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What Are the Effects of Meth Abuse?

Having both short and long-term effects, the effects of meth abuse can result in impacts on someone’s day-to-day life. These effects could be detrimental to those struggling with meth abuse and addiction, and lead to behaviors they normally would not engage in. Meth is an illicitly produced stimulant drug often abused for its euphoric effects. It is a Schedule II drug, meaning it has minimal health benefits and is highly addictive. 

Facts About Meth Abuse and Addiction

Using methamphetamines, or meth,  can result in severe impacts on health, up to and including toxicity and overdose. The effects of meth abuse can lead to health complications and the development of mental health conditions that can make it hard to live a productive life, even after the abuse of this drug ends. Addiction to meth is detrimental to the overall quality of life for those who are struggling.

Leading to changes in the way the brain works, the effects of meth abuse can cause hallucinations, aggression, paranoia, anxiety, and mood changes in those who use it. Some of these behaviors can be a result of its stimulant effects. Those who abuse meth tend to need less sleep and begin acting in ways out of character for them.

Short-Term Effects of Meth

Abuse of this drug can have some short-term effects. The short-term effects of meth abuse can include increased attention, decreased need for restful sleep, decreased appetite, a euphoric rush, rapid heartbeat, hyperthermia, and increased breathing. All of these short-term effects of meth abuse can lead to health risks and complications, including convulsions or seizures. 

Long Term Effects

Addiction is one of the more impactful long-term effects of meth abuse. Addiction to meth can lead to severe health complications.The compulsive need to use meth can also lead to drug toxicity and overdose. It can also lead to poor dental hygiene and lead to deterioration of teeth causing infection. 

Those who use meth can develop a tolerance and the effects of meth abuse can result in needing more and more of the drug in order to achieve the desired effects. When this happens, it can result in overdose. Methamphetamines cause a rise in blood pressure and heart rate which could also result in cardiac problems. 

The effects of meth abuse can also affect a person neurologically. Methamphetamines change the way the brain functions, leading to a decline in brain activity. Dopamine, the chemical in the brain responsible for pleasure senses, can be affected by meth abuse. When this happens, it can be extremely difficult for the brain to revert back to normal production of this essential chemical. 

Meth Withdrawal

The effects of meth abuse can lead to withdrawal symptoms when the drug is abruptly stopped. These symptoms often are the opposite of the effects the drug initially produces in users. There can be both physical and psychological effects that are best managed when monitored professionally. These symptoms can include: 

  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Dry mouth
  • Disturbed sleep
  • Lack of motivation
  • Depression
  • Paranoia
  • Anxiety
  • Cravings
  • Hallucinations

These symptoms can make it extremely difficult to end the abuse of the drug. The cravings often lead those who try to stop using the drug on their own back to using it in order to alleviate their mental desires and obsession over the drug. This is why it is best to be medically and professionally monitored when trying to end the abuse of meth.

How Detox Helps

The effects of meth abuse can lead to possible health complications. When ending the abuse of this drug, being professionally monitored and managing the symptoms of withdrawal can help to prevent some of these health complications from worsening. Meth abuse and addiction can have effects on cardiac function, and when ending the abuse of this drug blood pressure changes can occur, so being able to address issues such as this can make the process safer.

How We Can Help

Lexington Addiction Center can help by not only providing professional and medical monitoring while going through the detox process, we also offer professional guidance through therapies to help learn new and positive skills. These skills can be vital to combating the effects of meth abuse. The changes in the brain’s chemistry can have effects that can change the way a person thinks and acts, so being able to learn these skills can add to the ability to recover from addiction to the substance. We offer psychotherapy, trauma therapy, family therapy, as well as holistic approaches, and 12-step and life skills training. 

Healing From Meth Addiction

Meth addiction can result in some severe impacts on someone’s life. It can lead to broken family relationships, legal consequences, as well as a decline in overall health and well-being. Healing from meth addiction is possible. If you or a loved one are struggling with meth addiction, Lexington Addiction Center can help. We offer care to those seeking to heal from addiction to meth, and help them to learn new skills to live a productive life. Call us today and begin the next phase of your life.