What Is Meth?

Meth is basically an abbreviation for methamphetamines. Meth is a stimulant that can create intense experiences for the user. It is also one of the most psychologically addictive drugs currently available. Meth is not only called meth, it can also be called ice, chalk, crank, speed and T among many others.

Why Meth?

Methamphetamines are easy to produce in the country, they are very common with blue collar workers and although the use started in California it is slowly spreading across rural regions in America. They are a cheap drug that makes the user feel powerful and euphoric, but these are not the only effects of meth.

What Are The Dangers of Meth?

It can negatively impact the user straight away and may have the effect of a rapid heart rate, increased body temperature and increased blood pressure, all of which can lead to serious medical conditions like a stroke or a cardiac arrest. Meth causes the user's brain to change how it produces dopamine so that the user experiences an intense feeling of euphoria immediately after taking it. However, the prolonged use of meth may cause a change in brain chemistry that may lead to certain mental health problems. The user might also feel like he or she needs to be on meth to feel happy or content again.

Meth use can lead to addiction or dependency. Users may be unable or unwilling to function without the drug, start to socialize with a totally different circle of friends, their performance might drop at work or school and they might have trouble concentrating or completing complex tasks.

What Are The Long Term Effects of Meth?

The long term effects of prolonged meth use are extreme and sudden weight loss, strange sleeping patterns, confusion, paranoia and anxiety, feeling moody or irritable, violent behavior and something called "meth mouth" which can lead to premature tooth decay and rotting or missing teeth. Long term users of meth may also experience psychosis, hallucinations, violent and dangerous behavior and even long term mental health problems.

Meth can affect the user's body visually in ways that other drugs do not. Skin loosens up due to not being elastic any longer, the user is likely to lose weight and sores on the skin take a lot longer to heal. Users who go on "tweaks", intense binges in which they stay up for days redosing to stay high, are likely to pick at their own skin, which can cause the appearance of welts on body and the face. The user is also likely to stop taking care of his or her hygiene, which contributes to meth mouth, as well as eating junk food and drinking carbonated drinks. A meth user may go from looking young to looking very old in only a matter of months. Users are also more likely to exhibit risky sexual behavior, particularly if they take meth intravenously.

If you or someone you love might be addicted to meth call a mental health professional straight away to get the help you need.