What Are the Long-Term Effects of Methamphetamines?

Anyone who has battled methamphetamine or meth addiction can attest to the horrors it entails. From staying awake for several days and then crashing, or struggling to maintain the high. It is a cycle that can be extremely hard to break. The long-term effects of methamphetamine can be extremely difficult to live with.

There are many different things than can occur as a result of methamphetamine use and abuse. But what are the long-term effects of methamphetamines? How does addiction to this drug affect a person’s life in the long run? Well, understanding what methamphetamines really are can help to create a realistic picture of how this drug can affect someone’s life long term.

What Are Methamphetamines?

The central nervous system (CNS) is responsible for processing and sending out signals to the body. Methamphetamines are a powerful and addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It comes in a crystal powder form, and can be used and abused in different ways. Methamphetamines were first created as a nasal decongestant and used in bronchial inhalers.

It can cause higher energy levels, decreased appetite and a sense of euphoria and exaggerated sense of well-being in users. In comparison to amphetamines, the drug meth was derived from, much more of the drug gets into the brain and can affect daily functionality in its users. The long-term effects of methamphetamines occur due to the way it enters into the brain and harms the CNS.

Short-Term Effects of Methamphetamines

While there are long-term effects of the drug that can make daily life activities more difficult, the short-term effects of methamphetamines can also be a reason for some decreased productivity in life. Some of the short-term effects can include things like increased energy levels and decreased need for sleep, or insomnia. Decreases in appetite levels, causing extreme weight loss can also occur.

Using this drug can create higher levels of anxiety, increases in heart rate, profuse sweating and can cause an increase in body temperature. But what are the long-term effects of methamphetamines that can occur? Well just like any drug, meth can cause some serious complications in someone’s life causing lifelong health and wellness issues.

Long-Term Effects of Methamphetamines

The long-term effects of meth can be fatal, while some effects can create ongoing health challenges. The effects depend on the dose or the presence of other chemicals like alcohol. Some of the long-term effects of methamphetamines include:

• Cardiovascular problems: One of the most vital and essential organs in the body is the heart. Methamphetamines can cause some severe damage to this organ in the long run. Increases in blood pressure and heart rate can cause the heart to overwork and become strained. Methamphetamine use can also lead to the hardening of the arteries in the heart leading to heart attacks and strokes.
• Psychiatric conditions: Long-term effects of methamphetamines can include paranoia. Because this drug affects the CNS, the brain’s processing changes. Potentially someone could go into psychosis, there is a risk for auditory and visual hallucinations, and increased, long-term levels of anxiety. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) these symptoms can sometimes last months or years after the drug is last used. 
• Poor dental health and premature aging: The long-term effects of meth lead to rotting teeth and decreases in saliva production, which is crucial for protecting teeth from decay and increases cavity formation. When cavities form, teeth become brittle and break down. Drug abuse also leads to premature aging, and methamphetamines are no different. Due to lack of sleep and poor diet, physical health can deteriorate more rapidly than in those who do not use this drug. The long-term effects of methamphetamines can cause someone to look older than their actual age, and the body to break down quicker.
• Chronic disease: Methamphetamines cause the immune system to become suppressed. This can lead to developing illnesses easier and more often. It can also lead to heart disease and strokes. The long-term effects of methamphetamines also include liver damage, kidney damage, and there may be links to cancer. 

Regardless of these long-term effects of methamphetamines, remember that recovery is possible. Addiction is a chronic disease that can be treated and overall quality of life can improve.

Withdrawal Symptoms from Methamphetamines

Like any drug addiction, long-term effects of methamphetamines addiction can be an addiction which in turn leads to some uncomfortable and unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Some of these symptoms can include insomnia, depression, anxiety, agitation and severe mood swings.

Due to these and the other symptoms, it is highly suggested to seek professional guidance and help when ending use of this drug. Doing this ensures someone is getting the support needed if they endure uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal in the process. 

Recover From Meth Addiction in Marietta, GA

Methamphetamines are a dangerous drug. Addiction to methamphetamines can lead to some severe and life altering repercussions. Help is available for addiction to methamphetamines. If you or a loved one struggle with this drug, Empowered Recovery Center can help. We have a team of professionals to help guide you as you learn to live life free from addiction to methamphetamines.

Contact us today to begin your journey to recovery.