Medically Reviewed By: Manish Mishra, MBBS
Although secondhand tobacco and marijuana smoke have been studied extensively for their possible effects, not as much is known about inhaling secondhand methamphetamine smoke.
But still, you might get high from secondhand meth smoke, especially if you are in close proximity to the person using this stimulant drug. However, there are other ways to ingest meth that are also dangerous.
There are a number of effects and dangers associated with getting a contact high from meth. General dangers of meth use include changes in blood pressure, meth mouth, heart attack, meth-induced psychosis, and other complications.
What A Meth Contact High Feels Like
Some meth lab studies have revealed concerning toxins disseminated during meth manufacture.
Homes used as meth labs have residues that have accumulated over the course of years. Second hand exposure to meth drug use (a contact high) may result in the following:
Sharpened Attention
A meth contact high can make you feel like you have tunnel vision and are completely focused on whatever task is at hand.
This can feel good if you are looking for a boost in concentration, but it can be dangerous if you’re driving or operating heavy machinery.
Lowered Inhibitions
Meth exposure can make you feel more social and less inhibited. While there are many benefits to having lowered inhibitions, there are also some risks.
For example, you might find yourself saying or doing things that you normally wouldn’t say or do when you’re sober.
It’s not uncommon for people who abuse meth to engage in risky sexual behavior when they’re under the influence of meth.
Feelings Of Euphoria
The effects of meth can make you feel like you’re on top of the world. You might find yourself feeling very happy and excited about life in general.
While there are some benefits to feeling euphoric, there are also some risks associated with feeling too good.
For example, you might be more likely to engage in risky behavior when you’re under a meth contact high.
Hyperthermia (Increased Body Temperature)
A meth contact high can make you feel hot and sweaty. You might notice that your body temperature is higher than normal, which can be a sign of hyperthermia.
This condition can be dangerous, so it’s important to get medical attention if you think you might have hyperthermia.
Raised Heart Rate
Smoking meth can make your heart beat faster than normal. This may also occur due to secondhand smoke. You might notice that you’re breathing fast and your hands are shaking.
How Long Second Hand Meth Stays In The Body
The amount of time that secondhand meth smoke lingers in the body is dependent on a variety of circumstances.
That includes the length of time and frequency with which the individual was in contact with the person who was smoking meth.
The results of a drug test can vary based on the test type and the method used to consume the meth.
Dangers Of Second Hand Meth Smoke
It’s improbable that someone who is sitting next to someone smoking meth will inhale enough of the drug’s toxins to get euphoric.
But the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) states that meth smoke can affect your central nervous system and mental health, and cause other health problems.
Treatment Programs For Meth Addiction
Meth substance abuse can be controlled with a proper addiction treatment program. Meth treatment programs focus on behavioral health, withdrawal symptoms, and co-occurring disorders.
Some choose outpatient care for their methamphetamine addiction, while others require more intense levels of care like residential or intensive outpatient treatment.
A combination of over-the-counter medications- naltrexone and bupropion- can also help combat the problem.
Naltrexone, used to treat opiate and alcohol addiction, reduces the euphoria and cravings associated with meth addiction. Buprenorphine, an antidepressant, treats nicotine addiction.
If you have any co-occurring mental health disorders or substance use disorders, these can be treated within a dual diagnosis treatment program.
Find Substance Use Disorder Treatment At Bedrock Recovery Center
If you or your loved one feel that meth is taking over your life, call Bedrock Recovery Center and get connected with a drug rehab program that meets your needs.
Our admissions coordinators are here 24/7 to answer any questions about the effects of methamphetamine and discuss treatment options for meth use.
Contact Bedrock Recovery Center to get a customized meth addiction treatment plan.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/wr/mm6552a3.htm
- National Institutes for Health: National Library of Medicine https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3029499/