Methamphetamine, or meth, is a very powerful stimulant that can cause addiction. It is often in the form of an odorless white powder or crystals that are most often smoked. When a person takes this drug, they will experience a feeling of euphoria. However, the long-term effects of meth pose a very dangerous threat. So it is important to seek help from medical experts at Georgia Addiction Treatment Center and go through a drug addiction treatment program. To learn more about the treatment options available at our meth addiction treatment center, contact Georgia Addiction Treatment Center today at [Direct].
Long-Term Effects of Meth on Mental Health
Meth causes a sudden release of dopamine, which changes the brain’s natural chemical balance. When used regularly, meth can result in long-term mental health problems and mood disorders such as:
- Paranoia
- Aggression
- Anxiety
- Depression
For someone experiencing health problems from the use of meth, learning coping skills through cognitive-behavioral therapy can help.
Brain Damage
When one uses meth chronically, neurons in the central nervous system will suffer. The death of these neurons can cause damage to the brain that will negatively affect attention, memory, behavior, problem-solving ability, and reasoning. Over time, this can make way for serotonin and dopamine imbalances which causes many negative impacts on your health that include:
- Learning impairment
- Impaired judgment
- Difficulty concentrating
- Decreased coordination
Someone experiencing long-term effects of meth can have either subtle or serious issues even with basic functions like walking and running. Aside from that, Alzheimer’s disease is also associated with dopamine receptor neuron damage, so those who abuse meth are more likely to develop this condition earlier in life. They are also putting themselves at risk of contracting Parkinson’s disease.
Oral Problems
Meth is acidic, and it corrodes the teeth and causes irreversible damage. Most people who abuse meth suffer from poor oral health, also known as “meth mouth.” Its signs include:
- Tooth decay
- Mouth sores
- Gum disease
- Loose teeth
- Blackened and stained teeth
Aside from these signs, meth can also make way for receding gums, and sensitive or broken teeth. Meth mouth also inhibits saliva flow, and addicts may also neglect their oral hygiene and consume sugary food and drinks without brushing their teeth.
Psychotic Tendencies
Meth abuse can cause many psychotic effects that may come in the form of auditory and visual hallucinations, paranoia, and delusions. Chronic abusers also feel the sensation of insects creeping under their skin. This condition is called “meth bugs.” Unfortunately, this can persist for months or even years, even if the abuser has quit using meth.
Health Problems
Meth is a synthetic chemical created in unregulated illegal laboratories. It contains amphetamine, a stimulant drug that is sometimes mixed with other derivatives to increase its potency. This may include battery acid, drain cleaner, and even anti-freeze. Considering this, it’s no wonder why meth wreaks havoc on the body, especially on the liver and lungs when smoked.
Meth also causes the blood vessels to constrict, thereby increasing one’s risk of stroke, heart attacks, and blood clots. Consistent meth abuse can also lead to serious health problems, such as kidney failure.
Aside from these serious problems, meth can impair self-control and judgment. Therefore, the use of meth increases the risk of needle-sharing or having unprotected sex which can lead to the contraction of Hepatitis B and C and HIV.
Emotional Distress
One of the most felt long-term effects of meth is the loss of impulse control. When someone cannot self-regulate and control their emotional state, they can present a myriad of emotional problems, such as irritability, self-harming and suicidal behaviors, chronic apathy, and loss of motivation. These all happen because of the structural damage in the brain caused by the loss of neurotransmitters.
How Can Meth Addiction Treatment Help?
If you are struggling with meth addiction, seeking treatment can help. Treatment for meth addiction generally involves a combination of behavioral therapy, medication, and support groups. Meth addiction is a serious disease, and it requires professional care to overcome. There are many excellent rehab centers that can provide the necessary care to help you get your life back on track. Georgia Addiction Treatment Center is one of those treatment centers.
We offer a range of evidence-based and holistic therapy options. For instance, our treatment programs include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Trauma therapy
- Family therapy
- Motivational interviewing
Our experienced and compassionate staff will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. We are here to help you overcome your addiction and regain control of your life.
Take Back Control of Your Life with Georgia Addiction Treatment Center
People who enter a substance abuse disorder treatment program mostly become successful in maintaining abstinence. In time, they can recover some level of functioning. But in many cases, the long-term effects of meth still leave residual effects on the brain. The sooner you seek treatment at Georgia Addiction Treatment Center, the better. So call Georgia Addiction Treatment Center at [Direct] today to find out how we can help.
