Meth is a slang term for methamphetamine. Meth is a powerful, highly addictive stimulant drug created in illicit laboratories. Meth is dangerous and illegal, but millions of people in the United States abuse this potent drug.
Ongoing meth abuse can change how your body and brain function, making it challenging to stop using this drug when you choose. The immediate effects of meth can be hazardous, but the long-term effects can be even more devastating.
This article will explore methamphetamine addiction and its long-term effects. You will learn:
- How meth affects your body and mind
- The long-term risks of methamphetamine abuse
- What to expect in meth addiction treatment
- Where to find comprehensive treatment and recovery support
If you or someone in your life struggles with methamphetamine abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the Archstone Behavioral Health specialists to explore our treatment and recovery programs. You may reach out with questions, to verify your insurance, or to set up an intake appointment.
What is Meth?
Methamphetamine is an illicit drug derived from amphetamine. It is a synthetic substance that dealers produce in illegal labs using common household substances and medications.
Meth production is illegal and unregulated. This makes the production and use of meth very dangerous. It is nearly impossible to know what is in each batch of meth or its level of potency.
There are many slang terms for methamphetamine, including:
- Speed
- Zip
- Hot ice
- LA ice
- Crystal Meth
- Stovetop
- Hawaiian salt
- Shards
- Shaved ice
- Blue
- Crank
- White
Research from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health showed about 2.5 million people reported using meth in the previous year, and over 1.5 million people developed addiction to it. People who develop a methamphetamine addiction typically require comprehensive substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs to overcome it.
The Short-Term Effects of Meth
Users ingest methamphetamine by smoking, inhaling, snorting, or swallowing it. Methamphetamine reaches the brain quickly and increases central nervous system (CNS) activity. The stimulant effects of meth develop very quickly. Common side effects of meth include:
- Rapid heart rate
- Increased energy
- Elevated blood pressure
- Loss of appetite
- Euphoria
Some may also experience unwanted side effects, including:
- Memory issues
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Erratic or violent behaviors
- Loss of coordination
- Hallucinations
- Depression
- Delusions
- Difficulty maintaining focus and concentration
People who use meth frequently may develop tolerance to it. Tolerance occurs when a person’s body becomes accustomed to a certain amount of a substance. People with tolerance may require larger doses of a substance to get the desired effects.
Over time, people who use meth frequently may develop a physical dependence on it. Meth abuse puts people at risk of health complications, addiction, and lethal overdose.
Understanding the Long-Term Risks of Meth Abuse
Meth abuse is hard on your body and brain. Over time, meth abuse can lead to long-term health complications. Here is an overview of some long-term side effects of meth abuse.
Skin problems
Meth abuse can lead to a sensation of bugs crawling under the skin. This condition, called “meth mites,” can cause users to scratch or pick at their skin. Meth users may have severe scarring, open wounds, or skin infections that cannot heal. This can lead to permanent skin damage and other complications.
Meth mouth
Many methamphetamine users develop extreme tooth decay and gum disease. Some lose teeth or have other serious dental problems– some of which will be permanent. Dental decay is so common among methamphetamine users that people refer to it as “meth mouth.”
Sexually transmitted infection
People who abuse methamphetamine may be at higher risk for sexually transmitted infections. People may lose inhibition or have risky sexual behaviors while under the influence of meth.
Lung and respiratory problems
People who snort meth may experience lung damage that affects their breathing. Chronic meth abuse can affect the blood vessels in the lungs, which can reduce oxygen in the blood. Users may also experience chronic runny nose, lung infections, pneumonia, or other respiratory problems.
Extreme weight loss
People who abuse methamphetamine may lose significant amounts of weight because of the drug’s intense stimulant effects. People may also lose their appetite, which causes them to stop eating regularly. The effects of methamphetamine can lead to very rapid weight loss and long-term malnutrition.
Sinus and facial damage
Meth is a corrosive substance that can damage the sinuses and bones of the face. People may experience lesions or holes in their sinuses. Long-term meth abuse may also lead to collapsed facial structures that are irreversible.
Mental health
Many methamphetamine users experience new or worsening mental health symptoms. These may include anxiety, insomnia, depression, and hallucinations. People may also have behavioral changes, including aggressive or violent behavior.
It is essential to seek treatment at the first sign of methamphetamine abuse or addiction. Comprehensive treatment programs include mental health care, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medications, education, and other evidence-based support that can help people overcome substance abuse.
Find Treatment Now
If you or someone you love lives with methamphetamine use disorder, you are not alone. Comprehensive treatment programs can help people manage the short and long-term effects of meth abuse while working toward a healthier, sober future.
Contact the Archstone Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about our comprehensive treatment programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Know the Risks of Meth
- United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Methamphetamine
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): What is the scope of methamphetamine use in the United States?
- The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences: Neuropsychological Effects of Chronic Methamphetamine Use on Neurotransmitters and Cognition: A Review
- American Heart Association (AHA): Methamphetamine Use and Cardiovascular Disease: In Search of Answers
- Springer Link: The long-term effects of methamphetamine exposure during pre-adolescence on depressive-like behaviour in a genetic animal model of depression
