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| - Last Updated on May 1, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims that synthetic drugs like Methamphetamine can cause multiple organs failure and heart attacks. We fact checked the assertion and found it to be half true.
The Claim
As per the post on X, “Synthetic drugs like Meth can cause multiple organ failures & #heartattack”.
Fact Check
What are synthetic drugs?
Synthetic drugs are artificial substances created to mimic the effects of natural drugs like marijuana, cocaine, or ecstasy. They’re produced in labs using chemicals, rather than being derived from plants or other organic sources. Methamphetamine (meth) is one such synthetic drug. These substances often alter brain function, leading to effects similar to those of traditional drugs. Examples of synthetic drugs include synthetic cannabinoids (often marketed as ‘fake weed’ or ‘spice’), synthetic cathinones (commonly known as ‘bath salts’), and synthetic opioids. Despite being designed to replicate the effects of natural drugs, synthetic drugs (like methamphetamine) can be unpredictable and pose serious health risks due to variations in their chemical composition and potency. Also, they lack the necessary adherence to regulations unlike actual pharmaceuticals.
What is methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine, commonly known as ‘meth’, is a potent synthetic stimulant that affects the brain and nerves. Produced illegally in secret labs, it induces intense feelings of happiness, energy, and focus by altering certain brain chemicals. However, despite these temporary effects, meth is highly addictive and can have severe consequences for physical and mental health. Chronic use of meth may cause cardiovascular problems, dental issues such as ‘meth mouth‘, and mental health disorders like anxiety and paranoia.
Unfortunately, meth is readily available and relatively inexpensive, leading to widespread misuse despite its risks. Addressing meth abuse requires comprehensive strategies aimed at prevention, treatment, and harm reduction. Efforts should focus on preventing access to methamphetamine, providing support and resources for those struggling with addiction, and implementing measures to minimise the negative impacts of methamphetamine use on individuals and communities.
India has several resources setup for de-addiction and comprehensive support. There is a dedicated ministry for helping people reduce substance abuse in India ー Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
What does the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment do?
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment puts into action the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR). It’s a major plan that provides support in various ways. First, it provides funds to State Governments and Union Territory Administrations for things like awareness about synthetic drugs like methamphetamine, training them to help others, and helping ex-drug users learn new skills and find jobs. Also, it helps NGOs and other groups run centres where people can get help for drug problems, like rehab centres and places where young people can learn about staying away from drugs. The Ministry also helps set up centres in different districts called District De-Addiction Centers (DDACs). These centres are really important, especially in places where there aren’t any other drug help centres. They give lots of different kinds of help, like what rehab centres, youth programs, and drop-in centres do, all in one place.
Can Meth cause multiple organ failures and heart attacks?
Yes, to some extent it may cause adverse effects. But still, a straightforward answer would not justify the complexity of this question. Using methamphetamine or meth at low levels, with occasional and small doses, doesn’t seem to cause significant problems right away, like heart attacks, or long-term heart issues, in a healthy person. But meth can make existing heart problems worse, like clogged arteries or weak heart muscles. This in turn can make a sudden and serious heart problem more likely, like heart attack or sudden death. People who are chronic meth users are more likely to have lasting heart damage. The adverse effects also includes getting clogged arteries early (premature coronary artery disease). We need further research to verify if synthetic drugs like meth can cause multiple organ failure.
It’s important to make people aware who use meth about the higher risk of heart problems when they mix meth with other drugs, especially stimulants. Because different people react differently to methamphetamine’s negative effects on the heart, it’s best to focus on treating the symptoms they’re exhibiting, instead of just looking at the dosage.
We still need more research to figure out the severe consequences in people who use synthetic drugs like methamphetamine. If there’s a clear link between how much meth they use and how harmful it is for their heart. And, how much meth’s effects on the heart matter compared to other factors like smoking, drinking alcohol, using other drugs. Factors like having extra body weight, and pre-existing heart problems may affect too.
What are the risks of synthetic drugs like meth abuse?
Methamphetamine abuse poses numerous risks to both physical and mental health. These risks include cardiovascular problems, dental issues, addiction, and involvement in criminal activities, highlighting the serious consequences of meth abuse. These are the consequences:
- Cardiovascular problems: Methamphetamine abuse can lead to high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and increased risk of stroke.
- Dental issues: Chronic use of methamphetamine can result in severe dental problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.
- Mental health effects: Methamphetamine abuse may cause anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, and aggressive behaviour.
- Addiction: Prolonged misuse of methamphetamine can lead to addiction, characterised by compulsive drug-seeking behaviour and difficulty quitting.
- Criminal involvement: The production and distribution of methamphetamine often involve illegal activities, contributing to community safety concerns.
- Weight loss and malnutrition: Methamphetamine abuse can suppress appetite, leading to significant weight loss and nutritional deficiencies.
- Impaired cognitive function: Long-term methamphetamine use can impair cognitive abilities, such as memory, attention, and decision-making.
- Increased risk of infectious diseases: Methamphetamine abuse results in risky behaviours such as needle sharing, increasing the risk of infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS and hepatitis.
- Social and relationship problems: Methamphetamine abuse can strain relationships with family and friends, leading to social isolation and difficulties in maintaining employment or housing.
- Overdose: Taking large doses of methamphetamine can result in overdose, which may lead to serious health complications or death.
What does an expert say?
We asked Shivam Sharma (B Pharm, MPH) for his take on methamphetamine. He says, “Methamphetamine is a potent stimulant drug, known for its addictive nature and euphoric effects. While it has limited medical use, such as treating ADHD and obesity, it is predominantly used recreationally due to its stimulating properties and high potential for addiction. However, it intensely affects the heart, causing issues like rapid heart rate (tachycardia), high blood pressure, and pulmonary hypertension, high blood pressure in the lungs. Its long-term use can lead to chronic hypertensive heart disease, where constant high blood pressure damages the heart muscle, increasing the risk of heart attack, heart failure, and potentially life-threatening conditions like aneurysm.”
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