A long-term crystal meth addiction can have serious side effects on a person’s mental and physical health. Over time, consistent use of meth can lead to changes in brain structure and its ability to function, decreased motor skills and learning ability, and memory loss.
Methamphetamine, also known as meth or crystal meth, is a potent central nervous system stimulant and a highly addictive drug. Its misuse poses serious health risks and can lead to a chronic, relapsing disease, namely addiction.
Short-term Dangers
Even in small doses, meth can increase wakefulness and physical activity while decreasing appetite. Other immediate effects include increased heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and irregular heartbeat.
Short-term dangers of meth abuse:
- Increased wakefulness and physical activity
- Decreased appetite
- Increased heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature
- Irregular heartbeat
- Hyperactivity
- Euphoria
- Anxiety
- Tremors
- Insomnia
Long-term Dangers
Long-term meth abuse has severe consequences. These include extreme weight loss, severe dental problems (“meth mouth”), intense itching leading to skin sores, anxiety, confusion, insomnia, mood disturbances, and violent behavior.
Long-term dangers of meth abuse:
- Extreme weight loss
- Severe dental problems (“meth mouth”)
- Intense itching leading to skin sores
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Insomnia
- Mood disturbances
- Violent behavior
- Psychotic features, including paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations, and delusions
- Impairment in motor skills and verbal learning
- Structural and functional changes in brain areas associated with emotion and memory
- Potential for drug-induced psychosis
Impact on the Brain and Body
Drug abuse, specifically meth use, alters the brain’s dopamine system, impairing motor skills and verbal learning. It also causes structural and functional changes in areas of the brain associated with emotion and memory. These changes could explain many of the emotional and cognitive problems observed in methamphetamine users.
Physically, methamphetamine use can lead to a variety of health risks, which are often worsened if other substances such as alcohol, tobacco, medications, or other illicit drugs are used simultaneously.
Health Conditions That Can Develop Due to Meth Abuse
Methamphetamine use can result in a variety of health conditions, both minor and chronic.
Minor Health Conditions:
- Insomnia: Meth abuse often leads to sleep disturbances, including difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
- Decreased Appetite: Meth is an appetite suppressant, which can lead to malnutrition if not addressed.
- Dry Mouth: Meth abuse can cause dry mouth, which can contribute to dental problems.
- Skin Sores: Meth users often experience intense itching and scratch their skin, resulting in sores.
Chronic Health Conditions:
- “Meth Mouth”: Chronic meth abuse often leads to severe dental problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. This condition is often referred to as “meth mouth.”
- Heart Disease: Meth abuse increases heart rate and blood pressure, which over time can lead to various forms of heart disease, including heart attack and stroke.
- Liver Damage: Methamphetamine can be toxic to the liver, potentially leading to liver damage or even failure.
- Neurological Damage: Long-term meth use can cause changes in brain structure and function, leading to cognitive impairment, memory loss, and motor skill problems.
- Mental Disorders: Chronic meth use is associated with a higher risk of developing mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and psychosis.
- Increased Risk of Infectious Diseases: Injecting meth can increase the risk of contracting infectious diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C.
- Loss of Weight and Malnutrition: Chronic meth use can lead to significant loss of weight and malnutrition, which can have serious health consequences.
These conditions underscore the importance of seeking help for methamphetamine use. Getting the necessary help at our New Jersey Meth Addiction Treatment facility can help manage these health issues and support recovery.
Drug-Induced Psychosis
Methamphetamine use can lead to a form of psychosis characterized by paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions. Individuals may become suspicious or fearful of others, perceive things that are not there, or have false beliefs. This condition can last for days or weeks, or it may persist, requiring treatment with antipsychotic medications.
Counteracting Substance Abuse Damage
While some of the effects of meth use are not reversible, treatment can help mitigate some of the damage. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, for instance, can help individuals overcome methamphetamine addiction and adjust harmful thought patterns. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and good sleep habits, can help the body recover over time.
