The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that more than 300,000 people in the United States use methamphetamine, or crystal meth, a highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Crystal meth is popular because it is inexpensive and easily ingested by swallowing, smoking, snorting or injection. The effects of methamphetamine on the body can cause long-term damage both physically and psychologically.
Effects on the Brain
According to KnowCrystal.org, the brain releases pleasure-inducing chemicals such as dopamine when we meet our basic needs for food, water, or sex. Crystal meth works by mimicking the effects of dopamine. Because the brain is pumping out dopamine all the time, the brain's hunger, sleep and thirst centers shut down.
Effects on the Heart and Kidneys
The Drug Rehab Center reports that crystal meth affects the cardiovascular system by increasing heart rate and blood pressure, which can cause permanent damage to blood vessels in the brain. This may increase the likelihood of a stroke. It can also cause an irregular heartbeat, and chronic use can result in cardiovascular collapse and death.
Meth can also damage the kidneys. The body uses the kidneys to filter waste products from the body. When the meth is filtered through the kidneys, it causes blood vessels in the kidneys to constrict. This leads to a decrease in urine production and allows toxins to be reabsorbed into the body.
Meth Mouth
PBS.org tells us that while the origins of tooth decay or "meth mouth" aren't fully understood, it is believed that the rapid decay is caused by multiple factors. Meth can be cut with a number of corrosive substances, such as battery acid and ammonia. Meth addicts also tend to crave and ingest large amounts of sugar while under the effects of the drug and are too high to pay attention to oral hygiene, so the sugar remains on the teeth. Meth users also experience dry mouth, in which the drug causes a decrease in saliva. Without the saliva to break down the corrosive acids in food and other substances, tooth decay happens quickly. It is not uncommon for users of meth to have soft tissue damage, gum abscesses and broken, chipped or severely rotted teeth after only a year of drug use.
Skin
TheBody.com states that meth users may believe that there are parasites under their skin or coming out from under their nails. Often they will begin to scratch or pick at their skin, causing lesions and infections. Also, when patients are smoking or heating up the drug, it is not uncommon for them to burn their fingers or lips.
Risky Behaviors
According to a health bulletin released by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, meth use may increase unsafe sex and HIV infections, because of compulsive sexual behaviors associated with meth use.
