Long Term Meth Use

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, nearly 2 million individuals admitted to using methamphetamine in the previous year in 2018. Since this survey relies on self-reports, the actual figure could be even higher. During the same year, over a million people battled meth addiction or abuse.

What Are the Side Effects of Long Term Meth Use?

Addiction, severe anxiety, mood disturbances, paranoia, heart complications, liver and kidney damage, and brain damage are some of the most prominent long-term side effects of methamphetamine use. This is in addition to the risks of increased heart rate and blood pressure, violent and erratic behavior, hallucinations, psychosis, seizures, and death.

During rehabilitation, you may experience some unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, which your recovery team can manage. Major side effects of long term meth use include:

• Brain Damage

When a user gets high on crystal meth, the brain, like other drugs, begins to change immediately. But the transformations don’t stop there. Meth use can alter the structure and behavior of the brain over time, resulting in a variety of mental health problems i.e.

• Problems with impulse control
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty carrying out daily tasks

• Emotional and Relationship Issues

Meth-related changes in brain chemistry can result in a variety of mental health problems, including: 

• Depression 
• Anxiety 
• Intense rage 
• Sleep issues
• Delusions and psychosis (psychosis)

Withdrawal is a major challenge for many users. You may feel desperate for the substance during withdrawal and be willing to go to any length to have it. You can put the drug ahead of friends and family, neglect loved ones, and lose connections as a result. This can lead to depression, addiction, and even more relationship issues.

• Undernourishment and Weight Loss

The fragile body is one of meth users’ most common physical traits. This can happen for a variety of reasons, the most common of which is that meth usage causes a decrease of appetite.

The drug may also cause a large loss of muscular mass, all of which contribute to severe, and frequently quick, weight loss that is difficult to maintain. Malnutrition can occur in the long run, putting organs at danger.

• Tooth Decay in Severe Forms

Although not as life-threatening as many of the other adverse effects of long-term meth use, severe decay and eventual tooth loss are another worrying symptom that many long-term meth users face.

Meth causes dry mouth, enamel erosion, and cavities by inhibiting saliva production in the mouth. It also makes you crave sugar, which contributes to tooth decay.

• Withdrawal Symptoms

Methamphetamine abuse can develop addiction by causing chemical alterations in the brain. When someone tries to stop using the medicine, withdrawal symptoms may appear, which can be deadly if not monitored properly.

This is why rehab, where experienced counselors and medical professionals can monitor the patient’s withdrawal and assure his or her health and safety, is so important.

Patients At Skyward Treatment Center Are Assisted In Overcoming Their Addiction To Drugs.

Patients who have been using meth for a long time receive drug addiction therapy at Skyward Treatment. You can beat your addiction in a way that is both safe and effective, with no or little long-term consequences. We take pride in assisting our patients in regaining their sobriety, and we urge you to contact us right away to obtain the support you need. To learn more, visit https://skywardtreatment.com/ or talk to our online team.