There are many physical side effects of long-term meth abuse, such as tooth decay or “meth mouth,” body sores, weight loss, hair loss and outward signs of aging as the drug destroys tissues and blood vessels. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), psychosis can last for several months or years after the individual quits using. An independent, multistage area probability sample design for each state and the District of Columbia allows for production of national and state estimates. The average overall weighted response rate for the 2015–2018 NSDUHs was 51%. Using a predictive model, past-year any mental illness and serious mental illness¶ were determined for each adult NSDUH respondent. The finding of increased odds of methamphetamine use among adults with lower socioeconomic indicators underscores the importance of recovery support services and linkage to social service providers.
What are the Risks of Meth Addiction?
Recovery.com combines independent research with expert guidance on addiction and mental health treatment. Our mission is to help everyone find the best path to recovery through the most comprehensive, helpful network of treatment providers worldwide. The euphoria wears off quickly, leading to a “crash.” Some people try to avoid this and extend the euphoria by repeatedly taking the drug in a binge pattern. Repeated use in this way increases the risk of developing a methamphetamine use disorder. Methamphetamine is also present in many people who die from overdoses involving fentanyl. Substance use disorders and addiction aren’t choices you make — they’re mental health conditions that can have long-term effects on your health and well-being.
Meth Overdose Deaths in the U.S.
- In 2021, approximately 1.6 million Americans suffered from methamphetamine use disorder.1 That’s 0.6% of people aged 12 or older.
- Recovery from meth addiction typically requires a structured approach.
- This powdered form of meth can be swallowed, snorted or injected.
- This article explores the effects of methamphetamine, dosage, side effects, and health risks.
According to a 2018 review of studies, people who have had adverse childhood experiences are more likely to develop methamphetamine-related psychiatric symptoms (MAP). As with other substances that may cause a person to develop an SUD, using meth can lead to physical, mental, and social difficulties. Because meth addiction is so highly stigmatized, it can be intimidating to admit you have a problem. Recovery affects the entire family, so it’s helpful to develop a family recovery plan that addresses everyone’s needs. You can do this by working with a family therapist, either as part of your loved one’s rehab program or separately. As you go through this process, it helps to keep in mind that recovery doesn’t always look like a dramatic transformation, but rather non-linear progress over time.
Other Mental Health Disorders
The only surefire way to avoid harm from drugs is to not use them. But if you choose to use meth, there are steps you can take to make your experience safer. There’s ongoing research into the health effects of secondhand meth smoke. Still, you may test positive for the drug if you’re around the smoke.
For instance, a small amount of crystal meth that costs maybe ten dollars could allow one or two people to stay high and keep partying for a full day or longer. Other reasons meth addicts cite for seeking out the drug include rapid weight loss and the way it lowers inhibitions and increases libido. Some people turn to crystal meth after their tolerance to a different drug has grown so much that they can no longer get high from that substance.
However, some research shows that longer treatment durations can lead to better long-term outcomes,11 including lower relapse rates and improved functioning. It causes intense cardiovascular strain, putting users at Halfway house increased risk of heart attack and stroke even they’re otherwise healthy. In these programs, patients live at home while attending an intensive schedule of treatment sessions and support groups at an outpatient center.
The most effective meth addiction treatment programs include medical detox and cognitive therapies. It’s not an exaggeration to describe the long-term effects of meth use as profound. According to the NIDA, crystal meth can damage nerve terminals and increase the risk for physical and psychological illness (such as Parkinson’s disease).
Over time, your therapist will work with you to change your thought patterns, allowing you to create new patterns of behavior that support your ongoing sobriety. When you enter medical detox, your treatment team talks with you about your addiction and withdrawal symptoms and goes over your medical history. A prescription version of methamphetamine to treat ADHD and obesity, this potent and often legally-acquired version of methamphetamine is highly susceptible to abuse and addiction when not taken as prescribed.
Methamphetamine May Cause Brain Changes Similar to Traumatic Brain Injury
It’s important to remember that meth addiction relapse is a common part of the recovery process and does not mean treatment has failed. Each treatment experience can provide new skills and strengthen resilience for lasting recovery. Meth addiction can create serious financial, emotional, and legal stress. This can look like borrowing money frequently or taking it without asking, running up debts, or selling things around the house to fund their use.
The more someone misuses meth, the more damaging the side effects become, and a person with a meth addiction may experience life-altering results. Since meth severely disrupts dopamine production and receptor activity, people in recovery from MUD may struggle with low motivation and pleasure. This can lead to an increased risk of relapse without proper support. This powdered form of meth can be swallowed, snorted or injected. It’s still highly addictive even if it’s less potent than crystal meth.
People who regularly use crystal meth may develop tooth decay, cracked or broken teeth, or gum disease. Potential long-term side effects of misuse can include heart problems and stroke, reduced cognitive function, and complete tooth decay. People or caregivers can find further support for methamphetamine addiction using the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website.