Effects of Methamphetamine: Your Mind and Body
Effects of Methamphetamine: Your Mind and Body
Meth, Blue, Ice, and Crystal… Whatever you call it, a person's body and brain can be severely damaged by methamphetamine. Methamphetamine has the ability to alter the way an individual's brain functions and can have effects on almost every organ in his or her body. It can also be fatal.
As reported by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 23,000 people died in the U.S. in 2020 from overdoses of psychostimulants other than cocaine. Methamphetamine was the primary drug responsible for these deaths. In addition, the 2020 National Survey of Drug Use and Health found that 1.5 million Americans aged 12 and older had methamphetamine use disorder in the previous year.
Effects Methamphetamine Has On Your Body
Using methamphetamine can have serious consequences on multiple areas of the brain, the central nervous system and beyond. Death of neurons, decrease in white matter and functional deficits have all been reported with prolonged exposure to meth. Time may reverse some effects, while others are irreversible.
Because methamphetamine affects blood pressure, weakening veins and arteries, it can also increase stroke risk. As well as impairing the immune system, meth can worsen existing conditions such as HIV or hepatitis B or C, and increase the risk of infections. Other physical effects include:
- Weight loss
- Kidney damage
- Rapid tooth and gum decay
- Skin sores
Effects Methamphetamine Has On Your Brain
Methamphetamine users may also experience psychological problems including anxiety, confusion, violent behavior, paranoia, and delusions in addition to the physical side effects.
An individual’s alertness and energy levels can be boosted by methamphetamine’s short-term side effects. Methamphetamine increases brain activity as a stimulant. However, all the effects of meth aren’t positive. In addition to causing agitation and aggression, increased brain activity can also lead to short-term side effects such as:
- Excessive talking
- Higher libido and increased interest in sex
- Intense feelings of pleasure
- A rapid heart rate
- Rapid or shallow breathing
Other long-term side effects of meth use include:
- Becoming sexually aggressive
- Anxiety, paranoia, and depression
- Difficulty feeling pleasure outside of methamphetamine use
- Heart disease or other serious health problems
Find Hope Here
As recovering addicts, we understand how debilitating meth addiction can be. That is why we use proven clinical and medical techniques to help individuals overcome addiction. It is our belief that behavioral therapy, peer support, individual and group counseling, as well as love, empathy, and direction, can help individuals cope with methamphetamine withdrawal.
Today is the day to say goodbye to methamphetamine for good! Get in touch with us now to learn more.
