Meth Side Effects
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Meth Side Effects

Meth Side EffectsWhat are meth side effects? Sometimes it is tough to tell. But, there are certain short and long term meth side effects that may indicate that you, a family member or friend is using. Methamphetamine is classified as a stimulant, making it highly addictive, even more so than heroin. The use of meth creates a buildup of dopamine, which results in a feeling of euphoria. Because meth stays in the brain longer than other stimulants like cocaine, the effects of its addiction last longer. This is one reason it is believed that meth is more addictive than cocaine or heroin. In all cases of meth use, an user may experience a loss of inhibitions and a false sense of control and confidence, which can lead to dangerous behavior. If you or your loved ones exhibit many of these meth side effects, please seek help immediately.

What are the short and long-term meth side effects?

Short-Term Meth Side Effects:

  • Physical problems, including:
    • Elevated blood pressure
    • Hyperthermia (elevated body temperature)
    • Increased respiration
    • Convulsions
    • Acute lead poisoning
    • If pregnant, birth defects to the developing fetus
  • Behavioral:
    • Withdrawal from family and friends
    • Change in friends
    • Disinterest in previously enjoyed activities
    • Increased activity
    • Incessant talking
    • Irritability
    • Twitching and shaking
    • Itching
    • Decreased appetite
    • Erratic attention span
    • Repetitious behavior, such as picking at skin, pulling out hair, compulsively cleaning, rooming or disassembling and assembling objects
    • Aggression or violent behavior
    • False sense of confidence and power
    • Convulsions
    • Carelessness about appearance
    • Deceit or secretiveness
  • Psychological problems, including:
    • Insomnia (Long periods of sleeplessness [24-120 hours] or Long periods of sleep [24-48 hours] )
    • Psychosis - including hallucinations
    • Paranoia
    • Suicidal tendencies
    • Cognitive problems
    • Anxiousness

Long-Term Meth Side Effects:  

  • Physical problems, including:
    • Heart problems (including ischemia and arrhythmia)
    • Difficulties swallowing
    • Facial flushing (hyperpyrexia)
    • Irreversible, stroke producing damage to small blood vessels in the brain
    • Malnutrition and weight loss
    • Permanent neurological damage
    • Dental problems
    • Shortness of breath
    • Nasal problems or nosebleeds
    • Sores that do not heal
    • Dilated pupils
    • urns on lips or fingers
    • Track marks on arms
  • Behavioral
    • Withdrawal from family and friends
    • Change in friends
    • Disinterest in previously enjoyed activities
    • Increased activity
    • Incessant talking
    • Irritability
    • Twitching and shaking
    • Itching
    • Decreased appetite
    • Erratic attention span
    • Repetitious behavior, such as picking at skin, pulling out hair, compulsively cleaning, grooming or disassembling and assembling objects
  • Psychological problems, including:
    • Insomnia (Long periods of sleeplessness [24-120 hours] or long periods of sleep [24-48 hours] )
    • Psychosis - including hallucinations
    • Paranoia
    • Suicidal tendencies
    • Cognitive problems
    • Anxiousness
    • Delusions of parasites or insects crawling under the skin.

What are the meth side effects due to complication from injection?

Users who inject meth are also at risk of infectious diseases such as HIV and/or Hepatitis transmission, as are all intravenous drug users. When the risk of contracting these infectious diseases is combined with a compromised immune system, which can result from meth usage, the results can be very severe, or even fatal. Repeated meth injections also can result in skin abscesses at the injection sites, which can lead to infection and other complications, as well.

Meth side effects due to meth production and meth labs.

Due to the array of chemicals commonly used in the production of meth, users may be exposed to toxic substances that independently can cause medical complications. Some meth manufacturers use lead acetate as a reagent in the production of meth, which can lead to acute lead poisoning. Additionally, exposure to other metals and salts that may be used in meth production can also lead to health problems; exposure to some of the chemicals can even result in cancer, respiratory problems, anemia, and birth defects. Finally, all meth side effects are compounded by its highly addictive nature. As a result, treatment is difficult, relapse is likely, and serious long-term meth side effects are probable.


Meth Side Effects
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Meth Facts