Crystal meth is a crystallized version of methamphetamine that is highly addictive. While methamphetamine is similar in chemical structure to amphetamines commonly used to treat conditions like ADHD, methamphetamine is a dangerous illicit drug. Crystal meth is manufactured in illegal “labs” around the country, and addiction to this substance impacts millions of Americans. The drug works similarly to cocaine but is suggested to have a more intense high and increase dopamine production in the brain. Unfortunately, meth addiction can happen extremely fast because of its intense effects and involves many serious complications.
If you or a loved one faces a meth addiction, it’s time to reach out for help. You’ll find highly effective meth addiction treatment programs at convenient locations at BrightView. Contact our team at 888.501.9865 or reach out to us online to learn more.
How Meth Can Impact Your Life
All meth use is serious, and signs that those using it should seek help. Some of the effects of meth include:
- Dependence and addiction
- Serious health issues
- Changes in appearance
- Dental issues like decay
- Mental health complications
- Sexual dysfunction
- Legal issues
- Damage to relationships
- Increased risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases
- Financial issues
Top 10 Ways Meth Affects Your Life
Learn more about the impact of meth use, and reach out to BrightView at 888.501.9865 to get started on the road to recovery.
1. Crystal Meth Can Be Instantly Addictive
Many of those who use meth have said that they were addicted to crystal meth after the first time they tried it. The drug has an intense effect on dopamine levels, but the high does not last very long. This leads the brain to almost immediately begin craving another dose.
2. Methamphetamine Abuse Has Serious Health Complications
There are both short-term and long-term health effects related to using meth. At best, users can expect to experience symptoms of constipation or diarrhea, dizziness, headaches, profuse sweating, rapid breathing, and rapid weight loss. However, the side effects of meth are much more serious than that. Meth affects the central nervous system. Meth increases body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure, leading to an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, or death.
3. Meth Users’ Appearance Can Quickly Change
Methamphetamines can interfere with how the skin heals itself, resulting in premature aging and poor skin elasticity.
Those experiencing meth addiction may experience rapid signs of aging. Another physical effect of meth is it can make people “itchy,” those addicted to meth often have skin sores and scratches on their bodies.
4. Meth Mouth Is a Real Thing
Dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease are very common with methamphetamine. Users often lose their teeth.
5. Meth Can Lead to Long-Term Mental Health Complications
Due to how it interacts with the brain, methamphetamine users are at risk for long-term brain damage and mental illness. Methamphetamine addiction can lead to trouble paying attention to tasks, memory loss, erratic mood changes, and even permanent psychosis and paranoia.
6. Meth Can Create Sexual Dysfunction
Some of those who use this substance say that they have a heightened experience during sex while on meth. Unfortunately, this is short-lived. A quantitative study completed in 2016 showed a correlation between meth and impotence. While some users initially experienced the heightened sensation, this changed over time, and many experienced sexual dysfunction.
Drug use often leads to risky behavior because users make decisions in an altered mind. Users often engage in unprotected sexual activity that leaves them at risk for sexually transmitted diseases.
7. Crystal Meth Is Illegal
Like other illegal drugs, using methamphetamines can get you into legal trouble. The charges related to crystal meth vary from state to state, depending on the seriousness of the infraction, but meth can also lead to federal drug charges.
8. Meth Abuse Damages Relationships
This is a drug that instantly alters your behavior. Over time, this can take a toll on relationships with friends and family. High doses or prolonged usage can also lead to violent behavior, putting loved ones of those addicted to meth in dangerous positions.
10. Drug Use Leads To Financial Problems
Crystal meth is a fairly “cheap” drug to obtain. However, this drug is highly addictive and more to achieve the same high once it wears off. This leads to more and more money spent to get a fix. In addition to the cost of the drug itself, because it also alters the user’s behavior, the addiction can lead to other costly problems like loss of a job or legal fees.
Meth Addiction Treatment from BrightView Makes Rehabilitation Possible
If you or a loved one is addicted to crystal meth, you are not alone, and you can beat this disease. Treatment programs like those offered here at BrightView take a comprehensive approach to help you battle the disease and get you back on your feet. Medication for addiction treatment, combined with individual counseling and group support, offers you the best chance for long-term recovery.
If you need help, please call us today at 888.501.9865. Our caring team answers the phone 24 hours a day.
