Knowledge Reduces Harm

Our Mission

Our mission is grounded in the principles of harm reduction. This means acknowledging the reality of substance use while focusing on minimizing its negative health, social, and legal impacts. Education is our primary tool. A public health approach to substance use disorder is the most effective way to help individuals and their communities. We believe that everyone deserves access to factual information that is free from stigma and moral judgment.

Harm reduction incorporates a spectrum of strategies that meet people where they are, on their own terms, and may serve as a pathway to additional health and social services, including additional prevention, treatment, and recovery services. Harm reduction works by addressing broader health and social issues through improved policies, programs, and practices.

A Brief Overview of Pharmacology

Methamphetamine is a powerful, highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It takes the form of a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol. Methamphetamine was developed early in the 20th century from its parent drug, amphetamine, and was used originally in nasal decongestants and bronchial inhalers. Like amphetamine, methamphetamine causes increased activity and talkativeness, decreased appetite, and a pleasurable sense of well-being or euphoria.

However, methamphetamine differs from amphetamine in that, at comparable doses, much greater amounts of the drug get into the brain, making it a more potent stimulant. It also has longer-lasting and more harmful effects on the central nervous system. These characteristics make it a drug with high potential for widespread misuse.

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Systemic Health Effects

The health consequences of methamphetamine misuse are severe and far-reaching. Short-term effects include increased wakefulness and physical activity, decreased appetite, faster breathing, rapid and/or irregular heartbeat, and increased blood pressure and body temperature. Chronic, long-term use can lead to addiction, significant anxiety, confusion, insomnia, mood disturbances, and violent behavior.

Furthermore, individuals who misuse methamphetamine over the long term frequently display psychotic features, including paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations, and delusions (such as the sensation of insects creeping under the skin). These symptoms can last for months or years after a person has quit using methamphetamine, and stress has been shown to precipitate spontaneous recurrence of methamphetamine psychosis in people who formerly used the drug.

Physical deterioration is also a common consequence, marked by extreme weight loss, severe dental problems (often known as "meth mouth"), and skin sores caused by scratching. The risk of contracting infectious diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis B and C, is also elevated due to the drug's impact on judgment and the potential for sharing injection equipment.

Vital Resources

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. An overdose of methamphetamine is a life-threatening medical emergency. If you suspect an overdose, do not wait. Call emergency services right away.

• SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (1-800-662-HELP)
• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 call, text and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.