Meth Long Term Effects

Health Problems Related To Meth Long Term Effects

There are many health problems related to the use of methamphetamines including both short and long term issues. Meth long term effects can alter the quality of life even after a person is successfully in recovery. It’s critical for a person to get help as soon as possible after a dependence on meth occurs.

Meth Long Term Effects

Meth long term effects result in negative consequences for a person’s health. Tolerance to meth requires a person to take higher doses in order to get the desired effect. Chronic use of the drug my cause an individual to have difficulty experiencing any pleasure other than that he or she receives from meth. In addition to the problem of addiction, chronic use of meth leads to the following symptoms:

• Significant anxiety
• Insomnia
• Drastic mood swings
• Confusion
• Violent behavior
• Psychotic behavior
• Paranoia
• Visual and auditory hallucinations
• Delusions (insects crawling under skin is common)
• Suicidal thoughts
• Homicidal thoughts
• Anorexia
• Severe dental and oral health issues

The psychotic symptoms produced by meth use can last for months and even years after use of the drug has ended. Oftentimes stress precedes a recurrence of psychosis due to the severe structural and functional changes in the emotion and memory areas of the brain resulting from chronic use of the drug. Meth long term effects can take their on a person toll for years to come, and the damaged cause to the brain is similar to what happens to a person suffering from a stroke, epilepsy, or Alzheimer’s disease.

Getting help to get off meth as soon as possible is vitally important to the health of the individual. WhiteSands Addiction Treatment Centers in Tampa and Fort Myers FL excel in treating drug addiction. Board-certified doctors supervise their medical detox program, and their staff also includes psychiatrists, nurses, therapists, and addiction specialists. Contact WhiteSands at (877) 855-3470.

Meth Long Term Health Effects

The use of meth causes serious health problems. People addicted to meth may smoke it, inject it, or snort it. No matter how it is used, it affects the brain and central nervous system by increasing the levels of dopamine, stimulating brain cells, and creating a pleasant mood. Meth long term health effects can vary. Snorting results in the destruction of nose tissue, smoking meth causes respiratory issues, and injecting the drug exposes the person to infectious disease and abscesses.

Some of the serious risk related to using meth include a decrease in appetite leading to anemia and anorexia in severe cases. Rapid breathing, convulsions, increased heart rate, irregular heart rhythm, high blood pressure, and heat stroke (hypothermia) can all occur while using meth. Cardiovascular collapse is a serious effect of meth use and can cause liver, kidney, and lung damage. Hypothermia and convulsions are life-threatening reactions and require immediate emergency medical assistance for a chance of survival.

Effects of Meth on the Brain

When crystal meth is smoked over a substantial amount of time, significant brain damage is caused. The results are the same as someone who has experienced a traumatic brain injury from a serious accident. The person smoking crystal meth is ingesting dangerous toxins which result in traumatic brain injury. The effects of meth on the brain are serious and can be permanent. Some other known consequences of meth’s damaging effects on the brain include memory impairment and loss, reduced ability to think clearly, lack of focus, and the inability to control violent and aggressive urges. Effects of meth on the brain can also include long term psychosis.

Everyday a person ingests meth is a day closer to traumatic brain injury. If you know someone who needs help, today is the day to call WhiteSands Addiction Treatment Centers at (877) 855-3470 and find out how they can help.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.