Methamphetamine is a dangerous, highly addictive stimulant. Meth is human-made, full of a unique mix of chemicals and additives like acetone, ammonia, pseudoephedrine, hydrochloric acid, battery lithium, red phosphorus, brake fluid toluene, roadkill dissolving lye, and drain cleaner sulfuric acid. Obviously, these ingredients bring danger to those using meth. The effects of meth include both short and long-term health problems, as you expect from its ingredients. It can also lead to mental health concerns. To learn about the connection between meth and mental health, please contact the meth addiction treatment program at Northpoint Colorado today by calling 888.231.1281.
About Meth Abuse
When cooked, meth forms into rock-like crystals of white or blue color. People using the drug heat it and smoke it in a glass pipe. Some people crush crystal meth for snorting or injecting.
More than 1.2 million Americans over the age of 12 abused meth during 2008, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. As of 2011, over 12 million Americans claim to have used meth during their lifetime. About 25 million people abuse this powerfully addictive drug worldwide.
The reason why individuals pick up meth and use it the first time varies from person to person. But the drug’s immediate, long-lasting high brings many people to its mercy. The drug travels quickly through the bloodstream from the lungs after smoking it. It reaches the brain and causes many short and long-term effects.
Short-Term Effects of Meth on Mental Health
Using crystal meth causes many side effects. Among these short-term effects of meth are severe anxiety, insomnia and paranoia. Some people suffer thoughts of suicide or extreme violence.
Meth is a stimulant, like cocaine. So its high provides almost immediate euphoria, high energy, and a sense of being very alert. These effects last much longer than many drugs like cocaine, for up to 12 hours.
Other short-term effects of meth include high motivation toward achieving goals, high self-confidence, and a sense of being smart and able to solve problems.
After these effects of meth come the harmful ones, including erratic and violent behavior. Meth also causes symptoms such as:
- Lost appetite, leading to weight loss
- Sleep changes
- Mood swings
- Unpredictable behavior
- Tremors and convulsions
- High blood pressure
- Hyperthermia
Meth also increases your heart rate, also making it irregular.
Long-Term Effects of Meth
Using meth for a long period of time causes extreme physical and psychological problems. These effects of meth include intensifying of the short-term effects explained above. Signs of long-term meth abuse include delusions, paranoia, hallucinations, depression, anxiety, and isolation. People abusing meth for the long term show other effects, including:
- Confusion, bizarre behavior
- Itchy, crawling skin
- Body sores from picking behaviors
- Breathing problems from smoking meth
- Blood vessel damage, including to your heart and brain
- Severe dental damage called “meth mouth”
- Stroke, coma, and death
People abusing meth for the long term age quickly. Meth damages your body’s ability to heal itself, leading to acne and dull skin. Sudden death from stroke or cardiac arrest is a serious, long-term effect of meth.
The only way to prevent these effects of methamphetamine is to gain the drug treatment you need from a licensed rehab facility. Unfortunately, this also means you must undergo meth withdrawal, something many people using the drug dread. But through the help of a licensed treatment center, withdrawal from meth feels more comfortable, safe, secure, supported, and bearable.
Seek Treatment for Addiction to Meth and Mental Health Issues at Northpoint Colorado
At Northpoint Colorado, we know that meth and mental health can be a challenging combination. However, there is help and hope at Northpoint Colorado. With the help of our comprehensive addiction treatment programs, you can enjoy lasting recovery from drugs or alcohol. You just need the right support, which is available at Northpoint Colorado. Call 888.231.1281 today to learn more.