How Much Meth Does It Take To Overdose?

There is not a particularly clear answer to how much meth it takes to overdose because of the nature of how meth is produced.

Meth is a Schedule II regulated substance, meaning that it is illegal to own, produce, sell, or use.

Because of this, it can only be manufactured in domestic labs or superlabs with street-quality or illicitly sourced ingredients — many of which vary from batch to batch.

Since each batch of methamphetamine is different from the next, cutting agents, levels of toxicity, potency, and purity levels can differ substantially.

This means that even a person accustomed to meth use who takes a ‘regular’ dose by their usual standards can experience an overdose.

In addition to the variation in solvents and cutting agents used between batches, some producers lace the meth with other drugs, such as fentanyl, cocaine, or opioids.

Many people in the midst of a meth addiction are completely unaware of what ingredients are used in their meth, which can lead to an accidental overdose.

Factors That Influence The Amount Of Meth It Takes To Overdose

There are many factors that can produce different meth side effects and greatly affect how much meth it takes to overdose, including history of use, body weight, purity, and more.

Amount Of Meth Ingested

The most obvious variable in determining how much meth it takes to overdose is, of course, the amount of methamphetamine ingested.

Higher doses of meth are more likely to lead to overdose in general, but this is not the only factor to consider.

Method Of Use

The means by which methamphetamine is ingested can alter the chance of experiencing an overdose.

For instance, injecting meth into the bloodstream intravenously means that the effects of meth on the brain are felt much faster than swallowing or snorting methamphetamine.

Because of the speed of the incoming high, the potency of the product can shock the central nervous system at a faster pace than that of oral or nasal ingestion.

Body Weight

The body weight of the person can also greatly affect the amount of methamphetamine it takes to overdose.
The higher the body weight, the more substance is needed to produce the same effect.

This is due to longer blood circulation times, higher dilution percentages because of water weight, and other factors which slow down the effects of meth on the body.

Tolerance Level

Just as with many other drugs, people using methamphetamine for prolonged periods of time can build up a natural tolerance to the drug.

Since meth empties the brain’s dopamine reserves, more and more of the drug is required each time to achieve the same high.

Lastly, people used to smoking or ingesting meth create a buildup in the body of leftover methamphetamine, so as the tolerance continues to build, the risk of overdose increases.

Person’s Age

The older a person is, the slower their metabolism, and likewise the inverse.

This means that meth substance abuse can affect people differently based on the speed at which their body processes it.

Additionally, the slower and weaker the metabolism, the easier it is to accidentally or inadvertently ‘over amp’ the body with meth, leading to an increased risk of overdose.

Signs And Symptoms Of A Meth Overdose

Methamphetamine can cause a number of health complications to develop as a result of substance use.

Knowing some of the signs of a potential meth overdose can help you to save a life.

Some of the signs of meth overdose include:

• high blood pressure, also called hypertension
• increased heart rate
• high body temperature, otherwise known as hyperthermia
• chest pain
• stomach pain due to amphetamine and methamphetamine toxicity levels
• hyperactivity and nervousness

Risks Of Overdosing On Methamphetamine

Overdosing high doses of meth can spell a number of serious health complications, some of which can be chronic and even fatal.

Some of these risks include:

• chronic cardiovascular stress
• increased chance of heart attack
• kidney failure
• mental health and behavioral complications, including long-lasting psychosis
• risk of overdose death

Treatment Options For Meth Overdose

Fortunately, there are many addiction treatment services available to help people with a meth addiction enter into a new life of health and sobriety.

While some self-detoxification programs may work for ceasing meth use, it is recommended that you seek professional meth addiction treatment at a certified rehab center.

Some of these drug addiction treatment programs and services include:

• drug abuse counseling classes
• supervised detox programs
• inpatient and outpatient treatment programs
• mental health services
• behavioral therapy
• educational and vocational programs
• residential treatment options
• counseling and therapy

Find Behavioral Health Services At Bedrock Recovery Center

If you or a loved one are in need of methamphetamine addiction treatment services, give our helpline a call today to discuss enrollment at Bedrock.