Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
09:16
A General Method for Evaluating Deep Brain Stimulation Effects on Intravenous Methamphetamine Self-Administration
Published on: January 22, 2016
"Parachuting" meth: a novel delivery method for methamphetamine and delayed-onset toxicity from "body stuffing"
Robert G Hendrickson1, B Zane Horowitz, Robert L Norton
1Center for Policy and Research in Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland 97239, and Eugene Emergency Physicians at Sacred Heart Hospital, Eugene, Oregon, USA. hendriro@ohsu.edu
Clinical Toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.)
|July 1, 2006
Summary
A new method of ingesting methamphetamine, called "parachuting," involves swallowing it in a plastic bag. This case highlights delayed severe symptoms in a "body stuffer," requiring extended medical observation.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Emergency Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Methamphetamine is a commonly abused illicit stimulant with various routes of administration.
- "Body stuffers" ingest drugs to conceal them from law enforcement, often leading to medical emergencies.
- "Parachuting" is an emerging technique for methamphetamine ingestion, presenting unique clinical challenges.
Observation:
- A 25-year-old male ingested methamphetamine encapsulated in a plastic baggie, a method known as "parachuting."
- He initially presented to the Emergency Department 10 hours post-ingestion with no significant complaints, only transient tachycardia.
- After initial treatment and discharge, he returned 42 hours later with severe symptoms including extreme tachycardia, hypertension, agitation, and rhabdomyolysis.
Findings:
- The patient required mechanical ventilation and a midazolam drip for symptom management.
- Delayed and severe toxicity manifested over 36 hours after the initial methamphetamine ingestion.
- The intact plastic baggie likely delayed drug absorption and symptom onset.
Implications:
- "Parachuting" represents a novel route for methamphetamine abuse with potentially delayed toxic effects.
- Current treatment protocols for "body stuffers" may need revision to account for delayed presentations.
- Prolonged observation periods and diagnostic imaging may be necessary for patients ingesting drugs via "parachuting" to ensure complete gastrointestinal clearance.
