Meth & Exercise | Does Meth Improve Athletic Performance?

Methamphetamine does not directly improve athletic performance. Although meth increases body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate, there is no known connection between meth and improved physical performance.

Meth is a banned substance in competitive sports according to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Methamphetamine is also a controlled substance with few approved uses and a high risk of drug abuse.

The risks of taking meth to improve physical performance may outweigh any potential benefits. In the long-term, meth abuse can cause mental health and cardiovascular problems, which short-term meth abuse might aim to improve.

Why Athletes Might Use Meth For Performance

Meth is a potent central nervous system (CNS) stimulant and amphetamine. Meth works on the CNS by binding to dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin receptors, chemicals linked to motivation, reward, and energy. The increase of these neurons can increase oxidative stress in the brain.

Methamphetamine abuse increases energy, blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature. These effects of meth may lead one to believe that meth can stimulate or improve athletic performance.

Studies Of Methamphetamine-Induced Physical Activity

A study of the l-methamphetamine isomer found little to no correlation between methamphetamine and improved performance during voluntary exercise. This study did not cover d-methamphetamine, which is the illegal and potent form of the drug.

The l-methamphetamine isomer may be present in over-the-counter products such as Vicks vapor rub. Studies on the d-methamphetamine isomer may be needed to determine a link between meth use and performance.

Some studies on meth addiction have suggested exercise can be effective in reducing high-risk drug use, a concept known as plasticity. More research is likely needed to determine whether exercise intervention, a form of mental health treatment, can treat drug dependence on meth.

Risks Of Using Meth To Improve Performance

Drug testing methods may detect both d- and l-methamphetamine isomers. Meth is a banned substance in competitive sports, and using meth to improve performance can lead to a ban, fines, and other penalties.

Physical Risks

Elevated heart rate and blood pressure caused by meth has been linked to heart failure and other cardiovascular problems. These issues can lead to serious injury or death during bouts of exercise.

Both meth and aerobic exercise increase body temperature. When combined, body temperatures can become dangerously high, leading to neurotoxicity in the brain and a high risk for a stroke.

Meth abuse can also cause abnormalities in bone density, which can interfere with athletic performance and lead to injury.

Cognitive Function

Methamphetamine use can cause impairment in the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain linked to cognition and memory. Physical exercise can positively affect the prefrontal cortex. Taking meth to improve performance can inhibit the positive effects of exercise on the brain.

Studies suggest that meth can deteriorate the blood brain barrier (BBB) over time, which can affect the nervous system’s ability to communicate with the body.

Violent and aggressive behavior have been observed in meth-dependent individuals, potentially due to deficits in inhibition, or the ability to restrain oneself.

Meth Addiction

Long-term meth use can lead to methamphetamine dependence, where your body requires meth to function normally. 

Methamphetamine addiction, a mental health condition where you are unable to stop using the drug, can also occur due to drug use. Dependence and addiction are aspects of a substance use disorder.

If left untreated, meth addiction can lead to meth toxicity, heart failure, and other serious health effects.

Substance abuse treatment programs use behavioral therapy to treat those with meth addiction. For information on our inpatient and outpatient drug addiction treatment options, please contact us today.