Meth is an illegal drug that is made from toxic ingredients and chemicals found in cold medicine. Meth abuse causes havoc in all aspects of an individual’s health. Long-term abuse of meth causes major damage to the human body and its organs. The following are some of how meth can cause havoc in your body.
Skin conditions; a well-known meth hallucination caused by meth is the feeling that bugs are crawling all over your body, commonly known as “crank bugs.” Such hallucination can make you scratch and pick your skin uncontrollably, causing infection and sores. Moreover, meth abuse causes acne since some toxins are excreted through the bores. It also restricts blood flow to your skin, making it sag and wrinkled, making you look older. Lastly, in most cases, meth users don’t maintain good personal hygiene, not clean their faces regularly, leading to acne.
Immune system; meth interferes with the immune cells and their signaling pathways. In some cases, it suppresses white blood cells that fight germs, bacteria, and viruses in the body leading to poor immunity. Weakened immunity increases the likelihood of infections from viruses such as coronavirus. Individuals who consume meth through injection have increased susceptibility to diseases such as hepatitis C, B, and HIV. The drug also makes you less inhibited and clouds your judgment, which may lead to poor decisions such as unprotected sex.
Brain; meth abuse leads to excessive production of dopamine. This chemical is responsible for the feeling of pleasure and motivation. It also affects thinking-related skills such as problem-solving. Excessive production of dopamine causes temporary euphoria. According to research by various drug abuse institutions, the large irregular amount of dopamine leads to meth addiction and brain function alteration. In addition, the crash that follows meth abuse leaves an individual feeling depressed and irritable. The long-term effect of meth on the brain is that it decreases the white matter, alters neurotransmitters, and kills the brain cells. Meth addicts may experience both long and short-term mood disturbances, memory loss, serious mental issues, and confusion.
Heart; the stimulant drug (meth) damages the cardiovascular system hence the risk of conditions such as
- Abnormally increased heart rate, which causes heart muscles to collapse
- Constricted blood vessels may cause dangerous blood pressure spikes
- Cardiac diseases at younger than typical ages with greater intensity
Teeth (meth mouth); neglect of nutrition and oral hygiene by meth abusers may lead to dental complications such as dry mouth, tooth decay, and missing teeth. Symptoms of a meth mouth include headaches, jaw pains, clenched jaw, and troubled eating.
Effect on breathing system; abuse of meth leads to constriction of blood vessels, which puts pressure on various arteries directed towards the lungs. This increases your risk of contracting pneumonia, acute respiratory failure, and other lung-associated diseases. The most common way of consuming meth is smoking, which has a faster effect. This method puts an individual at a higher risk of developing complications in the respiratory system.
Get help and be educated on meth’s effects.
Meth addiction may feel challenging and hopeless for most individuals struggling with it but feel free to seek help at the Skyward Treatment Center in Dallas. If any of your family members or someone you know is suffering from the addiction or effects of meth abuse and wants to learn more about rehabilitation, detox, and recovery options, contact us. One can take back their life from the ravages of abuse if they seek help from the right places.