Everything you

need to know
about crystal meth
Medically reviewed by Alyssa
Peckham, PharmD, BCPP — By
Yvette Brazier and Zawn Villines
— Updated on August 22, 2022

Recreational use
Effects on the brain
Effects on the body
Addiction and withdrawal
Treatment and rehabilitation
Summary

Crystal meth, or
methamphetamine, is a
stimulant drug that carries a
high risk for physical
dependence. In the United
States, a different formulation
of methamphetamine called
Desoxyn is available by
prescription to treat attention
deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD).

Crystal meth has a number of street

names, including ice and glass. It
resembles shiny “rocks” or fragments
of glass of varying sizes. It is the most
potent form of meth.

The drug is odorless and colorless.

As a stimulant , it speeds up activity
in the central nervous system, which
can cause a person to feel euphoric,
powerful, and alert.

Illegal labs make the drug by

combining ingredients derived from
over-the-counter drugs, especially
cough and cold medications, with
toxic substances.

According to the National Survey on

Drug Use and Health, 0.9% of people
in the U.S. will have used meth at
some point during the last 12 months.
In 2020, 23,837 people died of
overdoses from stimulants in the U.S.
Methamphetamine was responsible
for most of these overdoses.
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Recreational use
kaarsten/Getty Images

Crystal meth is a powerful stimulant

drug that can cause  feelings of
euphoria and high energy. People
may choose meth because of these
euphoric effects.

Meth can also cause rapid weight

loss, a higher libido, and intense
feelings of alertness and
concentration.

Some people self-medicate for these

effects, hoping to lose weight,
improve their sexual performance,
reduce depression, or concentrate
more at work or school.

For most people, the effects of

crystal meth last for 6–12 hours,
making the “high” much longer than
that of other stimulants, such as
cocaine. Some people choose meth
because of its longer lasting effects.

However, as with most addictive

substances, the body begins to
tolerate  meth with prolonged use.
This reduces the intensity of the high
a person gets. It also reduces other
desired effects of the drug, including
improvements in libido and
concentration. This tolerance may
cause a person to use more crystal
meth to get the same high they once
got with a lower dose.

Over time, this can lead to addiction.

People with a substance use disorder
may use these types of drugs, and
others, to feel normal. If they stop
using them, they may experience
painful withdrawal effects.

How do people take it?

A person can snort or inject crystal

meth. The way a person takes meth
may affect the high. For example,
smoking offers a shorter and more
intense high, including a “rush” when
a person first smokes.

How crystal meth affects

the brain
Crystal meth boosts  the release of
the neurotransmitter dopamine and
stops its reuptake. As a result, it
increases the levels of dopamine in
the body.

Dopamine plays  an important role

in motor function, motivation, reward,
and how the brain experiences and
interprets pleasure.

The dopamine rush in the reward

centers of the brain gives a person a
sense of euphoria soon after taking
the drug.

According to the National Institute on

Drug Abuse (NIDA), brain imaging
studies on people who have
inappropriately used
methamphetamine for a long time
suggest that dopamine system
activity changes in such a way that it
can seriously compromise a person’s
verbal learning and motor skills.

Crystal meth can also severely affect

the brain’s structure and function. It
affects areas of the brain linked to
emotion and memory, as well as
structures associated with judgment.
Due to this, it may radically change
behaviors and emotions.

This may explain why people who

chronically use crystal meth often
develop emotional and cognitive
difficulties.

Some of the changes to the brain

that result from inappropriate crystal
meth use remain long after a person
has stopped taking the drug. Other
changes to the brain may reverse
after long periods of abstinence, but
this could take a year or more.

Repeated use can have some

psychological effects.

These include:

anxiety, irritability, and

 aggressive or violent behavior

alertness and increased

concentration
hyperactivity and insomnia

increased energy, libido, self-

esteem, confidence, and
sociability

delusions of grandeur with a

sensation of power and
invincibility

hallucinations and paranoia

psychomotor agitation and

compulsive skin picking,
leading to skin sores

repetitive and obsessive

behaviors

psychosomatic disorders, in
which a mental disturbance
causes an apparent physical
symptom or ailment

When people take crystal meth

regularly or in high dosages, it can
cause drug-induced psychosis.

A person who regularly uses crystal

meth also has a high risk of
becoming overly reliant on the drug
or developing a substance use
disorder.

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How crystal meth affects
the body
The drug can also lead to some
physical effects .

These include:

anorexia, meaning a loss of

appetite

blurred vision

face sores

gum disease and cracked teeth

constipation or diarrhea

dilated pupils

dizziness

dry mouth and skin

hyperthermia, which is a high

body temperature

flushing

headaches
high blood pressure

numbness
 pale skin

profuse sweating
rapid breathing

restlessness, twitching, and

tremors

abnormal heart rhythm, rapid

heartbeat, and palpitations

Using the drug can lead to lowered

inhibitions and behaviors that put the
person in danger.

Chronic use or an overdose can lead

to convulsions, stroke, and heart
attack. It can even be fatal.

Oral decay

People who regularly use crystal

meth may develop tooth decay,
cracked or broken teeth, or gum
disease.

Several factors contribute to tooth

decay in people who use crystal
meth:

They frequently grind and

clench their teeth while high.

The use of the drug tends to dry

the mouth, reducing the levels
of protective saliva.

They experience a high and

may crave sugary drinks.

People often neglect oral

hygiene during the long lasting
 euphoric period.

Substance use disorder

and withdrawal
Crystal meth produces feelings of
euphoria for up to 12 hours , and
people crave its powerful effects
again and again.

However, after several uses, the

same dose no longer has the same
effect. A person develops drug
tolerance and needs more  of the
drug to achieve the same effect.

A person can develop a substance

use disorder after using meth only a
few times.

In time, the need for the high

becomes more important than other
factors in the person’s life, while the
use of the drug increasingly achieves
only a break from withdrawal
symptoms. If a person tries to break
the cycle, they will experience
withdrawal symptoms.

Although the person’s blood will be

free of the drug after 1–3 days
without using it, the psychological
symptoms may continue for a while.

This is because crystal meth, like

some other drugs, changes the
person’s brain chemistry. Moreover, a
person may use meth to cope with
other problems, such as depression,
boredom, or sexual dysfunction.

Some withdrawal symptoms that a

person may experience include:

agitation and anxiety

severe depression

fatigue and insomnia

psychosis

The person will likely also experience

emotional turmoil and strong cravings
for some time.

These symptoms can last for days or

weeks, depending on how long the
individual has used crystal meth.

Treatment and
rehabilitation
Substance use disorder is a medical
diagnosis that warrants medical
treatment. It is not a moral failing, and
people cannot think or will their way
out of it.

Instead, treatment focuses on:

managing physical withdrawal

 symptoms

supporting a person to manage

the underlying issues that led to
the harmful use of crystal meth

cultivating healthier coping

skills

Drug rehabilitation programs can

help people through the withdrawal
process, allowing them to achieve
their goals related to crystal meth
use.

The Food and Drug Administration

(FDA) has not currently approved any
drugs that can help a person recover
from substance use disorder.
However, behavioral therapy
programs have proven effective. One
such program, the Matrix Model, lasts
for 16 weeks. It combines cognitive
behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes,
family therapy, and 12-step programs.

Incentive programs that offer rewards

for remaining drug-free may also be
helpful.

No specific drug can treat

methamphetamine withdrawal.
However, a doctor may prescribe
medication for other symptoms, such
as depression or anxiety. A person
with severe withdrawal symptoms
may need to go through a medical
detox program, where a doctor can
monitor them and treat any
symptoms as they appear.

For anyone concerned about a loved

one who may have a substance use
disorder, the NIDA provides
information and guidance  about
what to do.

Summary
Crystal meth has no medical use, and
it carries a high risk for physical and
psychological dependence.
Prolonged use can cause serious
health issues, including gum disease
and tooth loss. It may also affect a
person’s relationships, finances, and
future.

Regardless of a person’s reason for

using crystal meth or the length of
time they have been using it,
treatment is possible. People should
contact a doctor or specialist who
deals with substance use disorders
for support.
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Last medically reviewed on August 22, 2022

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Everything you
need to know
about cocaine
Medically reviewed by University
of Illinois — By Yvette Brazier on
May 15, 2017

Quick facts Recreational use

Effects Risks Treating addiction

Cocaine is a highly addictive

and a naturally occurring
anesthetic, or pain blocker.

It is extracted from the leaves of

Erythroxylon coca (E. coca), also
known as  the coca scrub, a plant
that grows in the Andean highlands
of South America.

It is the most powerful stimulant of

natural origin. When Coca-Cola was
first produced, it contained 9
milligrams of cocaine per glass. In
1903, this ingredient was removed,
but the drink still has coca flavoring.

In 1884 , Karl Koller, an Austrian

ophthalmologist, first used cocaine as
an anesthetic during eye surgery. It
was a popular and widely used
anesthetic until the early 20th
century.

As the medical profession came to

realize that cocaine was addictive,
safer anesthetics were developed.
Cocaine, in its basic form, is no
longer routinely used.

However, cocaine and its derivative,

crack cocaine, are widely used as
illegal recreational drugs.
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Fast facts on cocaine

Here are some key points about
cocaine. More detail is in the main
article.

Cocaine can be smoked,

injected, or snorted

Crack is a type of cocaine

Long-term cocaine use

increases the risk of heart
disease

Cocaine can make changes to

 the structure of the brain

Recreational use

Cocaine is a powdered drug processed from

the leaves of the Erythroxylon coca plant.

As a recreational drug, cocaine is

known as powder, snow, ski, soft,
blow, slopes, coca, marching powder,
benzoylmethylecgonine, and nose
candy.

It is normally found as a white,

crystalline powder or as an off-white,
chunky substance.

In powder form, it usually consists of

cocaine hydrochloride diluted with
other substances, such as lidocaine,
a local anesthetic, sugars (lactose),
inositol, and mannitol.

Diluting the cocaine enables the

seller to make more profit by
“stretching” the amount of pure
cocaine they have to sell.

Cocaine can be taken by:

 Snorting or inhaling through the
nose. It enters the bloodstream
via the nasal tissues

Injecting, which releases it

directly into the bloodstream

Smoking or inhaled into the

lungs, where it rapidly enters
the bloodstream

What is crack?

Crack is the street name for a type of

cocaine that has had the
hydrochloride removed, making it
possible to smoke.

When the mixture is heated, it makes

a crackling sound, hence the name.
Crack producers make crack with
baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) or
ammonia and water, and it is heated
to remove the hydrochloride.

The crack smoker receives large

doses of cocaine. The effect is
intense and virtually immediate, as
with injected cocaine, but the “high”
lasts only around 5 minutes.

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Effects

Crack cocaine may be smoked and can lead

to a shorter but more intense high.

Cocaine has a very powerful

stimulating effect on the nervous
system. It raises levels of dopamine,
a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure,
movement, and the brain’s reward
circuit.

Normally, neurons release dopamine

in response to a pleasurable
stimulus, such as the smell of good
food. Once the dopamine has passed
on its message, it returns inside the
neuron, and the signal stops.
Cocaine stops the dopamine from
getting back into the neuron, so it
accumulates and continues to send 
the pleasurable message to the
brain.

The excess dopamine gives the user

a feeling of enhanced well-being,
euphoria, alertness, motor activity,
and energy.

The effects generally last between 15

and 30 minutes , but shorter with
crack.

Risks
Cocaine and crack cocaine are illegal
drugs. This is because they involve
health risks.

Addiction

Cocaine is a highly addictive drug.

Long-term use can gradually change

the brain’s reward system, increasing
the risk of addiction.

In occasional cocaine users, social or

physical problems are rare, but
scientists insist there is no safe
amount of cocaine.

People who are addicted may

eventually prefer taking cocaine to
any other activity. Their lifestyles may
alter completely as the addiction
takes hold.

The person may lose their job, home,

family, and become bankrupt. The
consequences can be fatal.

Overdose

Cocaine users run a high risk of strokes and

heart attacks.

An overdose of cocaine can lead to

seizures, life-threatening heart failure,
cerebral hemorrhage, stroke, and
respiratory failure.

Regular usage, even without

overdosing, increases the risk of
negative health consequences.

There is no specific medication to

treat cocaine overdose.
Some studies have shown that those
who inject or smoke cocaine have a
greater risk of complications than
individuals who snort it. Smokers
tend to develop an addiction more
rapidly than those who snort.

Smoking cocaine also increases the

risk of developing respiratory
problems, such as shortness of
breath, coughing, and lung trauma,
including bleeding.

Physical changes

Scientists at the University of

Cambridge in England identified
abnormal brain structure in the frontal
lobe of the brain of cocaine users.

The team scanned the brains of 120

individuals, half of whom were
addicted to cocaine. Results showed
a widespread loss of gray matter
among cocaine users. The loss was
greater among those who had used
the drug for longer.

The basal ganglia, a part of the brain

that houses the reward system, was
found to be larger among individuals
who were dependent on cocaine.

The scientists believe  that the basal

ganglia were already enlarged before
the addiction began. This would
suggest that some people might be
more vulnerable to the addictive
effects of cocaine.

Risk of stroke and heart attack

Research indicates  that cocaine use

can significantly increase the risk of a
heart attack or stroke.

Recreational cocaine users have

been found to have harder arteries,
thicker heart muscle walls, higher
blood pressure, and up to a 35
higher risk of a hardened aorta,
compared with people who have
never used the drug.

Other health risks

Cocaine use can also have the

following effects:

Addiction can lead to damaging lifestyle

changes and health risks. Treatment can be
the key to preserving relationships and
healthfulness.

constricted blood vessels

high body temperature

 rapid heart rate

high blood pressure, heart

failure, and stroke

headaches
abdominal pain

nausea

decreased appetite, with a risk

of malnourishment among
chronic users

severe paranoia, an impaired

sense of reality

hallucinations, or hearing things

that are not there

upper respiratory tract problems

from regular snorting, including
a loss of the sense of smell,
nosebleeds, nasal septum
decay, swallowing problems,
persistent runny nose, and
hoarseness

severe bowel gangrene caused

by a reduction in blood flow
among those who ingest
regularly
injecting increases the risk of
severe allergic reactions and
blood-borne diseases, such as
HIV and hepatitis

Binge pattern cocaine use can lead

to irritability, anxiety, and
restlessness.

Cocaethylene: Cocaine and

alcohol

People who abuse substances often

take more than one drug at the same
time. When a person consumes
cocaine and alcohol together, the
liver produces cocaethylene.

Cocaethylene prolongs the euphoric

effects of cocaine and makes them
more intense.

For that reason, drug users

sometimes take cocaethylene as a
recreational drug itself.

However, cocaethylene use is linked

to a significantly greater risk of
sudden death, compared with
cocaine alone.

Treating addiction
Recognizing an addiction is the first
step to losing it.

Depending on the nature of the

abuse, some patients who seek help
will be advised to attend a residential
rehabilitation program, or a
structured day program.

Medications can treat the symptoms

related to cocaine withdrawal, but
there is no substitute drug that can
effectively help a patient recover
from a cocaine dependency.

Individuals who stop using the drug

will have powerful cravings that can
last for years.

Counseling, social support, and some

specialist medications may help.

The National Treatment Agency for

Substance Misuse (NTA) says that 70
percent of people who go into
treatment for powder cocaine
problems either stop completely or
significantly reduce their
consumption within 6 months.

Anyone who is concerned about

cocaine use should see a doctor or a
local support group for beating
addiction.

Last medically reviewed on May 15, 2017

Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs

Neurology / Neuroscience

How we reviewed this article:

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What to know
about meth and
face sores
Medically reviewed by Meredith
Goodwin, MD, FAAFP — By Zia
Sherrell, MPH on May 28, 2022

Facial signs Causes

Meth scabs and meth mites
Treatment Meth risks
Seeking help Summary

Face sores are a visible side

effect of using the drug
methamphetamine, known as
crystal meth or meth. They
typically happen because
meth makes a person scratch
and pick at their skin, but
they can also result from the
drug’s toxic effects. The
sores can take weeks or
months to heal and often
leave scars.

Methamphetamine is a powerful and

addictive stimulant that can cause
significant damage to a person’s
health and appearance.

In the short term, it causes increases

in breathing, heart rate, and blood
pressure. Long-term use may lead to
significant weight loss, paranoia,
hallucinations, and mental health
problems.

This article discusses meth face

sores and other signs of meth use. It
also looks at how people who use
meth can find help and support.
ADVERTISEMENT

What is “meth face”?

Bangmaha Art/EyeEm/Getty Images

“Meth face” is a term that people use

to describe the physical effects that
meth use can have. A person’s
appearance may become drastically
different following chronic meth use.

The effects can include sores and

lesions on the skin and premature
aging.

Lesions are often the result of picking

at the skin, a common side effect of
meth use. The constant picking can
lead to open sores that are
susceptible to infection. The skin
might appear discolored or have
blemishes that resemble acne or a
rash.

In addition, meth use can cause

wrinkles, dark spots, and hardened
skin.

Meth also affects face symmetry. A

2020 study looked at this
phenomenon. The authors note that
facial asymmetry increases slightly
with age, regardless of drug use.
However, people who use meth have
exaggerated facial asymmetry.

Severe tooth decay and gum disease

are other consequences of meth use.
“Meth mouth” can cause the teeth to
break or fall out, affecting a person’s
oral health and their appearance.

A 2015 study involving 571 people

using meth showed that 96% had
cavities, 58% had tooth decay, and
31% had six or more missing teeth.
People who use meth often have
black, stained, and rotting teeth. The
extensive damage is likely due to dry
mouth, poor oral hygiene, and the
acidic nature of the drug.

Weight loss  and malnutrition can

contribute to the sunken eyes and
hollow cheeks that often appear in
those using meth. Additionally, the
toll on overall health can affect the
facial appearance of these
individuals.

What causes meth face

sores?
Meth face sores are often the result
of a person picking and scratching at
the skin, which is a common side
effect of meth use. The constant
picking can lead to open sores that
are susceptible to infection.

Meth is a water-soluble drug.

Therefore, a person using the drug
may sweat out toxic meth from their
pores. Scientists have detected meth
in sweat 2 hours after use, with
traces remaining for more than a
week following multiple doses. Sweat
that contains meth toxins can
damage the skin and cause sores to
form.

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What are meth scabs and
meth mites?
Meth mites are imaginary bugs or
insects that people using meth may
“feel.” A person perceives these
mites because of a tactile
hallucination called formication.
Feeling these crawling sensations
without physical stimulation is a form
of dysesthesia . Other sensations
may include burning, tingling,
numbness, and cold.

The crawling feeling occurs due to

the combination of an increased
body temperature, which leads to
sweating and oily skin, and
dehydration.

The sensation of meth mites is so

overwhelming that individuals may
begin to scratch intensely and pick at
the skin in an attempt to relieve
themselves of the bugs.

Experts believe that about 43%  of

individuals with methamphetamine
use disorder experience psychotic
symptoms, which include
hallucinations that may involve meth
mites.

Meth sores occur when imaginary

meth mites prompt scratching and
skin picking. Meth sores may also
result from burns from meth
paraphernalia, a weakened immune
system, a lack of personal hygiene,
and infection.

Treatment for meth sores

There is no specific treatment for
meth sores other than general wound
care.

If a person has open sores, it is

important to keep them clean, dry,
and free of debris to help prevent
infection. They can also use a topical
antibiotic cream to help kill bacteria
and promote healing.

Anyone with meth sores should avoid

scratching or picking at them, as
doing so could introduce germs into
the wounds.
Risks and dangers of
meth
Meth is a highly addictive drug that
can have severe short- and long-term
effects on a person’s physical and
mental health.

Short-term effects may include:

increased breathing rate

rapid or irregular heartbeat

elevated blood pressure

increased body temperature

heightened wakefulness and
activity levels
decreased appetite

Besides the skin sensations and

sores, some of the long-term risks
and dangers of meth use include:

an increased risk of contracting

diseases such as HIV, hepatitis
B, and hepatitis C

significant weight loss

addiction

serious dental problems

anxiety and confusion

sleeping issues

violent behavior

paranoia
hallucinations
Additionally, continued meth use
causes changes in the brain’s
structure, function, and dopamine
system. This can lead to problems
with coordination, verbal learning,
memory, and other cognitive
functions.

Some changes may eventually

reverse when a person stops using
the drug, but others may be
irreversible.

Seeking help
Support is available for people with
meth use disorder. Asking for help is
the start of the path to recovery.

Treatment for methamphetamine use

disorder often includes behavioral
therapy, counseling, and medication.
In addition, various residential and
outpatient programs are available, so
it is important to find one that is right
for the individual.

A good place to start is speaking with

a doctor who can make a referral to a
treatment center. People can also
use the Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration’s
Behavioral Health Treatment
Services Locator.

Seeking help for addiction

may seem daunting or even
 scary, but several
organizations can provide
support. If you believe that
you or someone close to you
is showing signs of addiction,
you can contact the following
organizations for immediate
help and advice:

Substance Abuse and

Mental Health Services
Administration
(SAMHSA): 800-662-
4357 (TTY: 800-487-
4889)
988 Suicide & Crisis
Lifeline: 988

Was this helpful? s r

Summary
Meth face is a term that people use
to describe the visible signs of
methamphetamine use. These signs
may include sores, skin infections,
dry skin, facial asymmetry, premature
aging, and a hollow, sunken
appearance. Additionally, severe
dental decay often characterizes
meth use.

Meth face sores usually occur when a

person who has taken meth intensely
scratches and picks at the skin
because they are experiencing
hallucinations of mites crawling over
them. Burns from meth paraphernalia
or infection may also cause meth
sores, as may sweat containing
toxins from the drug.

Meth is a highly addictive drug that

has severe short- and long-term
effects on a person’s physical and
mental health. Therefore, anyone
finding it difficult to refrain from using
the drug should seek help as soon as
possible.

Last medically reviewed on May 28, 2022

Dermatology Mental Health

Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs
Psychology / Psychiatry

How we reviewed this article:

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RELATED COVERAGE
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