---
title: Harm Reduction for Meth Use
description: DHS Health Training Program Learning Stream FAQs
---

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# Harm Reduction for Meth Use

[DHS Health Services Office](https://communications.cityofnewyork.us/nyc-shelter-health-blog/author/dhs-health-services-office)

 October 2026

Reduce the harm of meth (methamphetamine) use to prevent overamping

Meth is a stimulant drug that can be addictive. Meth causes feelings of euphoria and increased alertness and energy. Meth use is very common among adults who use substances and who are experiencing homelessness.

If people use more meth than their body can handle, it can lead to serious negative health effects, including paranoia, anxiety, rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, stroke, or even death.

To learn how to reduce the harm of meth use, explore this case study.

 

##### Case study: Marcus

Marcus, a client who uses meth, has been awake for more than a day. He’s anxious and cannot sit still.

His hands are shaking and he’s sweating. He’s having chest pain and has trouble breathing. He is confused and struggles to answer questions. 

 

*How do you respond to Marcus?*

Marcus is having a medical emergency. He may be “overamping” (or overdosing) from meth use.

When overamping leads to:

- chest pain
- seizures
- stroke symptoms
- loss of consciousness
- severe overheating
- difficulty breathing

These are medical emergencies. Call 911 if this happens.

 

*Protect clients who use meth from overamping in the future*

Overamping is more likely when clients are sleep deprived, dehydrated and anxious. If a client appears overstimulated from meth use:

- Reassure them they are safe and move them to a quieter area
- Encourage rest and offer water to prevent dehydration
- Give space if they appear overwhelmed
- Refer clients who use meth to organizations that support them

Learn more about [methamphetamine risk reduction and safety planning](https://communications.cityofnewyork.us/hubfs/DHS%20Harm%20Reduction/Blog/SkillsShare%20-%20Methamphetamine%20Risk%20Reduction_10-16-26.pdf).

 

NYC referrals for meth services

The following organizations provide services to people who use meth:

- Harm reduction
  
    - [Recharge](https://recharge.support/): Meth harm reduction drop-in groups and individual counseling for men who have sex with men in midtown Manhattan
- Treatment: 
    - [Mount Sinai Addiction Institute](https://www.mountsinai.org/locations/addiction-institute): Outpatient substance use treatment in Manhattan<https://www.mountsinai.org/locations/addiction-institute>
    - [Center Recovery](https://gaycenter.org/health/substance-use-treatment/): Outpatient substance use treatment in Lower Manhattan for crystal meth and other substances (alcohol, cocaine, crack, heroin, opiates, benzos, marijuana) specifically designed for the LGBTQ community

 

Harm reduction resources related to meth and stimulants

- [Overamping: Stimulant overdose](https://nextdistro.org/resources-collection/overamping-stimulant-overdose) (Next Distro)
- [Withdrawal management from stimulants at home](https://nextdistro.org/resources-collection/withdrawal-from-stimulants-at-home) (Next Distro)
- [Introduction to stimulant harm reduction](https://www.hidtaprogram.org/pdf/ORS_shr.pdf) (ATTC)
- [Stimulant safety: Getting amped up to reduce harms when using stimulants](https://nastad.org/sites/default/files/2023-07/PDF-Stimulants-Toolkit.pdf) (NASTAD)

[overdose prevention](https://communications.cityofnewyork.us/nyc-shelter-health-blog/tag/overdose-prevention) [Stimulants](https://communications.cityofnewyork.us/nyc-shelter-health-blog/tag/stimulants) [Harm reduction](https://communications.cityofnewyork.us/nyc-shelter-health-blog/tag/harm-reduction) [Meth](https://communications.cityofnewyork.us/nyc-shelter-health-blog/tag/meth)

## Related Posts

### [October 2026 October 2026 Overdose Prevention Champion Spotlight: Orlee Sonnenschein](https://communications.cityofnewyork.us/nyc-shelter-health-blog/champion-spotlight-orlee-sonnenschein)

### [October 2026 H+H Homeless Health Care](https://communications.cityofnewyork.us/nyc-shelter-health-blog/hh-homeless-health-care)

<https://www.linkedin.com/company/harm-reduction-in-shelter/>

- [NYC Shelter Health](https://communications.cityofnewyork.us/nyc-shelter-health) 
    - [Harm Reduction](https://communications.cityofnewyork.us/nyc-shelter-health-harm-reduction-toolkit)
    - [Mental Health](https://communications.cityofnewyork.us/nyc-shelter-health-mental-health-toolkit)
    - [Family Health](https://communications.cityofnewyork.us/nyc-shelter-health-family-health-toolkit)

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