What are the Long Term Effects of Crystal Meth

With an absolute focus on now, a majority of crystal meth addicts forget to consider long-term consequences from crystal meth drug abuse. The euphoria they get seems to be enough until the next hit. Unfortunately, the potential long term effects of crystal meth can be quite dangerous. Setting aside addiction for a moment, the possible effects on one’s overall health should raise red flags.

How Crystal Meth Attacks the Body

Crystal meth users usually take the drug without really understanding how the drug attacks the body. Like most drugs that contain amphetamine-based substances, meth goes right to the brain. It induces a certain euphoria by tantalizing the pleasure neurotransmitters in the brain. The pleasure from this euphoria is so intense that another hit always seems in order. If there are too many hits, the user will end up in crystal meth addiction treatment.

Putting the euphoria aside, chronic use of meth will almost always cause damage to certain parts of the brain. The chances of this increase when the addict starts increasing the dose to get the effect they want or now need. The more of the substance they use, the more likely they will risk damage to brain neurons and the neurotransmitters. In some cases, the damage may be recoverable. In other cases, the damage could be permanent.

The Long Term Effects of Crystal Meth

Now you know a bit about how meth attacks the central nervous system. It’s time for us to address the neurological and behavioral long term effects of crystal meth abuse. Indeed, crystal meth abuse and addiction affect almost every aspect of the user’s life. In some cases, the long term effects are profound and dangerous. Let’s look at some of the more troubling results:

• The onset of specific psychosis–paranoia, hallucinations, repetitive motor activity
• Actual changes in brain structure and functioning
• Memory loss
• Loss of motor function
• Increased tendency toward violent and aggressive behavior
• Dental problems
• Mood disturbances

As you can see, this list contains a lot of issues a sane person would want to avoid.

Meth Addiction Treatment at Beaches Recovery

Beaches Recovery Center in Jacksonville, Florida treats meth addiction as well as addiction to most dangerous and illegal substances. We built our stellar reputation by addressing all aspects of addiction. To do this, we use a complete menu of treatment options, which includes:

• Detox at Tides Edge
• Inpatient and outpatient programs
• Dual diagnosis treatment for patients with co-existing psych issues
• Gender-responsive group therapy
• Aftercare options

Before your body and mind succumb to the long term effects of crystal meth abuse, you need to get help. It’s time to stop rolling the dice. You can start your fight against addiction by picking up the phone and calling Beaches Recovery at 866.605.0532. This is one call you will never regret once recovery takes hold.