Effects of Methamphetamine on the Body

Methamphetamine, also known as methylamphetamine or simply crystal meth, is a drug having psychostimulant action on the brain. After taking it, a user experiences euphoria along with increased energy level, sexual desires and wakefulness for some time. As with any type of stimulative drugs and medications, meth is very addictive, and the number of people reported for meth drug abuse is very high. The side effects of methamphetamine on the body are not only physical, but they affect the cognitive functionalities of a user.

How does Methamphetamine Affects the Brain?

Intake of methamphetamine can be done by injecting, snorting, smoking or orally. While injections and smoke give a sudden rush of energy for a short-term, the crystal methamphetamine effects of snorting and oral administration last for a longer period. The feeling of intense pleasure and euphoria are due to effects of methamphetamine on the brain. As per medical studies, meth after entering the body induces the brain to secrete dopamine neurotransmitter in large amounts. And the after results are sudden rush and high amongst drug abusers. Overall, it heightens the mood and metabolism of the body.

Short Term Effects of Methamphetamine on the Body

Even when taken in a small dose, methamphetamine causes noticeable adverse reactions in the mind and body. In an animal study, it is found that a single dose leads to nerve injury, particularly in areas that contain dopamine neurotransmitter. There are also cases, in which the blood vessels of the brain get injured after a single high dose intake, resulting in stroke. Notable short-term, methamphetamine effects on the body are listed below:

• Pleasurable feeling
• Increase confidence level
• Alertness or increase in physical activeness
• Wakefulness and reduced sleepiness
• Elevated metabolic processes
• Loss of appetite
• General irritability and restlessness
• Talkativeness and feeling of excitement
• Increased sexual desirability
• Impairment in taking decisions
• Loss of focusing power
• Increase respiration
• Elevated body temperature
• Raise in blood pressure
• Elevated heart rate
• Muscle tremors
• Paranoia
• Cardiovascular collapse
• Convulsions

Long Term Effects of Methamphetamine on the Body

The long term side effects of methamphetamine in the body are life-threatening. Have you ever come across the term meth teeth? It is nothing but the oral condition of a methamphetamine abuser, manifested after using the drug for a prolonged time. Likewise, there are conditions like meth skin, meth mouth and meth bites observed after meth addiction. The scary, long-term effects of methamphetamine on the body and mind are as follows:

• Significant loss of weight
• Psychotic behavior
• Smelly body odor
• Hallucination effects
• Memory loss
• Depression
• Delusions
• Violent behavior
• Aggressiveness
• Damage to muscles
• Injury to brain parts
• Homicidal thoughts
• Internal organ damage
• Sudden mood swings
• Cravings for crystal meth
• Loss of sex drive

It is not unusual for a person to become addicted to methamphetamine after a few initial uses. In the first try, he/she feels extremely happy with increased vitality as a result of elevated dopamine production. Nevertheless, these pleasurable effects are not experienced, even if the same initial dose in injected or smoked. Thus, meth drug addiction is predictable and the person becomes a drug abuser.

In high doses, this stimulative drug is capable of elevating body temperature significantly, or cause severe physiological complications (rapid heart rate, pulse rate and breathing), which may become life-threatening for the person. Signs of serious meth side effects are rapid breathing, extreme perspiration, dilated pupils and elevated heart rate. In such cases, taking immediate medical attention is necessary to save the person's life.

Whether short-term or long-term, the effects of methamphetamine on the body are serious and should not be taken lightly. For crystal methamphetamine addiction, there are therapeutic approaches and behavioral therapies that will help them in complete abstinence of this addictive drug. The doctor may recommend gradual tapering of the drug intake to combat severe withdrawal symptoms. In conjunction to this, medications and relaxation techniques are suggested, so that the user experiences less cravings for meth drugs.