Methamphetamine (meth) can have a devastating effect on your mind but even more so on your body. Meth is well known for destroying one’s physical health, so it’s important to recognize whether someone is abusing meth by familiarizing yourself with the effects of meth on the body, so you can encourage your loved one to get help.
If someone in your life is abusing meth, time is of the essence when it comes to getting help. Talk to your loved one about enrolling in a meth rehab program, which will help them address the underlying causes of meth abuse and guide them through the healing process with a combination of therapies and medications. You can count on Promises Brazos Valley to help someone you love break free from meth for good. Give us a call at 979.426.0086 for more information.
The Short-Term Effects of Meth on the Body
Shortly after someone uses meth, they often feel intense euphoria, a sudden burst of energy, and heightened alertness. These stimulating effects are what draw people to use the drug, but it can also have other short-term effects that may be less desirable, such as:
- Rapid heart rate
- Elevated blood pressure
- Increased body temperature
- Loss of appetite
Additionally, once the euphoric effects wear off, the person will typically feel more anxious, agitated, and possibly even aggressive.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Meth Abuse?
Continuing to use meth over a long period can introduce a variety of symptoms that can be especially harmful to the body.
Dental Issues
Meth abuse is most commonly associated with a condition known as meth mouth. This term comes from the damage long-term meth abuse does to one’s teeth and gums. For example, it can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss.
Skin Problems
Chronic meth use can also affect the health of your skin. People under the influence of meth may feel the sensation of something crawling on their skin, so they’re likely to scratch and pick at their skin, causing sores. Although unsightly, these skin sores can also be dangerous. Skin picking can lead to lesions and abscesses that can become infected. Once infected, an abscess can spread throughout the body, which can potentially be fatal.
Malnutrition
Since meth abuse is associated with a decrease in appetite, many people using this drug don’t eat enough or consume adequate nutrients. The most immediate visible effects will be rapid weight loss, but as time goes on, a person can become severely malnourished.
Cognitive Impairment
Meth triggers the release of dopamine and norepinephrine, which are responsible for the euphoric effects. However, the drug is often made with very toxic substances, including antifreeze and battery acid, and ingesting these over time can lead to brain damage.
Chronic use of meth correlates with a reduction in neurons and white matter in the brain as well as lower levels of serotonin and dopamine. Essentially, this can make it more difficult to learn new information, remember things, and make sound decisions. It also makes you more vulnerable to mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.
Contact Promises Brazos Valley for Meth Addiction Treatment
Once an addiction to meth takes hold, it can feel next to impossible to quit. But when you have the support of the caring professionals at Promises Brazos Valley, you can achieve your recovery goals. Our Texas treatment center offers the advantage of medically monitored detox, a variety of inpatient and outpatient programs, and extended care through aftercare and alumni programs. We can also incorporate 12-step-based programs, trauma-informed care, and mindfulness modalities to customize your treatment to fit your personal beliefs and recovery needs. To find out more, call us at 979.426.0086 or fill out our online form today.