With its extremely addictive properties, meth has a reputation for creating devastation, even if you try it only once. However, fewer people are aware of how harmful methamphetamines can be when they are taken regularly for long periods of time. This guide to the long term effects of meth will help you learn all about the mental and physical damage meth can do.
The Physical Issues Effects of Meth
Since methamphetamine is a stimulant, it causes an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. When these vital signs are chronically raised, excess stress is put on the cardiovascular system. People who repeatedly use meth have a much higher risk of strokes, heart disease, lung disease, and kidney disease. This is due to their damaged cardiovascular system. People who are addicted to meth tend to neglect personal hygiene, which can cause infections to set in. This neglect often combines with the chronic dry mouth caused by meth to create “meth mouth.” Meth mouth is a dental condition characterized by extensive tooth decay, tooth loss, and gum lesions.
One of the other major effects of methamphetamine abuse over a long period of time is addiction itself. When a person keeps using meth over and over again, they develop a physical dependence on meth. This means that whenever they stop using meth, they will go into withdrawal. During withdrawal, they will experience unpleasant problems like jitteriness, dry mouth, fatigue, and excessive sleepiness. Addiction also changes the way the body physically reacts to meth. Therefore, to achieve the same result, the person will need more and more meth.
The Mental Problems Associated With Long-Term Meth Abuse
Addiction itself causes an entirely new range of problems for people over time. People addicted to meth tend to neglect all aspects of their life besides meth, so romantic relationships, work, school, and hobbies are lost. In addition to these emotional and social issues, the effects of meth on the brain result in even more mental health problems because the drug changes the way the brain works.
Studies of long-term meth users have imaged their brains and found that the parts of the brain associated with memory and emotion have been severely damaged. This leads to a wide range of issues, such as mood swings, anxiety, insomnia, and violent behavior. In some cases, people who abuse meth for a long time end up with methamphetamine psychosis. This mental disorder is characterized by aggression, paranoia, and seeing or hearing things that are not there.
Repeated Meth Abuse Causes Issues Even When You Are Sober
One of the most concerning things about meth addiction is that the effects of methamphetamine are long-lasting. They do not all just go away because you get meth addiction therapy and get sober. Some of the effects of long-term usage, such as psychosis, can continue for years after a person has quit using meth. Unfortunately, many of the health effects of meth abuse can also persist forever. Though the stimulant does not continue putting excessive strain on the cardiovascular system once you quit using it, it can take a lot of time for the damage to heal. Those who have excessive brain, kidney, lung, tooth, or heart damage may never fully recover.
Overcoming the Long-Term Effects of Meth
If you are concerned by the long-term effects of methamphetamine abuse, the only solution is to stop abusing meth. This helps halt the immediate dangers of meth abuse and gives your body time to recover. Sunflower Wellness Retreat can provide plenty of assistance while you follow the path to recovery. We have a high-to-low staff-to-patient ratio that ensures you get focused support as you work towards sobriety. At our peaceful meth addiction treatment center, you can take part in group and individual therapy and get medical assistance with managing your addiction. Call us at 855.730.8825 to find out more about our helpful treatment services.
