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What Does Meth Do to Your Body?
Methamphetamine (meth) is an addictive stimulant drug typically found illicitly that can significantly affect an individual’s mental and physical well-being. The long-term effects of meth can be detrimental to one’s health and include damage to the heart, respiratory system, immune system, and more.
Meth’s Effects on the Heart
After overdoses and accidents, the leading cause of fatality among meth abusers is heart disease. Meth impacts the cardiovascular system in a myriad of ways, including the following:
Constricted blood vessels, possibly resulting in hazardous blood pressure spikes
Severe heart disease development at a younger age than average
Heart failure at a younger age than average
Abnormal and elevated heart rate
Development of cardiomyopathy, or structural changes in the heart muscle
Meth’s Effect on the Brain
When an individual is substance-dependent, their brain has become accustomed to the presence of the substance (or substances) in question to function normally. Meth use causes dopamine, an essential feel-good neurochemical, to rise. When levels fall, the brain and body begin to experience withdrawal symptoms in an effort to re-establish chemical balance.
Research suggests changes in the brain due to meth affect brain structure and function. The impact on your neurotransmitters can lead to psychotic symptoms or violent behavior. Meth psychosis can include hallucinations, ideas of reference, disorganized speech, or persecutory delusions (paranoia).
Also, meth use can cause brain damage by reducing white matter, killing brain cells, and altering neurochemicals. Users may experience short- and long-term memory impairments, mood disturbances, confusion, and severe mental illness.
Meth’s Effect on Respiration
Acute respiratory failure is another risk factor associated with meth use, as is pneumonia and other forms of lung damage. These conditions result from blood vessel constriction, which puts pressure on arteries leading to the lungs. Smoking crystal meth is the most common means of administration associated with respiratory complications.
Meth’s Effect on the Immune System
Studies have revealed that long-term meth use can dramatically and adversely impact a person’s immune system. It can alter immune cells and interrupt signaling pathways. It can repress white blood cells that combat bacteria and viruses, leading to impaired immune system functions and an increased likelihood of infections.
Meth use can also cause abrasions in the mouth and mucous membranes to become dry, surmounting natural barriers against infection, especially when it is snorted.
We Believe Recovery Is Possible For Everyone.
If you or a loved one need help with substance abuse and/or treatment, please contact Just Believe Recovery at (888) 380-0667. Our specialists can assess your individual needs and help you get the treatment that provides the best chance for long-term recovery.
Meth’s Effect on Muscles
The effects of meth abuse can extend into a person’s muscles, causing complications, including the following:
Involuntary movement
Chronic muscle strain
Repeated movements
Muscle twitching
Tremors
Muscle atrophy
Meth’s Effects on Appearance
Meth use can drastically affect a person’s physical appearance, primarily due to the change in priorities that meth use elicits. It isn’t very difficult to tell if someone is on meth or a similar substance. When a person is addicted to a substance, they are unconcerned with essential activities such as maintaining personal hygiene, eating properly, and other factors that directly impact one’s appearance and health.
Long-term meth users tend to share the following physical issues:
Severe Dental Conditions – Meth users often have dental problems due to neglecting oral hygiene (aka “meth mouth”) and proper nutrition. Also, meth is acidic, which can exacerbate these issues. Moreover, many meth abusers have cravings for sugar-laden drinks and food, which can aggravate dental conditions, including dry mouth, tooth decay, loss of teeth, and gum disease.
Skin Problems – Meth use can cause hallucinations, a common form of which is a phenomenon known as “meth mites” or “crank bugs.” This condition is characterized by the feeling that insects are crawling on or under the skin. Technically referred to as formication, these tactical hallucinations can cause individuals to obsessively scratch or pick at their skin, resulting in sores that may become infected. Chronic meth abuse often leads to acne, which can be caused by meth toxins excreted through pores, poor hygiene, and restricted blood flow to the skin. People who abuse meth long-term often look older than their age, as restricted blood flow can result in the skin losing elasticity and promote the development of wrinkles and sagginess.
Weight Issues – Meth is a stimulant and appetite suppressant. Individuals who use meth are often thin or underweight. Clothes may be baggy and appear disheveled.
Getting Treatment for Meth Addiction
Meth addiction can be challenging but is by no means impossible with the proper treatment, support, motivation, and encouragement. Just Believe Recovery provides research-based substance abuse and mental health treatment programs that addresses the root causes of substance abuse and addiction. These can include trauma, depression, anxiety, and other co-occurring mental health disorders.
Levels of care we offer in our drug and alcohol addiction treatment center include the following:
Medical detox
Residential treatment program
Partial hospitalization program
Intensive outpatient program
Therapeutic modalities featured in our programs include, but are not limited to, the following:
Psychotherapy
Peer group support
Individual and family counseling
Relapse prevention education
Substance Abuse education
Health and wellness education
Mindful meditation
Art and music therapy
Aftercare planning
Alumni events
We Believe Recovery Is Possible For Everyone.
If you or a loved one need help with substance abuse and/or treatment, please contact Just Believe Recovery at (888) 380-0667. Our specialists can assess your individual needs and help you get the treatment that provides the best chance for long-term recovery.
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