Methamphetamine addictions are currently one of the biggest drug abuse issues in the United States. Because of this it is important that we all know as much as possible about what effects does methamphetamine have on the body.
What is Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth or crystal meth, is a synthetic drug, which means it is manufactured in a laboratory. It consists of a white powder with a bitter taste, but can sometimes be found in the form of a white pill, which looks a bit like ecstasy, and which can be very alluring for teens, or a clear, white, or shiny rock, known as crystal meth.
Meth is made in numerous “superlabs” across the United States and Mexico. These labs are huge, but extremely illegal productions that allow the drug to be manufactured in vast quantities. However, there are some smaller producers who use common household ingredients, and over-the-counter drugs like the pseudoephedrine found in common cold remedies, to manufacture their own meth.
A Stimulant
What kind of drug is methamphetamine? It’s a stimulant, which is a class of drugs that have the ability to increase energy, promote a feeling of wellbeing, and boost the mood of the user. Of course, they also have some seriously damaging, and often scary effects, such as the ability to raise the blood pressure and heart rate to uncomfortable and often dangerous levels, addiction, and can sometimes even cause the user to go without sleep for many days on the end, which can lead to mental health issues, as well as physical.
Because methamphetamine can be so dangerous, it is currently classified as a Schedule II drug by the government, which means that it is more likely to be abused, and can only be obtained legally via an un-refillable prescription to prevent abuse, and this is a very rare occurrence.
What Effects Does Methamphetamine Have On The Body?
Wondering what happens to your body when you use methamphetamine? Methamphetamine has a number of both short and long term effects on the body when it is used, and we will highlight the most common of them below:
Short-Term Effects
The short-term effects of using methamphetamine include the following:
- Reduction or total lack of appetite
- High levels of alertness and activity
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased body temperature
- Euphoria
- A higher risk of developing hepatitis, HIV, and aids from unsafe practices such as unprotected sex and needle sharing
The short-term effects of methamphetamine use on the body may be worsened significantly if you mix alcohol with the substance.
Long-Term Effects
The long-term effects include of methamphetamine use include the following:
- Tooth decay, cavities, and other dental issues (meth mouth)
- Addiction
- Confusion
- Anxiety
- Significant weight loss
- Insomnia
- Mood swings
- Psychosis (hearing or seeing voices, hallucinations)
- Violence
- Memory loss
- Paranoid
- Skin sores and irritations (long-term users are prone to scratching)
When used long-term, methamphetamine can cause long-lasting effects that can continue long after the use of the substance has stopped.
As you can see, the effects of methamphetamine use can be extremely scary and unsafe, even when used short-term. When use of the substance becomes a regular habit, it can be catastrophic for the user and the people who care about them, which is why it is important to seek immediate help if you feel you or a loved one may be developing a methamphetamine addiction.
How is Methamphetamine Addiction Treated?
Treatment for methamphetamine addiction requires a comprehensive package of interventions including detoxification to rid the body of its physical dependence on the substance and therapy to help the patient come to terms with the psychological reasons for their addiction so that they can ultimately overcome them.
How Can The Robert Alexander Center for Recovery Help?
If you or a loved one is dealing with a methamphetamine addiction, we offer both intensive outpatient treatment, and residential rehab for individuals in and around the Kentucky area. Our outpatient treatment is high-quality and evidence-based.
We have designed our programs to give you the best possible chance of overcoming your addiction, and our kind, caring and compassionate staff will help you on every way of your journey.
We understand that seeking help is never easy, and overcoming an addiction certainly isn’t, which is why we will take things at your pace and ensure that you are completely comfortable with the process before we proceed.
If you have a methamphetamine addiction, you can get in touch with us for help and support whenever you need it. We’re here for you when you need us most.
