Methamphetamines are one of the most commonly used illegal drugs and one of the most dangerous. Individuals who use methamphetamines become addicted quickly and experience short-term and long-term effects with both physical and psychological outcomes. Furthermore, those who continue using put themselves at increased risk for deadly overdose. Methamphetamines lead many people worldwide towards brain damage, psychosis, high blood pressure, and more.
The Rush Is Only Temporary
Individuals who use meth get a temporary fix or a rush of euphoria, alertness, and energy. However, the rush lasts for a very short time compared to the long-term side effects that it can cause both mentally and physically. This quick rush of sensations leads to substance use disorder (SUD) because people like to feel good, causing them to chase the high over and over again. Unfortunately, even short-term use of meth can have severe effects on the user and the people around them.
Short-Term Side Effects of Meth
Some of the short-term effects of methamphetamines include rapid and irregular heartbeat, insomnia, paranoia, and irritability. Meth can also decrease a person’s appetite and cause elevated body temperature, convulsions, and even death. The temporary rush can be incredibly pleasurable but doesn’t last long. Because it’s next to impossible to know where or how the drugs were created, users have no way of knowing how strong a particular dose will be. This also means that you have no way of knowing how high you will get.
Long-Term Side Effects of Meth
As an individual continues to use meth, they develop a tolerance which means that they need to take more of the drug more often to get the high they are craving. Long-term effects of methamphetamine use include extreme weight loss, severe dental problems, intense skin itching resulting in sores, anxiety, confusion, memory loss, paranoia, hallucinations, and violent behavior. Meth users also have an increased risk of contracting serious diseases, including HIV and hepatitis B and C.
Treating Meth Addiction
Side effects can be different for each individual who uses meth, but it is hazardous no matter who chooses to use it. Meth’s effects can be devastating to the user and the people around them, but meth addiction can be treated. Currently, meth addiction is most effectively treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches people new ways to cope with situations that formerly caused them to use meth, and motivational incentives to stay drug-free.
Meth is one of the most commonly abused — and most dangerous — drugs around. Its negative effects on people begin almost immediately with use and can be long-lasting. If you are addicted to meth and are looking for help, The Guest House is here for you. We offer traditional talk therapy, both in groups and individually. We also provide a range of holistic treatment modalities that focus on healing the whole person. For more information on our program, contact us at (855) 483-7800.