Meth Addiction Signs and Symptoms

A Dangerous Stimulant

Signs and Symptoms of Meth Addiction

Meth is a highly addictive stimulant that has powerful effects. Crystal meth looks like glass fragments or shiny bluish-white rocks. It is abused by smoking, snorting, taking a pill, or injecting it. Meth creates a powerful high that starts and ends quickly, which often leads to repeated binge-like usage of the drug. This repeated use of the drug often leads to meth addiction.
Meth takes a very physical toll on the body and the brain. Meth chemically alters the mind in a dangerous way and can make it seem like getting and using the drug is becoming more important than other activities that were once important.

Signs to Look For

Some of the signs of meth addiction include the following:

Hyperactivity

Reduced appetite

Paranoia

Sudden outbursts or mood swings

Erratic sleeping patterns

Sudden weight loss

Skin sores

Rotting teeth

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Legal Issues Caused by Meth Addiction

The use of meth can cause side effects such as feelings of invulnerability, sudden outbursts, or mood swings. These side effects combined with the physical, mental, and financial toll the drug can take on someone’s life can lead to an increase in dangerous or crime-related activity. According to an article on narconon.org, 50 to 70 percent of all property crimes are committed by someone who has a meth addiction. This type of behavior and legal problems that are caused by the use of this drug only adds to the already massive toll that it can take on someone’s life.

Impacts of Meth Addiction

Immediate Impacts

Meth is a very powerful drug that has many immediate effects on the mind and body upon taking it. It interacts with the brain by releasing large amounts of dopamine. This interacts with the pleasure centers in the brain causing a high when it is taken. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, other short-term effects may include:

Increased attention and decreased fatigue

Increased activity and wakefulness

Decreased appetite

Euphoria and rush

Increased respiration

Rapid/irregular heartbeat

Hyperthermia

Long-Term Impacts

Long term meth addiction can cause many negative effects on the mind and the body. It can lead to an increased heart rate and blood pressure, damaged blood vessels in the brain that may cause strokes, irregular heartbeat, and damage in the liver, kidneys, or lungs.

Long term meth use has also been shown in scientific studies to alter activities in the brain when it is used for long periods of time. This can result in memory loss, struggling to understand abstract thoughts, and a strong psychological dependence on the drug. And lastly, it can have many visible effects on the body such as extreme weight loss, severe tooth decay, and abscesses developing on the body. All of these side effects are serious and require medical attention and a proper treatment program for meth addiction.

How Meth Acts on the Brain

The use of methamphetamine has significant effects on the brain. When it is taken it causes a very large release of two main neurotransmitters in the brain, norepinephrine, and dopamine. The release of these neurotransmitters causes feelings of euphoria, increases in energy, and feelings of invulnerability. Long-term meth use can lead to issues in the brain that cause problems focusing or paying attention for long periods of time, poor judgment, memory loss, and damage to neurons in the brain causing movement issues or loss of coordination, as well as struggling to control emotions.

Get Help to Stop Meth’s Impact on Your Life

Meth is a very powerful stimulant that can easily lead to addiction. Meth addiction can have many effects that greatly impact the mind and the body.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a meth addiction there are resources available. Consulting with a medical professional may be a good first step.