The Dangers of Snorting Meth

Medically Verified: 2/1/24

Medical Reviewer

Chief Editor

All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

Meth is a highly addictive stimulant drug. While it is used medicinally to treat conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), this is uncommon. Most of the time, the meth you abuse is being created in illegal drug labs.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), about 2.5 million people reported abusing meth in 2021.

Crystal meth can be swallowed, smoked, snorted, or injected. Any form of meth abuse will cause you to experience an intense rush along with other effects including increased energy, rapid heart rate, and even feelings of paranoia.

The most common way to abuse meth is to smoke it. However, you might begin snorting it to increase the initial rush you experience. Snorting meth increases the risk of certain health complications, including nasal damage, respiratory issues, and life-threatening overdoses.

Can You Snort Meth?

Meth is a central nervous system stimulant that can make you feel energized, euphoric, and increase your self-confidence. On the contrary, it also causes symptoms like increased heart rate, body temperature, and feelings of anxiety or paranoia. If you binge on meth you might experience symptoms of psychosis, like hallucinations or delusions.

Snorting methamphetamine might cause the initial rush of energy and euphoria to feel more potent. This is because the drug will reach your bloodstream faster when it is snorted.

The effects of snorting meth include:

• Increased attention and energy
• A rush of euphoria
• Increased activity and wakefulness
• Lessened need for food and sleep
• Increased breathing
• Excessive sweating
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Anxiety and paranoia

Long-term effects of meth abuse include addiction, cardiovascular conditions, psychosis, and more. If you are a meth user, you should seek meth addiction treatment sooner rather than later.

What are the Dangers of Snorting Meth?

You might begin by smoking meth. Once you become tolerant of this method of administration, it is common to start snorting it. Unfortunately, snorting meth puts you at risk of various health complications, from nasal damage to increased risk of diseases and life-threatening overdoses.

The dangers of snorting meth include:

Sinus Issues

If you begin snorting meth to avoid developing meth mouth, unfortunately, you are just trading one health complication for another. Instead of tooth decay and gum disease, you will experience a range of sinus issues.

Snorting meth can cause chronic nosebleeds, sinus pain, and conditions like sinusitis or rhinitis. This is due to the irritation caused by snorting crystal meth.

Nasal Damage

In addition to sinus issues, snorting meth can damage your nose and nasal passages. Because meth is a crystalline substance, the stuff you are snorting can be very sharp. Over time, you can develop significant damage like a perforated septum.

Perforated septums cause dangerous symptoms, like nosebleeds, breathing issues, and a whistling sound when you breathe.

Increased Risk of Infections and Diseases

Another risk of snorting meth is developing infections and diseases. First, you might share straws or dollars that you use to snort meth with your friends. If one of them has a disease like HIV or hepatitis, you could contract it, as snorting causes microtears in your nose that allow diseases to enter your bloodstream. 

Overdose

Lastly, snorting meth can make it difficult to remain careful about what dose you are consuming. You might snort too much at once, putting you at risk of experiencing a life-threatening overdose.

The symptoms of a meth overdose include:

• Aggressive behavior towards oneself or others
• Paranoid thoughts or delusions
• Chest pain and heart palpitations
• Trouble breathing
• Increased body temperature
• Heart attack or cardiac arrest
• Seizures

If you believe someone is experiencing a meth overdose, contact 911. When you are seeking emergency medical care, you will not be prosecuted for drug possession. It is safe to be completely honest about what drugs have been taken so the person overdosing can receive the care they need.

Find Help for Meth Abuse and Addiction

Whether you are snorting, smoking, or injecting meth, it’s time to seek professional help. Meth rehab programs can help you recover from addiction with a combination of therapy, support, and medical detox services.

If you or a loved one are seeking meth addiction treatment, you’ve come to the right place. South Carolina Addiction Treatment Center is here to help you regain control over your life and achieve long-lasting sobriety.

We are a dual-diagnosis facility with a primary focus on substance abuse. We offer individualized, extended-term treatment in an intimate setting located in Greenville / Simpsonville, SC. We take a holistic approach to treating addiction, offering a variety of treatment modalities centered around identifying and resolving the underlying issues associated with the addiction.

Contact us today to learn more about our meth addiction treatment program.