Meth (methamphetamine) is notorious for its damaging effects on the brain, but did you know it can also severely harm the liver? Despite its widespread abuse, the full extent of meth use and liver damage is not well understood.
In this guide, we will uncover how meth use leads to liver damage, the signs to watch for, and other long-term health effects of this dangerous drug. You can also learn how to get effective treatment for meth addiction.
Meth Abuse Statistics
2022 SAMHSA data show the scope of meth abuse in the United States:
- 16.5 million over-18s reported lifetime use of meth.
- 2.7 million over-18s used methamphetamine in the previous year.
- 1.7 million over-18s used the drug in the previous month.
- 1.8 million over-18s developed a meth addiction in 2022.
- Most of these – 1.7 million people – were aged over 26.
- 470,000 people got inpatient rehab for meth abuse.
- 708, 000 attended outpatient programs to deal with meth abuse.
Meth and Liver Damage: How Does It Happen?
When someone uses meth, it can cause serious damage to their liver. The liver is an important organ that helps clean the blood and process nutrients. Meth can hurt the liver in several ways.
Meth use leads to the buildup of harmful substances in the liver. These substances can cause inflammation, which makes the liver swell and hurt. Over time, this inflammation can turn into a condition called fibrosis. Fibrosis happens when scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue, making it harder for the liver to do its job.
Meth also increases body temperature, a condition known as hyperthermia. This high temperature can damage liver cells, leading to cell death. When liver cells die, the liver cannot work properly, which can cause serious health problems.
Another way meth harms the liver is by causing oxidative stress. This means that meth produces harmful molecules called free radicals, which attack and damage liver cells. This damage can be long-lasting and may lead to liver failure.
Signs of Meth-Induced Liver Damage
Meth-induced liver damage can show up in many ways. Developing an awareness of the signs can help you to get assistance quickly.
- Jaundice: When the liver is damaged, it can’t process a substance called bilirubin. This causes yellowing of the skin and eyes, a condition known as jaundice.
- Swollen abdomen: Liver damage can cause fluid to build up in the belly, making it look and feel swollen.
- Dark urine: If your urine is dark even when you’re drinking enough water, it could be a sign of liver trouble.
- Pale stools: Healthy liver function makes your stools brown. Pale stools can be a sign that your liver is not working well.
- Easy bruising and bleeding: A damaged liver can’t produce enough proteins needed for blood clotting, leading to easy bruising and bleeding.
- Fatigue: Feeling extremely tired all the time can be a sign that your liver is not working properly.
- Itchy skin: When the liver can’t remove toxins, they build up and can cause your skin to feel very itchy.
If you or someone you know shows these signs, seek medical help right away. Liver damage from meth can be severe, but early treatment can help prevent more serious problems.
Other Negative Long-Term Effects of Meth Use
Meth use can cause many long-term health problems. These problems go beyond the liver and can affect almost every part of the body. Here are some other negative long-term effects of meth use:
- Brain damage: Meth use can damage brain cells. This can lead to memory loss, difficulty thinking, and emotional problems. People who use meth for a long time might have trouble learning new things and making decisions.
- Heart problems: Meth increases heart rate and blood pressure. Over time, this can lead to serious heart problems like heart attacks, stroke, and heart disease. The heart has to work much harder when someone uses meth, which can cause it to wear out faster.
- Teeth and gum issues: People who use meth often have chronic dental issues that include rotting teeth, tooth loss, and gum disease. Meth reduces saliva, which protects the teeth, and people who use the drug often neglect their oral hygiene.
- Skin sores: Long-term meth use is associated with the development of skin sores and infections from scratching. Meth can cause a feeling of bugs crawling under the skin, leading to excessive scratching and open sores that can get infected.
- Weakened immune system: Meth use can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight infections or illnesses. This means that people who use meth are more likely to get sick and take longer to recover.
- Weight loss: Meth decreases appetite, leading to extreme weight loss and malnutrition. Long-term meth use can lead to people looking very thin and unhealthy because their bodies are not getting the nutrients they need.
- Mental health issues: Meth can cause anxiety, paranoia, and hallucinations. Long-term use can lead to severe mental health problems like depression and psychosis, where a person loses touch with reality.
- Kidney damage: Meth can damage the kidneys, which are important for filtering waste from the blood. Over time, this can lead to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant.
- Lung problems: Smoking meth can cause lung damage and increase the risk of respiratory infections. People smoking the drug may experience chronic cough, shortness of breath, and other breathing issues.
The negative effects of meth can be serious and long-lasting. If you or someone you know is battling meth use, seek help as soon as possible. Treatment and support can make a big difference and help prevent further damage to the body and mind.
Meth Use | FAQs
Can I reverse any of the negative side effects of meth use?
Some side effects of meth use can be reversed with treatment and a healthy lifestyle. However, damage to organs like the heart and liver may be permanent. Early intervention and stopping meth use are central to successful long-term recovery.
What organ does meth target the most?
Meth mainly targets the brain, causing severe damage to brain cells. It also significantly impacts the liver, heart, and teeth, leading to a wide range of health problems.
What are the signs of meth addiction?
Signs of meth addiction include extreme weight loss, tooth decay, skin sores, and erratic behavior. People using the drug may also have increased energy, paranoia, and neglect personal hygiene.
Receive Meth Addiction Treatment in a Renowned Rehab at Ohio Recovery Centers
We treat all types of addiction, including meth addiction, at Ohio Recovery Centers in Cincinnati, OH.
Our outpatient programs enable you to fulfill your personal and professional commitments while attending therapy sessions at our treatment facility on weekdays. For those who need more support and structure, we also offer intensive outpatient programs.
All our treatment programs reflect the unique nature of every addiction by delivering targeted therapies that include medications, talk therapy, counseling, family therapy, holistic treatments, and aftercare.
For immediate help dealing with meth addiction, call 877-679-2132.
