Crystal meth is a version of methamphetamine resembling fragments of glass or rocks. It is considered more intense than regular methamphetamine yielding a higher level of purity of drug. As with regular methamphetamine, crystal meth has serious consequences of use including severe impairments to the body. The acute impairments of methamphetamine are serious enough to warrant emergency medical treatment, according to the Office of National Drug Control Policy.
Cardiovascular Problems
Chronic crystal methamphetamine use may cause inflammation of the lining of the heart and may also lead to rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure and heart attack, according to the website Narconon Methamphetamine Addiction. Cardiovascular disturbance occurs from crystal meth use due to bombarding the arteries with the drug, which results in constriction of the arteries. Constriction reduces blood flow and increases the chance for blood to clot or causes excessive pressure in the arteries. Signs of crystal meth effects on the cardiovascular system include chest pain and elevated blood pressure.
Dental Disorders
Crystal meth users face serious dental disorders due to use of the drug. The Meth Awareness and Prevention Project of South Dakota notes that the specific ingredients used to create methamphetamine contribute to the dental diseases that often develop in those that abuse meth. "Meth mouth" is the term used in describing the specific disorders and the symptoms include dry mouth, tooth decay and severe gum disease. Due to the stimulating effects of crystal meth, users often grind their teeth causing cracks, which further leads to tooth decay.
Kidney Failure
Acute or chronic kidney failure may result from crystal methamphetamine use. Use of the drug can cause blood flow through the kidneys to cease the natural filtration process that extracts waste from the kidneys out of the body. This results in toxicity of the kidneys and ultimately causes inflammation, viral infection or kidney failure, according to Anti-Meth Site.
Additional Effects
The North Metro Task Force of Colorado reports that all meth users suffer from a condition called "crank bugs." The toxic chemicals in crystal meth often cause excessive itching of the arms, legs and face. The meth user tends to scratch so much that open sores are created often leading to oozing and infections on the skin. The National Institute on Drug Abuse further reports crystal meth use as causing body disturbances such as fatigue, repetitive motor activity and labored breathing.
References
- Narconon Methamphetamine Addiction: What is Methamphetamine
- Office of National Drug Control Policy: Health Effects of Methamphetamine
- Meth Awareness and Prevention Project of South Dakota: Meth Mouth
- The Anti-Meth Site: What Other Long Term Effects Can Result from Meth Use
- North Metro Task Force: The Highs and Health Hazards for Methamphetamine Users
