Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant drug. The effects of methamphetamine are short-lived so many users take the drug in increased frequency and amount overtime, leading to strong physical and psychological dependence. Like other euphorigenic drugs, methamphetamine creates strong surges of dopamine, the brain chemical responsible for motivation, pleasure, and reward. Methamphetamine use causes major short-term and long-term damage to the body and brain. Methamphetamine provides a false sense of well-being, increased energy, wakefulness, and euphoria. There are a multitude of short-term health effects, including nausea, delusions, aggression, rapid and irregular heartbeat, and dangerous spikes in blood pressure. Overdose is possible and potentially lethal. Symptoms of a methamphetamine overdose include irregular heartbeat, chest pains, kidney failure, stomach pain, and high body temperature. Heart attack and stroke are possible and could lead to death if one does not receive medical attention immediately. Overdose can lead to permanent health complications, and paranoia and delusions caused my methamphetamine use can last up to a year. In the long-term, health problems caused by methamphetamine use are more likely to be permanent. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “chronic abusers may exhibit symptoms that can include significant anxiety, confusion, insomnia, mood disturbances, and violent behavior. They also may display a number of psychotic features, including paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations, and delusions (for example, the sensation of insects creeping under the skin). Psychotic symptoms can sometimes last for months or years after a person has quit abusing methamphetamine, and stress has been shown to precipitate spontaneous recurrence of methamphetamine psychosis in formerly psychotic methamphetamine abusers.” In addition, long-term health consequences can include, but are not limited to, permanent damage to the heart, brain, kidneys, liver, lungs, and blood vessels, as well as depression, psychosis, disorientation, confusion, and malnutrition. The damage to the brain caused by chronic methamphetamine use is severe, and similar to those who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, or have had a heart attack or stroke. It is possible to avoid the major health consequences of methamphetamine abuse, but because much of the damage may be permanent, it is imperative to seek help as early as possible.
Methamphetamine and other drugs don’t have to be a part of your story anymore. You can make the decision to seek help now and avoid the possibility of irreversible health consequences. Oceanfront Recovery, a treatment center in beautiful Laguna Beach, is staffed with compassionate detox professionals dedicated to making the process as comfortable as possible so you can go on to find a better life in recovery. For more information about treatment options, please call today: (877) 279-1777
