Meth & Other Stimulants: Signs, Risks, & Treatment Options
Methamphetamine and other stimulants (like cocaine) can raise energy and focus in the short term but may strain the heart and disrupt sleep, mood, attention, and judgment.
Our website is for information only. We help you understand your options and prepare for conversations with licensed providers, but we do not diagnose, treat, or guarantee outcomes.
What Are Stimulants?
Stimulants speed up parts of the brain and body. Street stimulants include:
- Methamphetamine (“meth,” “ice,” “crystal”)
- Cocaine (powder or crack)
Some prescription stimulants for ADHD can be misused when taken differently than prescribed or without a prescription.
Signs Stimulant Use May Be a Problem
Physical Signs
Fast heartbeat, sweating, jaw clenching or grinding, overheating, weight loss, poor sleep, nosebleeds (from snorting), or burns on lips or fingers (from smoking)
Behavioral Signs
Using more or longer than planned, strong cravings, staying up for long periods, impulsive spending or risky choices, and missing work or school
Mental/Emotional Signs
Irritability, anxiety, low mood after use, paranoia, hearing or seeing things others do not, or feeling “on edge” or restless
Not everyone has the same signs, and some signs overlap with other conditions. Only a clinician can assess.
Overdose & Emergency Safety
Call your local emergency number now if someone has:
- Chest pain, severe headache, seizure, fainting, or trouble breathing
- Very high body temperature, hot or dry skin, or shaking that will not stop
- Extreme agitation, confusion, or unresponsiveness
Stay with the person, try to cool them (shade, loosen tight clothing), and give basic first aid until help arrives.
Stimulant “Crash” & Withdrawal
After heavy or frequent use, many people experience a “crash.” This can include symptoms, such as:
- Extreme tiredness and more sleep
- Low mood and strong hunger
- Intense cravings
Over the next days, you may notice irritability, sleep problems, and low motivation. While stimulant withdrawal is usually not medically dangerous, mood crashes can be intense. If you have thoughts of self-harm, seek help right away.
Treatment Options
Stimulant care is based on your safety, mental health, home life, and goals. The level of support can change over time; you might start with more structure and then move to lighter care as things stabilize.
Detox (If Needed)
Stimulant withdrawal is usually not medically dangerous, but withdrawal can be intense. In some cases, a short detox or stabilization stay is used to help with extreme fatigue, low mood, or agitation, and to rule out medical problems.
Inpatient/Residential
Inpatient treatment means you stay at a facility full time for a short period. This is often used if there is severe sleep loss, paranoia, or hallucinations. The focus is on rest, medical and psychiatric support, and calming the nervous system.
Day Program (PHP)
A Partial Hospitalization Program runs most of the day, several days per week. You go home at night, but during the day you attend groups, meet with clinicians, and work on sleep, mood, and daily structure.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
IOP offers several sessions per week, usually in blocks of a few hours. It’s a good match if you’re trying to rebuild routines, like going back to work or school, while still having regular check-ins for cravings, mood crashes, and triggers.
Outpatient
Outpatient care usually involves less frequent therapy, with the option to see a prescriber for mental health symptoms when needed. You and your clinician work on relapse-prevention plans, sleep habits, stress management, and routine building.
Telehealth
Telehealth lets you join some sessions by secure video or phone. This can work well if you have transport issues, live far from a clinic, or need extra privacy. Your team can help assess which parts of care can be done virtually.
Medications: What to Know
There are no FDA-approved medications specifically for stimulant use disorder. Clinicians may:
- Treat symptoms like depression, anxiety, or sleep problems
- Consider off-label approaches in some cases
- Focus heavily on behavioral and skills-based treatment
A prescriber will explain risks, benefits, and alternatives. Never start, stop, or change medication without medical guidance.
Therapies & Skills That Help
Helpful supports often include:
- Contingency Management (CM): Uses small, immediate rewards for healthy behaviors (like attending sessions), which can boost motivation.
- CBT & DBT skills: Help manage triggers, cravings, emotions, and problem-solving.
- Motivational Interviewing: Helps you choose and refine goals at your pace.
- Relapse-Prevention Planning: Identifies high-risk times (such as late nights), plans alternatives, and builds a support network.
- Family Sessions (with consent): Improve communication and boundaries.
Some programs add mindfulness, movement, and routine-building to support daily stability. These do not replace medical care.
Co-Occurring (Dual Diagnosis)
Stimulant use often overlaps with anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, or sleep problems. Ask for integrated care so substance use and mental health are treated together. This can improve safety and long-term stability.
Harm Reduction Tips
If you are not ready or able to stop:
Try not to use alone; if you must, arrange a check-in with someone you trust.
Avoid long runs without sleep (schedule rest, food, and hydration).
Watch body temperature; take breaks to cool down.
Do not mix with alcohol or sedatives; avoid driving or risky tasks.
Treat any non-prescribed pill or powder as high risk; where legal, consider fentanyl test strips (results are not perfect).
If someone shows overdose signs, call emergency services immediately. Naloxone is safe if opioids may be present.
How to Choose a Stimulants Program
Check for state license and accreditation
Ask about medical and psychiatric staff availability
Review safety policies and detox support
Confirm aftercare planning and insurance coverage
Choosing the right program means finding a safe, accredited place that meets your needs and supports long-term recovery. Take time to ask questions and compare options before deciding.
Insurance & Costs
Coverage depends on your plan, network, and medical needs. Programs can check benefits, but your insurer makes the final decision. Ask about self-pay or payment plans if needed.
FAQs
Is stimulant withdrawal dangerous?
It’s usually not medically dangerous, but the mood crash can be intense. If you have thoughts of self-harm, seek help immediately.
Are there medications that stop stimulant cravings?
There are no FDA-approved medications for stimulant use disorder. Your clinician may discuss options to treat symptoms and support recovery.
Can I work or attend school during treatment?
Many people use half-day programs or outpatient, as well as telehealth, for flexibility. Ask about schedules that fit your life.
What if I have paranoia or hallucinations after using?
This can happen with stimulants. Seek medical care. In some cases, inpatient stabilization is recommended.
How long does treatment last?
It varies. Plans adjust as needs change. Many people step down over time and continue with aftercare.
Helpful Resources
In Crisis? Get Immediate Help.
If you are in danger or thinking of self-harm, call 911 (or your local emergency number). In the US, dial or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.