The use of methamphetamines across the country has continued to rise, especially in middle parts of the country. Awareness of the meth problem has risen, in recent years, due to the popularity of shows like Breaking Bad. Meth is a strong stimulant drug that fills users with energy, in a similar way to cocaine, but yields much greater rates of instability and mania. The drug can be taken in a variety of different ways, whether smoked or injected, or even orally taken. However, it is most commonly smoked in a crystallized form known as methamphetamine hydrochloride, or crystal meth.
Short-term effects of meth addiction
Due to the high stimulation that meth causes, it has a profound impact on the nervous system. While under the influence of meth, users often experience psychotic symptoms, such as mania, nervousness, and paranoia. In some situations, users will even have hallucinations where they imagine themselves in dangerous situations. This makes it very difficult for people under the influence of meth to interact with other people, and further creates alienation that makes it harder to get help.
While these mental effects are occurring, there are physical effects on the user, such as rapid changes in heart rate and blood pressure. Meth users also frequently experience nausea and hot and cold flashes. Meth also is detrimental to your circulatory health.
Long-term effects of meth addiction
When a user develops a dependency to meth, the short term effects become heightened, over time. This means that the risk of cardiovascular issues, such as heart rate irregularity, are going to get more intense. This increases the risk of a heart-attack, which is how meth overdoses frequently happen. In addition to this, meth is damaging to your kidney, liver, lungs, blood vessels, and brain, and can cause many of these vital organs to fail.
Individuals under the influence of meth also experience an unhealthy amount of weight loss, over time. This means that the overall health of a meth addict will continue to deteriorate, as their body won’t retain important nutrients it needs to have a proper immune system. Depression is also common in long-term meth users.