Meth is a strong and highly addictive drug, that is either smoked, snorted or injected. Crystal meth is a very pure form of meth, commonly referred to as "ice," and is a highly addictive stimulant. The use of meth increases levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, causing a euphoric and energized feeling. This feeling can last for hours, and is highly addictive because it is so pleasurable. Both the short term and long term effects of meth use are very damaging, and in many cases, once the damage is done it cannot be reversed.
Physical Effects of Meth Use
The ongoing use of meth can lead to damage to the body, including skin sores, tooth damage and weight loss. Meth use can cause a person to feel itchy as though there are bugs crawling on his skin, and as a result, many people pick and scratch at their skin, leading to open sores and scabs. These are most common on the face, legs and arms, and can become infected leading to larger sores. According to a 2000 report in the "Journal of Periodontology," meth dries out the gums in the mouth and leads to teeth grinding, both of which can lead to teeth rotting and falling out, creating a look known as "meth mouth." In addition, the weight loss caused by the use of Meth often creates a sunken face, similar to the look of someone who is malnourished or ill.
Brain Damage
Meth creates the feeling of being high by changing how chemicals within the brain work. This can lead to long term and permanent brain damage. According Partnership for a Drug Free America, paranoia is a common effect, and can include hearing voices, or thinking one is being followed or watched. In other cases, full-blown psychosis may occur, including violent outbursts and suicidal thoughts or attempts. The damage done to some individuals can even be compared to the effects of Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease, and may effect memory, judgment and coordination. For many people, this damage is not reversible and the brain never truly resumes proper functioning.
Addiction
Meth is easy-to-use, cheap-to-make and provides a longer lasting high than many other drugs, including cocaine. This combination of factors makes meth highly addictive and dangerous. Nora D.Volkow, M.D., director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that drug addiction can lead to problems including job loss, child abuse or neglect, and incarceration, as one's life becomes solely focused on using the drug. Meth directly affects the release of dopamine, the part of the brain that controls cravings. The cravings for meth can become all-consuming and obsessive, as over time, the addict will need larger quantities of the drug to experience the same euphoric feeling of being high.
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