With today’s opioid crisis most of us know what meth or Methamphetamines is. But do you know the true dangers of methamphetamine abuse?
Facts about Meth
Meth is a very potent, extremely addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. For some people it has been addictive on the first use, others take a little longer but generally, a person will become dependent on it in just a few uses.
Meth can be used by injecting it, snorting, or smoking it. When injecting it, meth becomes even more dangerous due to the needle and possible sharing of dirty needles leading to Hep C, HIV, and other diseases.
Crystal meth is a variety of the drug that has the appearance of glass slivers or shiny, bluish-white rocks. It is chemically similar to amphetamine a drug used in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. People smoke meth generally use a small glass pipe.
Street names for meth include blue, crystal, ice, glass, crank, redneck cocaine, meth, and speed. When abused, meth destroys the body from the teeth and skin to the organs that are vital for life.
Signs of meth abuse
What are the signs of meth abuse? They include:
- Hyperactivity
- Facial twitches, tics, or jerky movements
- Suspicion
- Hallucinations
- Enlarged pupils
- Noticeable and sudden weight loss
- Skin sores caused by intense itching
- Rapid eye movement
- Reduced appetite
- Agitation
- Changes in brain structure and function
- Bewilderment
- Memory loss
- Burns, particularly on the lips or fingers
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Severely rotting teeth
- Outbursts or mood swings
- Sudden severe weight loss
Long term health effects of meth abuse
There are long term health effects on the body that include:
- Respiratory problems
- Heart disease
- Liver failure
- Arrhythmias
- Kidney failure
- Malnutrition
- Premature aging
- Birth defects
- Reproductive issues
- Skin infection
- Seizures
- High blood pressure
- Sudden cardiac death
The long-term psychological effects of meth use include:
- Seizures
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Impaired cognition
- Memory loss
- Paranoia
- Depression
- Anhedonia (the inability to feel pleasure)
- Aggression
- Psychosis
- Damage to sinus cavities and nasal passages
Meth recovery
You can recover from meth abuse. If you come to rehab with an open mind and heart and be willing to learn the tools and techniques to help you overcome your habit you will be able to lead a life that is free of meth; one that allows you to transform your body and mind.
It is 449 Recovery’s ultimate goal to help each client overcome every test on the road to recovery. We believe that healing is best achieved in an atmosphere that will encourage it. The endless monitored detoxification, in conjunction with long term treatment programs at 449 Recovery are provided in a caring and structured setting. Our goal is to execute practices that will leave a lifelong impact on the recipients. We aim for no one to leave unchanged, but for everyone to start a happier and healthier lifestyle. Postponement is the foe of success, so please give us a call at (855) 435-7449 to gain more insight into our all-inclusive drug addiction treatment program today.