Isn’t it strange that despite knowing the ill effects of consuming drugs, so many people hook onto them? Experts at Massachusetts drug rehab say that it is the euphoria they seek, that short-lived, intense feeling of well-being, that gets them in the game – one they find very difficult to leave.
Meth – an addictive substance
Meth or methamphetamine is a chemical or synthetic stimulant. It is extremely potent and highly addictive.
Available in powder or capsule form, it can be:
- Smoked
- Injected
- Snorted
- Taken orally
- Mixed with other drugs and consumed
It is also available in crystalline form, known as crystal meth (called ‘ice’ on the black market). It is seen that long-term abusers prefer this form as it gives them a more intense ‘high’ very quickly.
How it works
Once in the system, meth enhances dopamine, our body’s natural chemical, in the brain. Dopamine is related to body movement, motivation, and reward behaviors. With increased, rapid amounts of dopamine in the brain, the user automatically feels more alert, focused, and energetic.
This ‘high’ makes them feel good about themselves, and they want to continue feeling this way – which makes them take the drug again and again. And this is what leads to methamphetamine addiction.
At present, more than half a million Americans are hooked on it, and more than triple this figure tries it out for the first time in a given year.
The worrisome part is its crystalline form is so addictive that even a person may get addicted the very first time they smoke it.
Health consequences
Experts say that the minute you feel you are craving a drug, you should check out a ‘drug rehab near me.”
This is because the ill effects of taking drugs are numerous, and most of them are long-term in nature.
Crystal meth is mixed with several toxic chemicals. These are corrosive and poisonous in nature. Once in the body, they wreak havoc on body systems, and even when one has quit the addiction and remained sober for long, they still face many adverse health effects.
It is said that meth changes a user’s appearance extremely quickly and drastically. While most drugs are dangerous, very few can match the destruction meth can cause in a person, both internally and externally.
Here are a few short-term effects of meth:
- Fast breathing
- Rapid/irregular heartbeat
- Disturbed sleep
- Nausea or lack of appetite
- Irritable or violent behavior
Here are some long-term effects of meth:
- Damage to liver, kidneys, and lungs
- Permanent damage to the brain and heart
- High blood pressure
- Severe dental problems
- Intense itching – scratching leads to skin sores
- Insomnia
- Anxiety and confusion
- Mood swings and paranoia
- Delusions and violent behavior
As you can see, none of these is pleasant. Some or all of these ill effects for a few moments of pleasure don’t make sense at all. You can call an addiction hotline if you think you are craving a hit or if a loved one is showing signs of drug abuse. Techrums
