Methamphetamine (meth) is a powerful stimulant drug that affects users much like prescription amphetamines.
Meth has some limited medical use in the form of Desoxyn and may occasionally be prescribed to treat stubborn ADHD or obesity.Moreover, meth is most commonly used for recreational purposes. It is most often found as a powder, or crystalline form (crystal meth) and can be consumed orally, snorted, smoked, or injected.
Symptoms of Short-Term Meth Use
Like many other drugs, meth effects are a product of increased levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin, which results in a temporary boost in energy, confidence, and mood, as well as the following effects:
- Manic, impulsive behavior
- An increase in blood pressure, breathing, and heart rate
- Excessive sweating and dangerously high body temperature (hypothermia)
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances
- Irritability
- Compulsive repetition of actions
Binging on meth can also result in a state known as “tweaking” which is characterized by paranoia, drugs cravings, and uncontrollable scratching, tremors, and tactile hallucinations such as the perception of bugs crawling on or under the skin.
The comedown occurs when the person discontinues meth use after a prolonged period, sometimes several days. During this time, the user may experience unusually long sleep episodes and lethargy.
Effects of Chronic Meth Use
When used for an extended period, meth can lead to many negative mental and physical effects. For example, brain damage found in long-term meth abusers is comparable to that seen among Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease patients.
The most common long-term effects experienced by chronic methamphetamine users include the following:
- Damage to brain cells
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Insomnia and sleep problems
- Dental deterioration (meth mouth)
- Skin infections and sores
- Cardiovascular disease
- Liver, lung, and kidney damage
- Psychosis – hallucinations and delusions
Meth addicts can also encounter risks indirectly related to drug use, such as contracting hepatitis B, C, and HIV from using non-sterile needles or engaging in risky sexual behaviors.
Getting Help For Meth Addiction
Taking the first steps to overcome meth addiction can result in significant life changes and propel one from active abuse into recovery. While these initial small steps may seem insignificant at first, they are required to achieve the end goal of sobriety.
Deciding where to receive treatment for addiction is a critical step in recovery. Recovery by the Sea provides you with the tools you need to defeat your addiction and offers you an unforgettable experience. No one can force you to be ready, but when you are, we will be here for you.
If you’re ready for that day to be today, call us now!