As one of the most addictive and damaging drugs out there, methamphetamines, or meth, can lead to a wide range of complications in health. Research shows that millions of people use meth each year, and unfortunately, many of these individuals begin using in their teens and young adulthood. For those who are young and using this drug, its attractive benefits now may be too hard to pass up. Yet, the long term effects of meth can be devastating. At Fort Behavioral Health, we want to ensure you are getting help before this happens to you. For more information about our drug addiction treatment programs, contact the experts at Fort Behavioral Health today at 844.332.1807.
What Is Meth and Why Is It So Dangerous?
Meth is a very addictive type of stimulant. It is often called crystal, blue, ice, or other names. In all cases, this drug is a type of crystalline powder that has a bitter taste. It has no scent and is white. It is sold heavily in the U.S. as an illicit drug but also is manufactured at home by some people.
Meth creates a high that many people seek. When it is injected, smoked, or even swallowed, it will create change in the body as well as the mind. Those who abuse it are likely to suffer both short-term and long term effects on their health and mental wellbeing. In some cases, just one use of it, especially too much of it, can be fatal. Illegal forms of the drug, compared to prescription products, are the most dangerous.
What Meth Does to the Brain
To explain the long term effects of meth, it is also important to consider how the drug interacts with the brain. When a person uses meth, it causes the neurotransmitter dopamine to be activated and stimulated. This is the feel-good component in the brain. It works to activate the reward circuit in the brain, which makes a person feel pleasure and creates a sense of reward. Over time, the brain learns that to feel good, it needs the presence of meth to function. This situation is called dependency and can lead to more continuous use and, eventually, addiction and the need for a drug addiction treatment program.
What Are the Long Term Effects of Meth?
In the short term, a person may feel high. Yet, the long term effects of meth are very worrisome. They include:
- Psychosis, in which a person sees hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Motor skill deficient
- Changes to brain structure
- Mood disturbances and mood swings
- Aggressive or violent behavior
- Severe dental problems
What Can Be Done?
If you want to minimize the risk of these long term effects of meth, you have to stop using it. That’s difficult to do without drug and alcohol detox. Our team offers medically monitored detox to make it possible. We offer comprehensive care to ensure you are getting the support you need.
Call Fort Behavioral Health Now
The long term effects of meth are very worrisome. They are terrifying, but for those who take the time now to get help, they may not be as impactful. With the help of an individualized treatment program, however, we can help you escape the dangerous, or at times, deadly long-term effects of meth. At Fort Behavioral Health, we offer a wide range of holistic and evidence-based therapies, which we will tailor to each of our patients’ unique needs. Our therapy programs include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy program
- Dialectical behavior therapy program
- Yoga therapy
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
Our team at Fort Behavioral Health can provide you with the treatment you need to avoid being a statistic. Give our team a call now at 844.332.1807 to get the care you need.
