The hit television series “Breaking Bad” made crystal methamphetamine familiar to millions. Despite how it was portrayed, make no mistake: meth is a dangerous drug that causes significant problems for individuals and society alike. But what are the long-term effects of meth?
Like most drugs, the long-term effects of meth will differ by individual. Many variables go into how someone reacts or responds to meth. One thing is for certain, though: the drug is highly addictive and a difficult habit to kick, no matter who you are.
If you or a loved one are experiencing the long-term effects of meth, it’s never too soon or too late to seek help through an addiction treatment center in Maryland.
What is Meth?
Crystal methamphetamine is in the stimulant category of drugs. Like many drugs, it was first produced for medicinal purposes — to help as a decongestant or to open bronchial passages. Currently, the drug is considered a Schedule II controlled substance, meaning it’s only available via a non-refillable prescription.
But the true problems lie in illegally produced street meth, also known as blue, ice, and crystal. The illegal versions of meth are highly concentrated and have a significant effect on your central nervous system. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, meth can produce a short-term sense of euphoria and usually results in a burst of energy and talkativeness. On the street, meth can be smoked, snorted, injected, or swallowed.
While in the short-term, this might produce pleasant feelings; the long-term effects of meth can be quite severe.
What are the Long-Term Effects of Meth?
According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, almost 25 million adults have used meth at least once in their lifetimes. The survey indicates that about 2 million used the drug in the last year and 1 million in the last month.
The scope of the problem means that the nation is dealing with many individuals suffering from the long-term effects of meth. Some of those effects include:
- Addiction
- Psychosis
- Delusions
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Mood swings
- Losing teeth or other dental problems
- Neurological difficulties
If you are experiencing one or several of these symptoms, it’s time to seek medical advice and enter a substance abuse treatment program.
How Treatment Can Help
Some of the long-term effects of meth will require medical intervention. As you cope with those effects, you’ll also need help resetting your system through treatment and recovery. Fresh Start is here for you.
Rehab may sound like an overwhelming word with all you’re dealing with, but it has a series of predictable phases that have helped millions move onto a better place in their lives. Knowing what to expect can certainly help ease the way forward. Treatment usually consists of:
- Assessment: a thorough medical and psychological workup
- Planning: developing a detailed roadmap for recovery
- Detox: flushing the drugs and alcohol from your system
- Individual counseling: building stronger coping skills
- Aftercare: to guard against a relapse
Successfully graduating treatment puts you in the best position to address the long-term effects of meth.
Recovery from Addiction at Fresh Start Recovery Center
The long-term effects of meth can be quite devastating. But with the caring support of family, friends, and a professional treatment center, it doesn’t have to happen. If you’re worried about experiencing long-term effects of meth, contact Fresh Start Recovery or another treatment/rehab center in your community. The staff at Fresh Start has many years of experience addressing all forms of substance abuse, for men and women alike. In your journey, you will learn coping skills aimed at stopping addictive behaviors. Fresh Start will develop a thorough, personalized care plan to get you from intake through detox and counseling to aftercare. Believe in a better future, and don’t look back. Get in touch with a counselor by contacting Fresh Start Recovery Center at 833.625.0398.
