What Does Meth Do to You in the Long-Term?

Your brain has the ability to alter its pathways in response to experiences. When you learn something or have new experiences, some new synapses may develop or existing ones may strengthen. Other synapses may disappear. Meth side effects impact how well your brain functions as well as creating numerous other serious physical issues.

Meth or crystal meth is a powerfully addictive stimulant drug. At first, it gives the user a “rush” of good feelings, but as it dissipates the person feels edgy and anxious. Some people get angry, fearful, and paranoid as meth wears off. It then takes another hit of meth to feel good feelings and block the negative ones. This can quickly lead to addiction, as well as medical and psychological problems.

What Does Meth Do to You and What Are Meth Side Effects?

When you take meth repeatedly, the brain changes in response. If you stop taking the drug, you’ll have cravings to take more of the drug. Research has shown these changes are actually visible in the brain. Some meth side effects include:

• An extremely high body temperature leading to unconsciousness
• Severe itching resulting in skin sores from scratching
• “Meth mouth” consisting of broken, decaying teeth and dry mouth
• Thinking & emotional problems
• Insomnia
• Violent behavior
• Delusions

Meth is a particularly insidious drug because it’s made in unsanitary, illegal labs where the ingredients are largely unknown. It’s not uncommon for toxic and hazardous ingredients like rat poison and cleaning powders to be mixed in meth. These unsafe chemicals, not fit for human consumption, can cause many health problems in vital organs and the bloodstream. Dealers and meth makers insert these kinds of ingredients to increase the amount of meth made, to attempt to brand their variety of the drug or to increase its potency and addictive properties. Just as the extremely deadly opiate fentanyl is used in many prescription opioids and other illegal drugs to increase its potency, meth can have ingredients in it that are immediately life-threatening.

Some Other Meth Side Effects

Methamphetamine use increases the risk of contracting infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis B and C. When individuals share needles or have unsafe sex while high on meth, the risk for contracting these diseases increases. Meth, no matter how it’s taken, also impairs judgment and inhibition, which may lead to engaging in risky behaviors. However, there are also severe mental health issues that can arise from using meth. It is not uncommon for individuals struggling with any kind of substance use disorder or addiction to develop mental health issues like depression or anxiety. Many individuals turn to drug or alcohol abuse as a way to self-medicate due to an underlying mental health issue like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). When this happens, individuals need dual diagnosis treatment.

Aside from mental health issues, meth addiction brings with it very severe withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Agitation
• Insomnia
• Excessive sweating
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations
• Fever
• Red, itchy eyes
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Tremors
• Stomach ache
• Dehydration

Medically supervised detox is the best and safest way to begin treatment for meth addiction. During detox, medical complications may arise and meth side effects may contribute to severe discomfort. Having professionals monitor and support individuals during this time is key to recovery.

Treatment Options for Meth Abusers

The most effective ways to treat meth addiction are behavioral therapies: cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management, or motivational incentives. Also, 12-step therapy shows good results for individuals with meth abuse problems. Some other therapies we offer at Beaches Recovery include:

• Mindfulness-Based Treatment
• Nutrition Therapy
• Trauma Therapy
• Yoga Therapy

Meth Addiction Treatment at Beaches Recovery

At Beaches Recovery, our addiction team provides all the behavioral therapies you or a loved one needs to win the battle. Our treatment program also provides fitness and nutritional therapies to help the body heal too. Call 866.605.0532, or contact us online to speak to our admission specialists and begin the road to recovery.