People across the US and here in serene New Hampshire use methamphetamines daily. Contrary to common assumptions, people from all walks use meth for various reasons. A common party drug, meth is easy to make and easy to get. Unfortunately, like other drugs, meth can be highly addictive, dangerous, and have lasting effects on the brain and body. The safest, most effective way to avoid the long-term effects of meth is with a meth addiction treatment program.
Looking for a meth addiction treatment center in New Hampshire? Liberty Health Services provides clients with a boutique family-focused medically-assisted detox program. Learn more about our serene dual diagnosis detox center today by calling us at 855.959.4521 to learn more about the effects of meth and begin treatment today.
Short-Term Effects of Meth Use
When meth enters the bloodstream, it causes an immediate rush of dopamine. The “pleasure causing chemical” jump-starts each system in the body. This increases heart rate and blood pressure. Sometimes it can even lead to cardiac arrest and death. Some common effects of meth include:
- Feeling joyful
- Hyperfocus
- Paranoia
- Hyperactivity
- Insomnia
- Confusion
- Distortion of reality
- Increased libido
- Increased alertness
- Manic behavior
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
These are only some effects of meth use. Side effects can vary because meth is made in illicit labs. This means it’s hard to know if the drug is laced with other drugs like fentanyl, which can cause different, deadly side effects.
Long-Term Effects of Meth Use
Meth can stay in your body for a long time, especially if you take it frequently. The longer someone takes meth, the less dopamine their brain will naturally produce. Over time, the brain may stop making dopamine altogether. When they attempt to stop using, the lack of natural dopamine can cause intense side effects, including:
- Changes in Perception: Meth can lead to temporary psychosis, paranoia, and delusions when used long-term. This can lead to erratic behavior, emotional outbursts, and self-harming behavior. A lack of dopamine can cause these effects to worsen, especially among people with co-occurring mental health disorders.
- Physical Decline: Meth can be smoked, snorted, or injected, leading to damage to lung tissue, nasal passages, mouth, and tongue, as well as collapsed veins. Because meth is made from toxic substances like antifreeze, it is poisonous to the body. When a person uses meth, they will sweat out these toxins causing skin sores and burns. Many users develop sores from picking moles, scabs, and dry skin patches.
- Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome: When someone detoxes from meth, they experience 7-10 days of withdrawal symptoms. Sometimes, symptoms persist for months or years after someone stops meth use. This is called PAWS or post-acute withdrawal syndrome. PAWS can be dangerous without medical support.
The best way to prevent the long-term effects of meth use is to stop using meth as soon as possible. While the brain repairs, the body will also repair damaged tissue. Detox programs prevent health complications and can ease withdrawal symptoms, preventing relapse and meth-related death.
Learn More About Our New Hampshire Meth Addiction Treatment Center
If you or someone you love is using meth, do not quit cold turkey. This can greatly increase the risk of relapse, overdose, and death. Call Liberty Health Services today for help. Liberty Health Services provides boutique, client-focused detox for meth addiction. Our medically-assisted detox programs in serene New Hampshire give clients the tools they need to disconnect from their stressful lives. With only 24 clients at a time, Liberty Health Services is here to provide the personal care you need to recover. Reach the staff at Liberty Health Services at 855.959.4521 to learn more about our boutique meth treatment program and enroll now.
