The long-term and short-term effects of crystal meth are devastating. Meth abuse destroys the lives of not only the user but also their family and friends. Although methamphetamine use has severe consequences, meth addiction treatment is a powerful strategy that can save lives.
From abnormal heart rhythms and strokes to decayed teeth, dizziness, and impaired cognitive ability, the effects of crystal meth put users in severe danger. If you or someone you know is struggling with meth abuse, contact Liberty Bay Recovery Center at (855) 607-8758.
The Effects of Meth Abuse
The list of psychological and physical effects of crystal meth is extensive. The user’s physical appearance often changes, making meth use outwardly apparent. Psychological effects can also be evident. Crystal meth can cause methamphetamine psychosis when it’s taken regularly or in high doses. This psychosis features delusions and hallucinations and involves losing contact with reality.
Physical Effects of Meth on the Body
There are dozens of adverse effects meth can have on the body. Also known as ice or glass, meth is colorless and odorless. It is made illegally by combining toxic substances (battery acid, antifreeze, or drain cleaner) with different ingredients from over-the-counter drugs. Injecting, snorting, smoking, or swallowing meth can lead to the following damaging physical effects on the user:
- Severe tooth decay (“meth mouth”)
- Profuse sweating
- Heart palpitations
- Digestive problems
- Permanent organ damage
- Permanent damage to blood vessels
- Death
Crystal meth can have severe impacts on the heart. People can become addicted to crystal meth after only one use. While the substance will leave a person’s body within two to three days after use stops, the effects often last much longer.
Crystal Meth: Psychological Effects on the Brain
This illegal substance increases the release and stops the reuptake of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine plays a critical role in how the brain interprets good vibes. It also affects motivation and motor function. Shortly after taking this drug, the user experiences a dopamine rush and feels an exaggerated sense of euphoria.
Meth’s Effect on Mental Functioning
As meth use continues, dopamine builds up in the brain, leading to drastic changes in brain function. Meth can seriously compromise a chronic user’s verbal skills. It can also cause severe changes in the function and structure of areas of the brain linked to memory and emotion. Additional psychological effects of meth use include obsessive behaviors, paranoia, hallucinations, insomnia, hyperactivity, and irritability. Other indicators that a person is using meth include:
- Psychomotor agitation
- Compulsive skin-picking
- Delusions of grandeur
- Psychosis
- A sense of invincibility
- Increased aggressiveness
The damage to the brain caused by crystal meth use can be similar to that caused by stroke, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s disease. Those who can overcome their meth abuse can still have extreme mood swings and memory gaps. Users may also become increasingly unable to grasp abstract thoughts.
Risk Factors for Meth Addiction
Crystal meth dependency affects people of all ages, genders, races, religions, and socioeconomic groups. Risk factors for meth addiction include having a job that depends on your ability to stay awake for long hours, use of other drugs in the family, psychological health issues, low self-esteem, and experiencing sexual abuse.
Recovery Is Possible with Liberty Bay Recovery Center
Admitting there is a problem is an essential first step on the journey to recovery from meth abuse. A customized approach that treats the effects of meth and the causes of abuse is a critical part of recovery. Located in Portland, Maine, our recovery center offers personal counseling, medical detox, outpatient services, relapse prevention, and other effective programs to support you during this time. Please contact our friendly staff at Liberty Bay Recovery Center at (855) 607-8758 to break free from meth abuse.
