Can You Snort Meth? Understanding the Risks and Consequences

Snorting Meth vs Smoking Meth or Injecting Meth

Methamphetamine is a substance that can be abused in more ways than one. I suffered from meth addiction for several years and I ingested it in every way possible. I smoked it, injected it, and snorted it. Snorting it was my go-to way of using it because the effects of the drug came on quicker.

So: can you snort meth? Well, yes, I know you can from personal experience. But it also led me down a very dark path.

Following a week-long meth binge, I checked myself into South Shores Detox and Recovery and was determined to put my substance abuse use behind me. I ended up learning a lot about myself in the process. Snorting meth became the most important thing in my life, and everything else fell by the wayside.

To learn more about the effects of meth, and how damaging of a drug it can be, as well as to hear about how I finally got help to quit, keep reading.

What is Methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Because it is such a powerful drug, there is a high potential for abuse and physical dependence. Methamphetamine is commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, but it is often obtained illicitly. Common slang terms for meth include “ice,” “glass,” and “crystal.”

When I finally got clean with the help of South Shores, I was able to finally see all of the damage that was done to my body and mind. It took months for me to finally get myself somewhat healthy and back on my feet. To learn more about the effects of meth, and how damaging of a drug it can be, keep reading.

The Effects of Snorting Meth

Many meth addicts prefer snorting meth due to the effects being felt faster, despite the burning sensation it causes. It usually takes fifteen to twenty minutes to feel the effects if you taking it orally. Smoking and snorting meth causes the effects to be felt more instantly without the syringe needed when injecting meth. Some addicts feel that snorting meth is actually a safer way to ingest the drug, which is far from the truth.

Snorting meth can cause immediate irritation of the nostrils, nasal passages, and throat. This can lead to a high concentration of extremely thin blood vessels in the nasal passageways. Prolonged snorting of drugs like meth can wear away the thin lining of the nostril, which can lead to a hole in the septum.

How Does Meth Addiction Begin?

The first time I tried meth, I was hooked. I had tried plenty of other drugs before this and I found stimulants to be my top choice. I had an increasingly worsening cocaine habit by the time I tried meth, and I made the switch almost instantly. I found meth to be cheaper and easier to obtain the cocaine, so my mind was made up.

Many addicts will tell you that the first time was the best, and every time they got high after that, they were chasing that feeling. That was my experience as well. I never was able to feel that same feeling again, even though I tried over and over. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as “chasing the dragon”.

The Mental Aspect Of Snorting Meth

Although meth causes a lot of physical health problems, the effects that it has on the mind cannot be understated. While I can tell you from personal experience, there are a ton of great resources that break things down more technically, like those offered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

The brain can quickly adapt to the feelings and effects brought about by the drug, spurring mental reliance and addiction. When I was addicted, my life revolved around finding meth, doing all of it, and then desperately trying to find more.

I checked all the boxes when it comes to the signs of meth abuse. Everyone in my life tried to talk to me about it and voice their concerns, but I was not interested. I burned just about every bridge and only associated with people who also abused crystal meth. My life revolved around substance abuse and nothing else.

Risks and Consequences of Snorting Meth

I already mentioned the damage that snorting meth does to the sinus cavity and respiratory system, and that is just the tip of the iceberg. The damage that meth abuse did to my physical appearance was very clear and obvious. At the height of my addiction, I was covered in skin sores, known as meth mites, and my dental hygiene suffered dramatically.

Meth causes tooth grinding, which can lead to broken and damaged teeth and gums. This is commonly referred to as “meth mouth.” I caused thousands of dollars worth of damage to my palate, and I am still suffering the consequences even though I have been clean for over two years.

Long-Term Damage Associated With Meth Abuse

Long-term meth users can experience an increased risk of infections and severe effects. Snorting meth can also lead to cardiac complications, including stroke, cardiac arrest, and heart attack. Meth users often suffer from psychosis or other forms of mental health struggles as well. When you rewire your brain to need meth all day every day, you’re going to feel the consequences.

Methamphetamine use disorder also leads to constant fear and paranoia. You feel like everyone is out to get you. I’ve stayed awake for days on end and thought people were following me everywhere I went. I had delusions of grandeur which led me to believe the government was monitoring my every move. I can’t believe I ever ended up in this position, but I did it all to myself.

Treatment Options for Meth Addiction

No matter how bad your meth use or addiction is, there are plenty of options available. Some people are of the belief that they can never get clean. I was that person too. I got so deep into my substance abuse that I had no way of imagining my life without it. I try to preach that as much as possible when I go to group therapy and see others struggling. You can get clean whenever you want, but at the end of the day, it is up to you.

Meth addiction treatment can include medical detox, behavioral therapies, medications to manage withdrawal symptoms, and support groups. I took advantage of all of these treatment options when I got to South Shores. The people at South Shores did a great job of tailoring the treatment to my individual needs. I had the best team of addiction professionals you could ask for.

Seeking Help for Meth Abuse and Addiction

If you or a loved one is struggling with drug abuse, there are a lot of approaches you can take. As hopeless as things seem, it’s important to not give up hope. If you are a family member of an addict, you are going to approach the situation carefully. If the careful approach doesn’t work, the tough love approach is necessary.

Addicts often don’t want to hear that they need help. The whole reason we abuse drugs is because we are trying to avoid help. We don’t want to face the reality of our situation. There is only so much you can say or do to help an addict. The best thing you can do is not let them take advantage of you.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Treatment centers can provide support and guidance throughout the recovery process, but you need to get there first. I was terrified to go to treatment, but it was the best decision I ever made. Early intervention is crucial in treating meth addiction. The sooner treatment is sought, the better the chances of recovery and the less chance of some form of meth overdose.

You hold all the power when it comes to your addiction. You can seek help and go to all the meetings you want, but it is in those solitary moments when things can get tricky. No one is going to hold your hand through the entire process, but just know that there will always be someone willing to listen if you need to talk things out.

Recovery, Sobriety, And Getting Your Life Back

Recovery from drug abuse is possible with the right treatment and support. When I was snorting methamphetamine all night and associating with questionable people, I never would have imagined that I would be clean and have a complete life turnaround. None of us in that position believe we can do it, but I’ve seen countless people get clean.

Your life doesn’t have to be defined by the bad choices you made in the past. I am a believer that you can destroy your life and build it back up if you have the right attitude. Staying positive and keeping yourself busy is a big part of the recovery process. My meth use is now behind me, a day at a time, and I am all about moving forward with my life, not going backward.

Get Proven Support for Recovery from Meth

Because I took that first step and sought treatment at South Shores, I was able to rebuild my life and be a source of support (and even inspiration!) for others. I tell my story as often as I possibly can and I look forward to the opportunity to help others. If you or a loved one is struggling, the solution is within reach. Believe in yourself and trust the process.

If you or someone you care about is struggling and using meth, reach out ‘the Shores today. Choosing to go to treatment there was a difference-maker in my recovery, and I believe it can be for you.