Methamphetamine Use Disorder

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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Methamphetamine (meth) use disorder is a medical condition that develops from long-term use of meth. You are not able to stop even though it causes physical or social problems. Meth use disorder is also called meth abuse.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• You have chest pain, and your heartbeat or breathing is faster than usual.
• You have a seizure.
• You want to hurt yourself or someone else.

Return to the emergency department if:

• You are so nervous that you cannot do your daily activities.
• You feel sick or vomit, or have headaches or trouble breathing while being around or cooking meth. You may also feel dizzy.
• Children or others who have been near meth look or act ill, or will not wake up.

Call your doctor or therapist if:

• You have a fever.
• You know or think you may be pregnant.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Medicines:

• Medicines may be given to help you stay calm, reduce depression, or decrease false thoughts.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Therapy

may be offered in a hospital, outpatient facility, or drug rehabilitation center. The goal is to help you decrease or stop using meth.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you manage depression and anxiety caused by meth use disorder. CBT can be done with you and a talk therapist or in a group with others.
• Motivational enhancement therapy can help you set and reach healthy, positive goals.
• Twelve-step facilitation (TSF) is a short, structured approach to reach early recovery. It is done one-to-one with a therapist in 12 to 15 sessions.

Lower the risk for certain problems meth use can cause:

• Do not mix meth with medicines, drugs, or alcohol. The combination can be life-threatening.
• Learn about the signs of an overdose so you know how to respond. Tell others about these signs so they will know what to do if needed. Signs include a fast heartbeat, chest pain, a severed headache, hallucinations, heavy sweating, and agitation. Get immediate help or call your local emergency number (911 in the US) for signs of a meth overdose.
• Do not share used needles with anyone. Your risk for HIV, hepatitis, and other diseases is higher if you share used needles. Ask about needle exchange programs. You may be able to return used needles and syringes and replace them with clean items.
• Work with healthcare providers if you are pregnant or want to breastfeed. Meth is not safe for you or your baby. Meth can prevent your baby from growing in your womb as he or she should. He or she may be born too early or die before birth. Your baby may have problems with his or her heart, brain, or body development. Do not breastfeed or give your baby breast milk if you take meth. The meth will go to your baby through the breast milk.

Follow up with your doctor or therapist as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

For support and more information:

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
  PO Box 2345
  Rockville , MD 20847-2345
  Web Address: http://www.samhsa.gov or https://dpt2.samhsa.gov/treatment/
  

• National Institute on Drug Abuse
  6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 5213
  Bethesda , MD 20892-9561
  Phone: 1- 301 - 443-1124
  Web Address: www.nida.nih.gov
  

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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