Methamphetamine (meth) is a powerful stimulant drug that significantly affects the central nervous system. It is primarily used recreationally for its stimulant effects.
Immediate Feeling of Coldness
Yes, methamphetamine can make a person feel cold. This sensation stems primarily from its effect as a vasoconstrictor, meaning it causes blood vessels to narrow. This constriction reduces blood flow, particularly to the extremities like the hands and feet. As a result, these parts of the body receive less warm blood, leading to a subjective feeling of coldness, even if the core body temperature is not low.
Underlying Physiological Explanations
The vasoconstriction caused by methamphetamine is a result of its impact on the central nervous system and the release of certain neurotransmitters. Methamphetamine increases the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine, in the brain. Norepinephrine, in particular, plays a role in the body’s “fight-or-flight” response, which includes the narrowing of blood vessels. This neurochemical surge can influence the hypothalamus, a brain region responsible for regulating body temperature. The altered neurochemical balance can lead to a misperception of temperature.
Broader Impact on Body Temperature Regulation
Despite the subjective feeling of coldness, methamphetamine can paradoxically cause an increase in the body’s core temperature, a condition known as hyperthermia. This occurs because methamphetamine also boosts metabolic activity throughout the body, leading to increased heat production. Muscle rigidity and hyperactivity, common effects of the drug, further contribute to this internal heat generation. Environmental factors, such as being in a warm setting or engaging in physical exertion, can exacerbate this overheating. The body’s natural cooling mechanisms, like sweating and vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), can become impaired, preventing effective heat dissipation and complicating temperature regulation.
Health Implications of Temperature Dysregulation
Severe temperature dysregulation caused by methamphetamine use carries health risks. Prolonged vasoconstriction can reduce blood supply to tissues, potentially leading to skin damage and affecting circulation in various organs. On the other hand, severe hyperthermia can be life-threatening, resembling symptoms of heatstroke, and may lead to organ damage (including the liver and kidneys), cardiovascular strain, and increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Muscle breakdown, known as rhabdomyolysis, can also occur, releasing harmful substances into the bloodstream that can damage the kidneys. The body’s inability to maintain a stable internal temperature places stress on systems.