There are many long-term effects of using meth, including overdose and addiction. Addiction is a chronic and relapsing brain disorder that’s characterized by compulsive drug use regardless of adverse outcomes. The effects of long-term meth use may include significant changes in brain function and structure. Read on to learn more about the consequences of methamphetamine abuse and discover how to connect with compassionate care.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Meth?
The effects of prolonged meth use can be severe and potentially irreversible. Long-term meth use impacts all body systems.
Neurological impact
Long-term effects of methamphetamines may include cognitive impairments like memory loss, reduced attention span, and difficulty with problem-solving. Chronic meth use may also trigger emotional and psychological changes, such as depression, anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, and an increased risk of psychosis.
Physical health issues
Long-term methamphetamine use can lead to significant weight loss, dental problems – often described as meth mouth – skin sores, and heightened risk of infectious diseases, either from unsafe injecting practices or compromised immunity.
Cardiovascular problems
Meth use is associated with increased heart rate and blood pressure, which can lead to prolonged cardiovascular issues, including a heightened risk of heart attacks, stroke, and irreversible damage to blood vessels.
Dependence and addiction
Methamphetamine, like all Schedule II substances, is highly addictive, leading to the development of tolerance (where more of the drug is required to achieve the same effects) and dependence (a state associated with the manifestation of withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation).
Changes in brain structure and function
Imaging studies show that meth use can cause changes in brain structure, especially in areas that govern emotion and memory. Chronic meth abuse may also lead to impaired verbal learning and reduced motor speed.
Social and behavioral changes
People using meth long-term often demonstrate significant changes in behavior, including increased aggression, risky sexual behaviors, and social isolation. These changes can lead to strained relationships, job loss, and legal problems.
The cumulative effect of these issues can be devastating not only to the person but also to their family and community. Recovery from long-term methamphetamine use require comprehensive medical and psychological treatment to address the broad-based nature of the addiction and its consequences.
Meth Effects on The Body
Methamphetamine triggers an array of effects on the body, some of which are immediate and others that develop or worsen over time with continued use:
- Increased blood pressure: Meth use increases heart rate and blood pressure, which strains the cardiovascular system. This may lead to chronic heart problems or acute emergencies like heart attacks.
- Meth mouth: Those abusing meth long-term often suffer from severe dental decay, gum disease, and tooth loss, attributed to the acidic content of the drug, dry mouth, and poor dental hygiene.
- Skin and appearance: People who use meth long-term often have sores or abscesses on the skin from scratching and picking.
- Malnutrition and weight loss: Meth causes appetite loss and extreme weight loss, which may lead to malnutrition and weaken the immune system, rendering the body more susceptible to illness.
- Reproductive health issues: Meth use can lead to sexual dysfunction in men and menstrual irregularities in women, as well as increased risk-taking behavior which may result in the transmission of STIs (sexually transmitted infections).
- Neurological damage: Beyond cognitive impairments and emotional disturbances, meth can cause permanent damage to the dopamine system in the brain, affecting a person’s ability to experience pleasure naturally.
- Respiratory problems: Smoking methamphetamine can provoke respiratory issues like coughing, breathing difficulties, and an increased risk of respiratory infections.
- Liver damage: Meth can be toxic to the liver, increasing the risk of liver damage and failure over time.
Treatment for Long-Term Effects of Meth Use
Addressing the long-term effects of methamphetamine use involves a holistic approach that combines medical care, psychological support, and lifestyle adjustments.
Medical interventions
For immediate health concerns like cardiovascular complications or infections, medical treatment may involve medications, surgeries, or other interventions. Dental care helps address the severe oral health issues caused by meth use.
Psychotherapy
CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and other forms of counseling are essential for tackling psychological dependence on meth. Therapy can help people understand the root causes of their addictions, develop coping strategies to counter cravings, and deal with any co-occurring mental health disorders like depression or anxiety.
Nutritional support
Dieticians can provide personalized eating plans to help people restore nutritional balance and support overall recovery from meth addiction.
Physical rehabilitation
Physical therapy and exercise programs can help people recover from the physical deterioration triggered by chronic meth use.
Social and community support
Family therapy, peer support groups, and community resources can all play a part in someone’s recovery from meth addiction, providing support, accountability, and practical assistance.
Relapse prevention
Continuous monitoring and support help prevent relapse. This may include ongoing outpatient treatment, support group meetings, and medication-assisted treatment to help manage cravings and ongoing withdrawal symptoms or co-occurring disorders.
Recovery from the long-term effects of meth use is challenging but achievable. Here’s how you can kickstart your recovery.
Get Treatment for Meth Addiction at Ohio Recovery Centers
If you or someone that you care about needs help moving beyond meth addiction, reach out to Ohio Recovery Centers and begin your recovery with supervised medical detoxification.
After addressing the issue of dependence on methamphetamine, you can tackle the psychological side of stimulant addiction during ongoing outpatient treatment at our rehab center in Cincinnati, OH. This form of treatment is not only affordable but also highly flexible – attend therapy sessions around your existing commitments.
All meth addictions are unique and are often associated with physical or mental health complications. Treatment plans at Ohio Recovery Centers reflect this with a personalized blend of science-backed and holistic interventions for a whole-body approach to recovery from meth addiction.
Call 877-679-2132 today and kickstart your recovery right away.
