Long-term use of methamphetamine can damage physical and mental health and lead to addiction. Learn more about the drug and its effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Methamphetamine, often known as \u201cmeth<\/a>,\u201d is an illicit drug commonly used because of its stimulating properties and easy availability. Long-term use of meth has negative effects on a person\u2019s physical and mental health, and it can also lead to dependence on the drug. Dependence on meth may be severe enough to cause addiction, which is characterized by a person\u2019s inability to stop drug use despite negative impacts on their life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The effects of meth depend on how much is taken, how it is taken, duration of drug intake and the person\u2019s ability to metabolize the drug. In general, the signs of methamphetamine use are easily recognizable. These signs are primarily physical or behavioral and commonly include stained teeth, skin sores and mood swings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n Methamphetamine use can have negative effects on physical and mental health. High doses of amphetamines in the short-term can lead to cardiotoxic effects, psychosis<\/a> and overdose. Long-term use also has severe physical and psychological consequences. It can also impair social functioning and lead to addiction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the physical side effects<\/a> associated with the use of methamphetamine at high doses include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The psychological effects of methamphetamine use include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long-term use of methamphetamine leads to the development of physical dependence on the drug. This dependence can become severe enough to interfere with social functioning and may result in addiction. Besides causing dependence and addiction, long-term methamphetamine use is also associated with harmful effects on physical and mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the long-term effects of methamphetamine include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meth is often used in combination with other drugs that have the opposite effect, which are usually depressants. Depressants, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines<\/a>, may be used to counter the high produced by methamphetamine. However, these depressants may give a false sense that the effects of methamphetamine have subsided. This may result in a person using too much meth and overdosing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These illicit substances may also be used simultaneously with meth. In these cases, the stimulating effects of meth may allow greater intake of alcohol<\/a> or other drugs, resulting in alcohol poisoning<\/a> or a drug overdose. Similarly, the depressant may allow an increased intake of meth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Methamphetamine is a stimulant that increases heart rate and blood pressure, and depressants like opioids<\/a> have the opposite effect on the cardiovascular and respiratory system. This can place a large amount of stress on the cardiovascular system and increase the chances of death due to cardiac arrest, stroke or respiratory failure. Other effects of mixing stimulants<\/a> with depressants include confusion, blurred vision, paranoia and motor impairment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The substances most commonly used with meth include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n According to the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health<\/a>, 0.3% (774,000 individuals) of the population over the age of 12 were using meth during the time of the survey. In addition, 0.6% of this population had used meth at least once in their lifetime. Approximately 0.2% of individuals over the age of 12 had a methamphetamine use disorder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meth was responsible for 10.6%<\/a> (6,762) of all drug overdose deaths in 2016 compared to 9.7% in 2015. About half of these deaths caused also involved the use of another drug. In terms of treatment statistics, 10.3% of all treatment admissions for drug use in 2017 were for meth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the Medical Examiners Commission\u2019s 2016 report<\/a> for the state of Florida, meth was found to be present in 621 deceased people in 2016 compared to 305 in 2015. Out of those 621 deaths, meth was responsible for 327 deaths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In terms of treatment statistics<\/a>, 1.3% of all 2016 treatment admissions for drug use in Broward County were for meth. Meth use was responsible for 0.8% and 0.4% of all treatment admissions in Miami-Dade County and Palm Beach County, respectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The toxic effects of meth are generally observed at high doses, but even low doses may be sufficient in certain cases, such as in first-time users. The dose of meth required to produce toxic effects may depend on a person\u2019s ability to metabolize the drug and their drug use history. In addition, the symptoms of meth overdose<\/a> vary and may not necessarily involve loss of consciousness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Symptoms of methamphetamine overdose include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Methamphetamine overdose can be fatal, and underlying causes often involve cardiovascular toxicities, stroke, seizures, respiratory failure and kidney failure. In the case of a meth overdose, call 911 immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Individuals using meth over a long period generally develop a dependence on the drug. Attempts to discontinue drug use may often fail due to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Family and friends can help the person with a substance use disorder to seek and continue treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n People with substance use disorders are often reluctant to admit that their use of the drug is a problem. Because of this, it is essential to confront the person regarding their drug use. Staging a well-organized intervention can help address the impact of drug use and guide the individual toward treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The purpose of an intervention is to make the person aware of the negative consequences of their drug use and convince them to initiate treatment. An intervention generally involves close friends and family, and it may be organized with the help of a professional, such as a psychologist or a drug counselor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The focus of an intervention should be to remind the person of how their drug use has hurt people around them in addition to themselves. Special care must be taken to avoid blaming the person for these problems, and the process should not be confrontational.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each participant in the intervention should prepare their statement beforehand to avoid a confrontation. Participants must also research the substance use disorder and the treatment options available for addiction. A specific treatment plan should be offered to the person, along with the actions each member would take if the person refused treatment. It is necessary to remain calm through the process and remain supportive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are currently no medications approved for the treatment of methamphetamine addiction. Treatment options<\/a> for meth addiction generally involve nonpharmacological approaches, such as behavioral therapies<\/a>. Some of the commonly used behavioral approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy and contingency management. Another common treatment technique is the Matrix model which takes an integrative approach that involves individual and group therapy, family therapy, drug screenings and support groups.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Long-term use of methamphetamine can damage physical and mental health and lead to addiction. Learn more about the drug and its effects. Methamphetamine, often known as \u201cmeth,\u201d is an illicit drug commonly used because of its stimulating properties and easy availability. Long-term use of meth has negative effects on a person\u2019s physical and mental health, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":3607,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"categories":[91],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3610","blog","type-blog","status-publish","hentry","category-meth"],"acf":{"written_by":287,"enable_medically_and_up":["Yes"],"medically_reviewed_by":263,"medically_reviewed_content":"This article was reviewed by a medical professional to guarantee the delivery of accurate and up-to- date information. View our research policy.<\/a>","up_to_date":"Last Updated<\/i> - 12\/28\/2022<\/b>","page_first_published_date":"20221228","page_last_edit_date":"20221228","highlighted_description":"If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, help is available. Speak with a Recovery Advocate by calling 888-648-0738<\/b><\/a> now.","key_takeaways":"Key Takeaways<\/strong>\r\nSigns and Symptoms of Meth Use<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Side Effects of Meth Abuse<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Short-Term Side Effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Long-Term Side Effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Common Drug Combinations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Meth Abuse Facts and Statistics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Meth Abuse and Treatment Trends in South Florida<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Meth Overdose<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How to Help Someone Abusing Meth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Intervention<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Meth Addiction Treatment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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