Methods of Use

Methods of Use

Smoking methamphetamine is the most frequent route of administration but it may be taken orally, by injection, or intranasal ("snorted"). If smoked or injected, the user experiences an intense sensation called a “rush”. This may last only a few minutes, but is described by the user as extremely pleasurable. If meth is snorted or taken orally, the user experiences a euphoria, but not an intense "high." Snorting produces effects within 3 to 5 minutes and oral ingestion produces effects within 15 to 20 minutes.

As with other drugs, users may begin with casual use, but soon begin to develop a tolerance. In order to get the same effect experienced by the initial use, they increase the amount or change routes. For example, if taken orally initially, the user may change to either smoking or injecting the drug.

There is emerging evidence that methamphetamine is being administered increasingly via the intravenous route. Meth abusers admitted for treatment in Denver and St. Louis are often IV users. Injecting Meth is associated with other high risk behaviors (both sexual and non-sexual) that could increase his/her chance of contracting HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases.

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Methamphetamine may be taken PO, IV, smoked and snorted (intranasal).