The first time you tried meth, how did it make you feel? Confident? Energized? Able to conquer anything in the world?
Methamphetamine produces pleasant effects, but don’t mistake this substance for being safe. Meth can also be dangerous, causing long-term damage to the brain and body. Here in Arizona, “super meth” is a major problem and a key factor in overdose deaths. Super meth is methamphetamine that is roughly 93% pure, and has a “high” that lasts up to 24 hours. It is the predominant version of meth in Arizona. In Maricopa and Pima County, most overdose deaths in 2019 were attributed to methamphetamine (670 deaths).
Located in Prescott, AZ, Wolf Creek Recovery is no stranger to the methamphetamine problem in our state. We recognize that this is a potent substance that can be difficult to quit, but we are here to lead the way. Our staff is in recovery, and we can offer a unique perspective on the recovery process.
Do not be fooled by the pleasurable effects of meth. This substance causes long-lasting changes in the brain after just a few uses. Let’s learn more about meth side effects and how they can affect you physically, psychologically, and behaviorally.
Meth Side Effects
Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth, is a powerful stimulant that affects the central nervous system. This substance can be appealing because it makes people feel confident, alert, and energized. It can also take away a person’s appetite so they don’t need to eat. While meth’s euphoria is similar to a cocaine’s, it’s different in that it lasts much longer – up to 12 hours depending on how it’s used. Super meth lasts even longer. However, the short-term and long-term risks far outweigh any pleasurable effects.
Short-Term Side Effects of Meth Use
The short-term side effects from meth are immediate and can be severe, even after a single use. They can be exacerbated by higher doses and prolonged use, to the point where medical intervention may be necessary. Here are some of the most common short-term side effects:
- Increased alertness and physical activity
- Decreased appetite
- Rapid heart rate and irregular heartbeat
- Increased respiratory rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Elevated body temperature (hyperthermia)
- Euphoria
- Dilated pupils
- Insomnia
- Anxiety and paranoia
- Confusion and irritability
- Tremors and convulsions
Long-Term Side Effects of Meth Use Over Time
Using meth over a prolonged period of time can lead to a range of severe consequences that affect both your mental and physical health. These effects can be long-lasting, and in some cases, irreversible. Here are the major long-term effects of meth use:
- Severe dental decay
- Skin sores
- Weight loss and malnutrition
- Sleep disturbances
- Cardiovascular problems
- Liver damage
- Respiratory problems
- Infectious diseases like HIV or hepatitis C
- Cognitive decline
- Psychosis
- Mood disorders
- Behavioral changes
How Meth Affects the Mind and Body
Meth has significant and widespread effects on both the mind and body. It enters the bloodstream quickly and travels to the brain, which causes a rush of dopamine, the “feel-good” hormone. This is why you feel great when you take the substance. However, over time, meth destroys dopamine receptors in the brain, limiting your ability to experience pleasure from everyday activities. Your brain is essentially “tricked” into thinking that the only way to feel pleasure is by taking the substance. Eventually, meth can damage the brain and lead to memory problems, paranoia, and psychosis.
It’s also possible to develop tolerance to meth. Tolerance occurs when regular use of the substance causes the brain to become less responsive to its effects. Therefore, you need to take higher doses of meth to achieve the same “high” you did originally. The more you take, the higher the risk for worsening side effects, overdose, dependence, and meth use disorder. To stop the cycle of meth misuse, rehab for drug addiction can help.
Behavioral Signs of Meth Use
Recognizing the early signs of meth use is important for early intervention and support. Meth can cause distinctive changes in a person’s behavior and appearance. Usually, friends and family will see a noticeable increase in energy and alertness in their loved one. They may also find that the person has periods where they act erratically, stay awake for several days at a time, and then experience a “crash” where they sleep for extended durations.
A person using meth may also become secretive about their whereabouts, and abandon activities that once mattered to them. They could distance themselves from loved ones, and start engaging in risky behavior including lying and stealing. No longer caring about their appearance and hygiene is also common.
Physical Signs of Meth Use
Methamphetamine causes several visible physical signs and symptoms that may help in identifying a person who is using the substance. For instance, meth suppresses the appetite, often leading to rapid weight loss. “Meth mouth,” which involves severe tooth decay, cracked teeth, and gum disease, is also common. These problems arise from a combination of dry mouth, poor oral hygiene, and the acidity of meth. Other physical signs of meth use are skin sores, hair loss, poor skin tone, burn marks, and track marks.
It’s also possible to identify meth use through meth paraphernalia, such as straws, razors, pipes, syringes, and burnt spoons and tin foil.
Psychological Signs of Meth Use
Due to meth’s powerful impact on the central nervous system, the substance has specific psychological effects. In the initial stages of meth use, it’s normal to experience intense euphoria, causing people to appear excessively happy, energetic, and confident. Family and friends may notice that their loved one is speaking rapidly, experiencing racing thoughts, and is unable to sit still. It’s also possible to experience negative effects, such as aggressiveness, hallucinations, mood instability, impaired judgment, and obsessive behaviors.
Treatment for Meth Use Disorder in Prescott, AZ
Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, are the cornerstone of treatment for meth use disorder. This is where you will learn to recognize, avoid, and cope with situations most likely to trigger a return to meth use.
Support groups can also be helpful to your recovery, giving you the opportunity to connect with others who are facing similar challenges, reducing isolation, and encouraging abstinence. Currently, there are no FDA-approved medications specifically for the treatment of meth use disorder, but the research is ongoing. There are, however, medications that can treat withdrawal symptoms and co-occurring conditions, making it easier to achieve a full recovery.
Don’t wait any longer to get the support you need to overcome a meth use disorder. Wolf Creek Recovery provides a caring, compassionate environment with staff that is in recovery. We offer a range of therapies to support your recovery, including outdoor therapy and recreational sports. To build a life you love, contact Wolf Creek Recovery today at 833-732-8202.
FAQs About the Side Effects of Methamphetamine
What is methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine, commonly referred to as meth, is a powerful stimulant that acts on the central nervous system. It causes a person to feel energetic, confident, and on top of the world.
How does “super meth” compare to regular meth?
“Super meth” is the predominant form of meth in Arizona. It’s 93% pure and high in quality, producing intense effects. Its “high” also lasts about 24 hours, which is 12 hours longer than regular meth.
What are the short-term effects of meth?
The short-term effects of meth include euphoria, confidence, alertness, decreased appetite, increased blood pressure, and hyperthermia.
What are the long-term effects of meth?
The long-term effects of meth include “meth mouth,” infectious diseases, weight loss, skin sores, and an increased risk for meth use disorder.
How can I recover from methamphetamine use?
Behavioral therapies are the gold standard for treating meth use disorder. Counseling, support groups, and ongoing monitoring are also key.
