaired ability to assess reality.
Meth psychosis is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, seeking professional help is crucial for recovery and safety.
How Long Does Meth Psychosis Last?
The symptoms of meth psychosis can last for days, weeks, or even longer, depending on the individual’s drug use patterns, the extent of the damage to their brain, and whether they receive treatment.
In some cases, meth psychosis can persist long after a person stops using methamphetamine, leading to ongoing mental health issues even after the drug has left their system. According to a study, meth psychosis can last anywhere from one to six months after the last use of meth.
What Causes Meth Psychosis?
Meth psychosis is caused by the drug’s powerful effects on the brain’s dopamine system, which can lead to disturbances in cognition, perception, and behavior. The longer someone uses methamphetamine, the more likely they are to experience meth psychosis, especially if they are using large doses or have been using the drug for extended periods.
A number of studies exist that unsurprisingly demonstrate a link between a person’s history of mental illness generally and their predisposition for meth psychosis. Particular mental illnesses that may be risk factors include antisocial personality disorder and certain affective disorders, as well as polysubstance use. Sleep deprivation – bad for a person’s mental state even if they don’t use meth – is also a factor.
Perhaps most intriguingly, the degree of overlap between symptoms of schizophrenia and those of meth psychosis seems to point to that being a risk factor. Per one study: “According to this line of research, first-degree relatives of individuals with MA psychosis are more than 5 times more likely to have schizophrenia, relative to MA users who did not develop psychosis.”
- Methamphetamine Trends in the United States
- Past year methamphetamine users U.S. 2009-2023 | Statista
- Formication – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
- Methamphetamine-Associated Psychosis – PMC
- The risk of psychotic symptoms associated with recreational methamphetamine use – PubMed
- Methamphetamine-associated psychosis – PubMed
- Methamphetamine Psychosis: Epidemiology and Management – PMC
