Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant. An estimated 12 million Americans older than age 12 have reported trying the drug at least once, according to the Office of National Drug Control Policy. Due to the addictive nature of methamphetamine, vulnerability for transitioning from occasional meth use to dependence on the drug is high. In a 2006 report by the Mayo Clinic, abuse and dependence on methamphetamine reportedly increased by 500 percent in one decade. Methamphetamine addiction has significant effects on mental and physical health as well as social ramifications.
Physical Health
Addiction to methamphetamine causes acute and chronic health symptoms from use. KCI---The Anti-Meth Site published info from Indiana University noting that because methamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant, it causes palpitations, rapid breathing and high blood pressure rate. Rapid increase in heart rate and body temperature leads to risk of sudden stroke or heart attack. Over time, the constant fluctuations can cause consistent blood pressure problems, artery blockage and cardiac damage.
The Mayo Clinic further explains that meth addiction increases the risk of the occurrence of spontaneous brain hemorrhages, aneurysm ruptures and enlargement of the heart. Additional health effects from meth addiction include compromised immunity, liver damage and lung disease.
Dental Disorders
Methamphetamine contains various harsh chemicals such as sulfuric acid, ether and lye, which cause a cluster of dental problems known as "meth mouth." The Meth Awareness and Prevention Project of South Dakota explains that the chemicals in meth cause corrosion of the gum line and tooth decay. Blood supply to the mouth is reduced from methamphetamine use. Essentially, this causes tissue to break down in the mouth, resulting in gum disease.
Mental Health
The National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that meth addiction is a chronic and relapsing problem causing compulsive drug seeking, drug use and molecular changes in the brain. Damage to the brain from meth addiction increases the risk of developing mental health disturbance such as psychosis. Symptoms of psychosis include paranoia, hallucinations and mood disturbance. Once chemicals in the brain are altered by meth use, the symptoms of psychosis often last for months to years, even after cessation of meth.
Social Problems
The molecular changes that accompany meth addiction tend to alienate the addict from having normal relationship connections. The Mayo Clinic explains that lasting consequences for the user in relating to family and the community as a whole is problematic as the addiction becomes priority in the meth users life. The meth addict tends to center his life around using the drug, further causing social disconnect. The toll to society due to the addiction, results in absorbing the cost of emergency or long-term medical care for the addict who may no longer have employment or is involved in the legal system from addiction related crimes.
References
- KCI The Anti-Meth Site: Methamphetamine/Crystal Meth Effects
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Methamphetamine Abuse and Addiction
- Frontline PBS: The Meth Epidemic
- Mayo Clinic: Methamphetamine Abuse A Perfect Storm of Complications
- Office of National Drug Control Policy: Methamphetamine Facts and Figures
