Meth Addiction Health Risk Factors

Explore meth addiction health risk factors to consider. Learn more about the impact of meth use and treatment options here.

Meth Addiction Health Risk Factors

Explore meth addiction health risk factors to consider. Learn more about the impact of meth use and treatment options here.

Table of Contents

What is Meth?

Methamphetamine is a dangerous and addictive drug that can have serious health consequences. It is a powerful and addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Meth can be smoked, snorted, injected, or taken orally.1

Meth use can also lead to serious health problems. Here, we will discuss the dangers of methamphetamine use and how to seek help if you or someone you know is addicted to meth.

Effects of Meth

The effects of meth include increased alertness, wakefulness, improved mood, and increased physical activity. These effects are usually followed by decreased appetite and fatigue.

Though a form of methamphetamine is sometimes prescribed to treat ADHD and obesity, meth abuse can lead to addiction, psychosis, and other health problems.

What Does a Meth High Feel Like?

Under the influence of meth, people tend to feel a range of pleasurable effects. These may include:
  • Feeling more alert and awake
  • Increased confidence and self-esteem
  • Improved mental and physical performance
  • Increased talkativeness
  • Feelings of euphoria

How Long Do the Effects of Meth Use Last?

The meth high can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on how much of the drug is in someone’s system. However, the pleasurable effects of meth are often followed by an intense crash that can leave users feeling exhausted, anxious, and depressed.
In some cases, prolonged meth use can lead to symptoms such as paranoia and delusions.

Meth Addiction Signs and Symptoms

Most people are aware that meth addiction is a severe problem. What many don’t know, however, are the signs and symptoms of meth addiction.
While each person may exhibit meth addiction differently, there are some common signs and symptoms, such as:2
  • Social Isolation
  • A risky pattern of behavior
  • Aggression
  • Impulsiveness
  • Significant increase or decreases in appetite
  • Insomnia
  • Hair loss and open sores
  • Vasoconstriction leading to tachycardia
  • Liver damage
  • Fluctuations in body temperature

Short-Term Health Risk of Meth Use

Meth use has detrimental effects on the human body in the short and long run. In the short term, meth use can lead to:3
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Faster breathing
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Disturbed sleep patterns
  • Erratic behavior
  • Euphoria
  • Hyperthermia, which means increased body temperature
  • Increased activity and feelings of wakefulness
  • Decreased feelings of fatigue

Long-Term Health Risk of Meth Use

Prolonged meth use can lead to addiction and other health problems. In the long term, meth use can lead to:4
  • Premature osteoporosis, meaning the deterioration of bone tissue
  • Heart Issues
  • Brain Issues
  • Severe Dental Problems
  • Hallucinations

Teens at Risk of Meth Consumption

Teens who use meth are at risk for all of the same health problems as adults who use meth including addiction, brain damage, and mental health disorders.

Causes of Meth Addiction

Several factors can contribute to meth addiction, including genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and individual psychology. These will be detailed below.

Genetic Predisposition

It is now widely accepted that addiction is a brain disease. As with most conditions, addiction has several causes, including genetic predisposition. Studies have shown that people who have a family history of addiction are more likely to develop an addiction themselves.
While genetic predisposition is not the only cause of addiction, it does play a role, and it is essential to be aware of this if you have a family history of addiction.

Physical Factors

Several physical factors can contribute to meth addiction, including the permanent brain damage that meth use causes. Additionally, the structure of meth is similar to that of adrenaline and noradrenaline, which are chemicals produced naturally by the body.

When meth is used, it causes these chemicals to be released in large quantities, leading to an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration. The combination of these physical effects can lead to an addiction to meth.
Finally, meth suppresses the appetite, leading to weight loss. This can lead to an addiction as the person tries to achieve the same weight loss level through continued drug use.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors can also contribute to meth addiction. These include trauma or stress leading to self-medicating with meth to cope, peer pressure and trying to fit in and belong, and easy access to drugs.

What to Do When Meth Affects Your Health

When meth affects your health, it’s crucial to seek professional help and support. Treatments are available for people who want to quit meth. The following treatments can help you deal with addiction’s physical and psychological effects and improve your overall health.

Medical Meth Detox

Medical meth detox is the first and most crucial step in overcoming a methamphetamine addiction. The individual will be closely monitored by medical professionals who can provide support and assistance through the detoxification process. In addition, medication can be given to ease withdrawal symptoms.

Behavioral Treatment

Behavioral treatment is another essential step in overcoming addiction. This treatment helps the individual change their behavior and learn new skills.5
It addresses any underlying mental health issues contributing to their addiction. Behavioral treatment can be done in an outpatient or inpatient setting depending on the needs of the individual.

Inpatient treatment is often more intensive and can provide a higher level of care. However, outpatient treatment can be just as effective for some people.

Meth Addiction Rehabilitation

Meth addiction rehabilitation helps the individual recover from their addiction and return to a drug-free lifestyle. Rehabilitation can be done in an outpatient or inpatient setting, depending on the needs of the individual. It is essential to find a treatment program that works for you and stick with it.

Recovery from meth addiction is possible, but it takes time and effort. You can overcome addiction with the proper treatment.

Meth Addiction Health Risk

Get Help For Meth Addiction at Arrow Passage

Arrow Passage is a leading provider of addiction and mental health services. We provide treatment for substance use disorders involving drugs or alcohol and co-occurring mental health disorders.

We offer a full continuum of care, including inpatient and outpatient programs, detoxification, and sober living. Our goal is to help our clients achieve long-term recovery from addiction and improve their overall health.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, we encourage you to contact us today to learn more about our services. We are here to help!

Sustainable Sobriety

Methamphetamine addiction is serious and can have devastating consequences. However, recovery is possible with the proper treatment.

Treatment for meth addiction is always tailored to the individual at Arrow Passage Recovery. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. The most important thing is to get started on the road to recovery as soon as possible.

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