What is Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine, often referred to as meth, is a highly addictive synthetic drug that stimulates the central nervous system. It is typically found in the form of a white powder or a shiny crystal-like substance, known as crystal meth, but also as an active ingredient in tesla pills [1, 2].
Methamphetamine was developed in the early 20th century as an attempt to improve the medication amphetamine. Amphetamine is an active ingredient in Adderall, a treatment for ADHD. This project was a partial success, making a substance that was much stronger than the initial amphetamine [1].
The drug can be consumed in various ways, including being snorted, injected, or ingested orally. Crystal meth, on the other hand, is typically smoked using a small glass pipe [2].
Methamphetamine stimulates the nervous system by increasing monoamine release, which includes dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline. This makes the user feel more awake and even elicits feelings of euphoria. However, this initial euphoria is followed by a methamphetamine crash – low mood, agitation, irritability and anger or fear [1, 2].
Although methamphetamine is tightly regulated, it is a Schedule II substance. It can thus be used in certain medical contexts [3]. For instance, the ADHD medication Desoxyn contains methamphetamine. Some weight loss drugs that work differently from the conventional peptides for weight loss, can also include methamphetamine.
However, most meth use is illegal in the United States.
What is Methamphetamine Psychosis?
Methamphetamine psychosis, or meth psychosis, is a mental disorder that can occur in individuals who chronically use methamphetamine, a potent psychostimulant [4]. This is because excessive release of monoamines in the brain disturbs the homeostatic balance of neurotransmitters throughout the brain.
Meth psychosis is characterized by symptoms similar to those of schizophrenia.
These include:[5]
- paranoid delusions: irrational beliefs about people following you, trying to harm you or wanting to be your friend [6]. Paranoid delusions cannot be justified by objective evidence.
- visual, tactile and auditory hallucinations
- disturbances in mood: disturbances in mood can include periods of depression and periods of mania, similar to bipolar disorder [5, 7].
It's important to note that these symptoms can persist long after methamphetamine use has been discontinued.
Psychotic symptoms can also be caused by other medications and supplements, for example by psychedelic mushrooms, especially if taken by people with a risk for psychotic disorders
Methamphetamine Psychosis vs Schizophrenia
Methamphetamine psychosis is very similar to schizophrenia [8]. The distinction between methamphetamine psychosis and schizophrenia is made by determining if the psychotic episodes were preceded by methamphetamine use.
Treatment of Methamphetamine Psychosis
Psychosocial treatment of methamphetamine use disorder is a preventative measure for methamphetamine psychosis. This can include therapies based on principles of cognitive behavioural therapy or community support and group therapy.
In individuals who already exhibit symptoms of methamphetamine psychosis, prevention of methamphetamine relapse can prevent the recurrence of psychotic symptoms [9].
Once an individual already shows symptoms of meth psychosis, managing the acute psychotic symptoms. This often involves the use of antipsychotic medications, such as olanzapine or carbamazepine, and benzodiazepines. In sporadic cases, these symptoms may resolve without pharmacological treatment if the user can achieve a period of abstinence from methamphetamine [9].
In some instances, inpatient treatment may be necessary to manage psychotic symptoms such as delusions or auditory hallucinations.
Summary: Methamphetamine Psychosis
To summarise, methamphetamine psychosis is psychosis resulting from extended or incorrect methamphetamine use. It involves paranoia, auditory hallucinations and mood disturbances and can be treated by antipsychotics as well as psychosocial therapy.
It is not advisable to take methamphetamine unless it has been prescribed to you by a health professional. If you experience symptoms of psychosis, make sure to seek medical attention immediately, as this can be a side effect of your methamphetamine use.