Meth Side Effects

Meth Side Effects happen when using meth for a short time period or over consistent long term use of the drug. Methamphetamine stimulates the central nervous system by causing the release of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Dopamine is a brain stimulant that also increases physical ability and alters your mood. Some common immediate side effects of meth are loss of appetite, body temperature fluctuation, increased heart rate and increased body response and alertness.

 

Meth can be used many different ways and side effects from meth will occur no matter which way the drug is introduced into the body. Common ways of using meth are smoking it (in a glass pipe or chalet), snorting it through the nose, ingesting it orally and intravenously by injection (commonly known as "slamming").

 

Meth Side Effects differ on a short and long term basis.

Short Term meth side effect are:

You may experience some or all of these short term side effects of meth when using the drug. Almost all meth users experience insomnia of some form. Meth causes increased energy as a side effect for almost all users and this increased energy can last for days, or even a week. Many meth users experience extreme weight loss when they start using meth as it suppresses the appetite as one of its side effects. Change in appearance happens rapidly and its not uncommon for someone to drop 40-60 pounds in a matter of months when using Methamphetamines on a consistent basis. Also, because of a heightened libido that many men and women experience as a side effect when using meth, sexual promiscuity is frequent and risk of sexually transmitted diseases (such as AIDS), is increased substantially. Many of these short term side effects from meth cause new long term side effects after consistent use over a period of months or years.

Many of these long term meth side effects stem from meths effects on the central nervous system. Many meth users begin to experience Auditory Hallucinations, or hearing things that are not there. Common Auditory Hallucinations are whispering or muffled speaking. These auditory hallucinations can begin to cause extreme paranoia as a meth user begins to lose the ability of deciphering what he or she really hears. These side effects from meth are also attributed to the lack of sleep or insomnia that users experience. Insomnia generally is what leads to delirium or delusions, another long term meth side effect. Lack of sleep and rest for the brain puts added stress on it and compounded with other long term meth side effects, violent or psychotic behavior can arise in meth addicts.

 

Meth Side Effects are experienced for long periods of time because of the drugs lasting power, which can be anywhere from twelve to thirty-six hours. Many of the side effects of meth last even when the euphoric effects begin to diminish. users may experience increased heart rate and blood pressure even long after the "rush" or feeling of meth has wore off. 

 

Meth is extremely addictive and addiction can happen quite rapidly. Meth has some side effects which are considered pleasurable and the desire to experience these quickly leads to addictive behavior when using the drug. Tolerance to Meth increases over time and makes the euphoric feeling harder and harder to achieve. This side effect becomes less and less, but the more damaging side effects of meth, such as brain damage and cardiovascular problems increase with long term use. Long term meth use can be fatal as damage to the heart and brain make long term meth addicts high risk to stroke or heart attack.

 

Meth use has been continually on the rise over the past twelve years. Many people have experienced meth side effects and the long term side effects that coincide with meth use can be permanent and even fatal. Being able to spot meth side effects in a family member, friend or loved one is essential in knowing if someone has a meth addiction problem and is in need of help.