The Reality
Each hit of meth gives up a piece of yourself. Take it back by choosing not to use meth.
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Meth is Hard on People and Their Life
Of all the drugs someone might try, meth is one of the most addictive and destructive substances out there. One hit, one taste, is all it takes to experience new emotional and physical lows. Whatever you’re going through or searching for, realize that the immediate and long-term damage of meth can make your current situation worse. Stay true to yourself by living meth-free.
Meth Changes Who You Are and How You Think
From the very first hit, meth kills brain cells and neurons.3, 4 You might not notice it right away, but over time the loss of brain functionality can wreck your cognition—your ability to think clearly, remember things, and make decisions. This cell death may never be fully repaired or replaced. Meaning your brain structure can be altered by meth forever.
The Spike
The moment meth enters your body, it triggers the brain to release dopamine at dangerously high levels. This artificial high is temporary and dangerous because it also blocks the brain’s ability to naturally release dopamine in the future.
The Comedown
After meth wears off, you can experience intense emotional and physical side effects that last for days. You can expect to have: severe headaches, muscle pain and weakness, an inability to sleep, extreme sadness, hopelessness, depression, anxiety, and irritability.8
The Drain
The dopamine dip after meth isn’t exactly temporary. Meth can rewire the brain in a way that results in a long-term inability to feel good or produce dopamine naturally on your own.
Meth Pushes You to Extremely Low Levels
Meth interferes with the production of dopamine—the “feel good” chemical that helps control body movement, motivation, and reinforcement of rewarding behaviors.5, 6, 7
Click each stage to learn why this is a major problem.
See What the Comedown From Meth Can Actually Feel Like
People talk about the high, but what they often hold back is how meth drops you into a chemically depressed state that can last for days.8 The more you use, the worse you will feel and the harder it becomes to experience happiness. The only way to avoid or escape the emptiness of this chemical comedown is by choosing not to use meth.
Meth Starts to Influence All Actions and Decisions
It's not just tweaks and ticks. Meth slows down your reactions, makes you less coordinated, and impairs your ability to make decisions.9 On top of work and everyday activities getting harder, your behavior can become more erratic. You may even find yourself in risky situations you normally would never be in.
Unmask the Real Reasons People Overdose
Click each card to see why these behaviors and thinking
can put you or others at risk of overamping or overdosing.
People Think
"I didn't take that much"
The Reality
Small amounts can still trigger overdose or overamping symptoms, including elevated body temperature and potentially deadly cardiovascular problems like rapid or irregular heart rate, and high blood pressure.10, 11, 12
People Think
"I’ve taken the same thing before"
The Reality
Fentanyl has changed the meth supply in Georgia.13 So even if it’s the same amount, same method, and picked up from the same person, a new batch could be laced with this deadly opioid.
People Think
"I trust my source"
The Reality
It’s impossible to see, taste, or smell if your meth has been laced with fentanyl. All it takes is two salt-sized grains for a grown adult to overdose.14
People Think
"I know my tolerance"
The Reality
It’s easy to overestimate what you can handle. The method, how fast you take it, and building too high of a tolerance can cause you to do too much without realizing it in time.
Reminder
If you spot an overdose, DO NOT RUN. Stick around and CALL 911.
The Good Samaritan Law protects you and the person overdosing.
You Can Take Back Control of Your Life
Using meth messes with your natural dopamine levels in a way that overrides your normal instincts and ability to feel any pleasure without it. After each use it teaches your brain to give up more and more control. When this happens, your world can start to fall apart. Life can feel unmanageable. Even if you question it, know that there are ways to stop and you don’t have to quit alone.
Find a Way Out
No matter how stuck or lost you or someone in your life feels, recovery from addiction or meth use disorder is possible with the right connections and support.
Get Support
Sources
Unmasking Meth is funded by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities’ Office of Behavioral Health Prevention & Federal Grants (DBHDD/OBHPFG). DBHDD/OBHPFG was awarded the State Opioid Response (SOR) grant from October 2020 to September 2022, by the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
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