Many drugs carry serious health risks and complications, and methamphetamine (meth) is one of the most devastating. It is a synthetic stimulant that is capable of causing serious illness even on a single use, including the risk of overdose. As a highly addictive substance, your brain structure and function change to become dependent on meth, and that leads to complications in every part of your health.
At Anabranch Recovery Center, we offer a comprehensive treatment program to address your medical and mental health needs. Reach out to us at any time to get the guidance you need in recovering from meth’s effects.
Meth Use Is Growing in Use and Risks
Data shared from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that 2 million people use meth in any given year, with about 500 people trying it for the first time every day. It has long been a leading cause of death from overdose and health complications.
Meth changes the way your brain works, altering the structure of the brain and speeding up the way virtually all of your body’s systems operate. It pushes these speeds to levels that are unsafe and, in some cases, dangerous. That includes:
- Increasing blood pressure
- Increasing heart rate
- Pushing respiratory rates to high levels
- Causing the onset of anxiety and paranoia
- Leading to aggressive behavior
- Developing hallucinations and mood disturbances
As a stimulant, meth increases how your central nervous system works. Yet your brain and individual systems are not meant to operate at this rate for long periods of time. That taxes each system until, at some point, complications develop.
Short and Long-Term Effects of Meth Use
Even a small amount of the substance can create harmful effects. This includes:
- Skyrocketing blood pressure and increased body temperature
- Fast rate of breathing
- Loss of appetite
- Inability to sleep
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Erratic and violent behavior
Some people using the substance have so much energy that they think they are doing well. Yet, that cannot last, and once you no longer have access to the substance, the come-down period can be just as intense and debilitating.
Longer-term health risks include:
- High blood pressure can cause heart attacks, strokes, or sudden death
- Permanent damage to the brain, causing cognitive function decline
- Permanent damage to the heart, causing heart failure
- Anxiety and confusion
- Damage to the liver, kidneys, and lungs
- Onset of mental health complications, including mood disturbances, delusions, and paranoia
- Psychotic episodes that can last for months
- Severe dental decay
- Premature osteoporosis
Those with ongoing meth use will find it difficult to stop using and may face intense withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop. This creates a vicious cycle, and you may be unsure what options exist for improving your health and outcome.
Signs of Meth Use and Addiction Development
Anyone with a substance use disorder (SUD) can benefit from professional treatment. Knowing there is a problem is the first big step. If you or your loved one is using meth and has any of the following symptoms of an SUD, we recommend contacting our team for immediate help.
Psychological effects often include:
- Loss of ability to concentrate, organize, and focus
- Mood swings
- Paranoia
- Insomnia
- Anxiety and panic disorder
- Episodes of sudden, violent behavior
- Severe memory loss
Physical signs often include:
- Tremors
- Dry mouth
- Weakness
- Oily skin
- Weight loss and malnutrition
- Increased sweating
- Heart rate or rhythm issues
- Infected skin sores that cause scars and pain
- Seizures
- Teeth and gum issues
- Kidney or liver failure
If you notice these symptoms, there is help available to you. The devastating effects of meth use can be stopped when you receive treatment.
How Our Substance Use Disorder Program Can Help You
If you or a love done are facing meth use, we strongly encourage you to reach out to Anabranch Recovery Center for a consultation. Our respectful and caring admissions team will listen to what you’re facing and provide you with honest, transparent insight into what your treatment options are. Most people benefit from starting with our medically monitored detox program before progressing into treatment programs.
Our comprehensive treatment programs include residential treatment as well as in-person and virtual intensive outpatient care. Let us create a treatment plan that addresses your unique needs. Our Indiana drug addiction treatment program fosters hope and wellness. Treatment programs can help you to heal physically from many of these effects, while ongoing support ensures you have a path to rebuilding your life.
Set up some time now to take back your health. Contact Anabranch Recovery Center now to speak to our team.
