Methamphetamine is a chemical stimulant that has saved millions of patients worldwide from ADHD and obesity. Do you know that this stimulant has been declared a drug by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) due to its highly addictive nature? It is mostly produced and consumed illegally in the United States, and its disrupting side effects have made it a major public health issue. Methamphetamine is also known as “crystal meth” or crystalline as it appears in powder form.
The effects of methamphetamine completely depend on the ways it is consumed and how many times it is used. If methamphetamine is not taken as a medicine and is consumed as a drug, it will provide the user with high levels of energy for some time, and later on, it negatively affects the user’s life.
In this blog, we will understand the short-term and long-term effects of methamphetamine, treatments provided for the same, and the ongoing research of the same.
Short-Term Effects of Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine produces rapid, intense effects that users often describe as a “rush.” This drug quickly enters the bloodstream and brain by smoking or drug injection. This provides one’s body with high levels of energy.
- Increased energy: Meth stimulates the central nervous system, making users feel more alert and physically active.
- Increases confidence and sociability: Users may feel unusually outgoing and self-assured.
- Not feeling hungry: Meth reduces hunger, often resulting in rapid weight loss.
- Increase in heart rate and blood pressure: These effects can strain the cardiovascular system.
- Increased Libido: The drug can heighten sex drive, often leading to risky sexual behaviors.
The short-term effects mentioned are just for some period and fade quickly, which often leads to a “crash.” After the user crashes, he may feel tired and irritated, and after some days, the user may go into depression. Some users may enjoy the feeling of happiness after consuming this drug, but they might binge on it for a longer period. This may lead them to addiction to this drug and serious health problems.
Long-Term Effects of Methamphetamine
The long-term effects of methamphetamine are negative and affect the social and physical life of the user. Some of them are mentioned below:
1. Physical Health Issues
- Severe Weight Loss: Remaining hungry for a long time leads to malnutrition.
- Tooth Decay (“Meth Mouth”): Poor dental hygiene and dry mouth can damage teeth.
- Skin Problems: Users often scratch excessively, leading to sores and infections.
- Heart Damage: Extensive use of these drugs can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular issues.
2. Mental Health Issues
- Psychosis: Users may experience hallucinations, paranoia, and delusions, sometimes even after stopping the drug.
- Thinking difficulties: Memory loss, difficulty in concentrating, and reduction in movement are common.
- Mood Disorders: Chronic meth use is closely linked to anxiety, depression, and severe mood swings.
3. Social Consequences
- Isolation: The compulsive nature of meth use often leads to strained relationships and social withdrawal.
- Risky Behaviors: Increased likelihood of engaging in dangerous activities, such as unprotected sex or sharing needles, increases the risk of contracting HIV or hepatitis.
Why is Methamphetamine so Addictive?
The reason for this drug to be addictive is its impact on dopamine. It is a brain chemical that pleasures the user who consumes it. This drug flows through the brain with dopamine and creates an intensive impact over time. The brain becomes less responsive to dopamine, making it hard for the users to feel happy without the drug. This creates a dependency between the user and the drug and makes the user addicted.
Signs of Methamphetamine Addiction
- Consuming larger amounts over time
- Inability to stop despite negative consequences
- Spending excessive time obtaining, using, or recovering from the drug
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using
Quotes for Addicts: 40 Inspirational Quotes to Guide Recovery
How to treat the negative side effects of methamphetamine?
There are no FDA-approved medications to cure methamphetamine addiction or its side effects, but behavioral therapies have given doctors and patients some hope. Some of them are mentioned below:
- Contingency Management: Providing rewards like gift cards or vouchers to strengthen self-control.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helping users identify and change harmful thought patterns.
- Motivational Interviewing: Encouraging individuals to find personal motivation to quit.
- Group Support: Support groups offer a sense of community and responsibility.
Secondhand Exposure and Community Impact
There are several types of research being done on methamphetamine drugs, as its effects are still not understood. This drug not only affects the individual’s health but also increases their healthcare costs and is considered one of the reasons for the rise in criminal activities.
“One of the hardest things was learning that I was worth recovery.”
– Demi Lovato
Conclusion
We hope the blog on the effects of methamphetamine has helped you to understand the negative impact of the drug on one’s health and social life. The usage of this drug can be reduced with the help of public awareness and providing the users with treatment options that they can afford. If you or your close ones are suffering from methamphetamine addiction, reach out to a doctor or organizations who can cure this addiction. As we all know, “prevention is better than cure”, therefore it is essential that you stay away from this drug, or else its side effects can degrade your or your loved one’s health and well-being.
