What Are The Long-term Effects Of Meth Use?

What are the long-term effects of meth use?

People often start taking meth to experience its effects on energy and to be more alert. It also creates a high. Meth isn't something to play around with or use as a tool to pay attention. Meth use leads to countless negative consequences and life-altering symptoms, both long-term and short-term. A person's health and well-being can be severely impacted by meth use.

What is meth?

Meth, or methamphetamine, is a highly addictive stimulant which speeds up the central nervous system. Meth is a bitter-tasting substance that appears as a white crystalline powder. It is seen in the form of a white pill, glass chunks, or rocks. It can easily dissolve in water or alcohol. This drug is known to boost the brain chemical dopamine. Other words that may be used to refer to meth include speed, crank, crystal, and chalk.

People consume meth by using a needle to inject the drug into the veins, crushing it into powder and snorting, heating the drug using a glass stem and breathing in the produced vapors, dissolving it in water, and shooting it up their rear. Effects can linger for a few hours or an entire day. Much of that depends on the method used to take the substance and the amount taken.

This artificial substance has existed for many years, and millions of people in the United States use it yearly. Methamphetamine contains chemicals similar to amphetamine, which is a drug used to treat narcolepsy and ADHD. All meth products are illegal besides one pill prescribed rarely for ADHD, methamphetamine hydrochloride (Desoxyn).

What are the Side Effects of Meth?

Long-term use of meth can lead to a range of negative consequences beyond simply becoming addicted to this harmful substance, which is sure to have an unfortunate effect on anyone. Addiction takes over all parts of a person's life, including relationships, work, and more. Substance abuse of any kind carries extreme risks and comes with side effects. Here's a look into a life under heavy meth use.

Tolerance

As substances are used repeatedly, tolerance grows. People often need to take more and more of a drug to feel the desired effects. When someone is addicted to meth and using it regularly, they will begin to need higher doses to have the impact they’re seeking out. Meth users who turn to this substance often may stop feeling joy and relief from anything else in their life, and their reliance surrounding this drug will increase.

Physical Symptoms

Meth doesn't just carry a mental impact, but it affects the body as well. Those who use meth long-term can expect skin sores, tooth decay, tooth loss, and weight loss. Meth can cause people to scratch and pick at their skin because they believe they feel something crawling under it. It's common for meth users to think they have bugs below their skin. Meth leads to poor dental hygiene and doesn't encourage eating a balanced diet. This, combined with teeth grinding and dry mouth, are what lead to the dental issues associated with meth.

Psychotic Effects and Mood Changes

Those who regularly use meth may begin to show symptoms of anxiety and a significant change in mood. Meth can cause people that once functioned at a high level to hit a super low point. People who use meth long-term may display auditory hallucinations, visual hallucinations, paranoia, and delusions. These changes can last years after a person has stopped using meth.

Other side effects of meth

While the side effects mentioned above are typical for meth users and can last for a long time even after quitting, there are many more. Those who use meth may experience the following:

• Low appetite
• Hyperthermia
• Insomnia
• Rapid heart rate
• High body temperature
• Increased blood pressure
• Increased respiratory rate
• Tremors
• Cardiovascular issues
• Convulsions
• Death

Even after a single use, a person can expect temporary side effects as the drug wears off. These are uncomfortable and feel physically and emotionally awful. After using meth, the comedown may consist of fatigue, headache, hunger, shakiness, and body aches. Psychological symptoms may occur, including sadness, hopelessness, depression, anxiety, and paranoia.

At Pride Detox, we offer specialized LGBTQ meth detox programs. The team behind Pride Detox strives to create inclusive and affirming spaces where every individual's gender identity, sexual orientation, and personal experiences are respected. Gender-affirming care breaks down barriers and builds a community of acceptance. Start your journey toward a healthier life and call Pride Detox at 1-562-564-6915 today.