Dependence, addiction and overdose risk

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive substance. The body metabolises the drug quickly, leading to a rapid depletion of the neurotransmitters that had previously been elevated, so many users then compensate by taking increased doses of methamphetamine.

Users of methamphetamine quickly develop tolerance to the drug, meaning that they must take more each time to achieve the same high.

Psychological dependence occurs when users crave the drug so much that it becomes more important than other daily activities and then find they are unable or unwilling to function without being high.

Physical dependence occurs when the body itself becomes accustomed to operating on methamphetamine. Someone who stops using the drug may experience withdrawal symptoms, which include fatigue, apathy, depression, irritability, craving and disorientation.