Methamphetamine--which is also known by a number of other names, such as crystal meth, meth, speed, crank or tweak--is a highly addictive and illegal stimulant drug that affects the function of the central nervous system (CNS). The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that 1.3 million people in the United States used crystal meth from the year 2006 to 2007. If you or someone you love is currently abusing crystal meth, seek drug treatment to avoid the physical effects of crystal meth use.
Decreased Fatigue
As a stimulant, crystal meth increases the level of neurotransmitters in your brain, which can dramatically increase your energy level. Physical effects of crystal meth use include reduced fatigue and increased alertness and energy. People who use crystal meth may frequently move around or fidget or may speak quickly or excessively, according to the website The Body: The Complete HIV/AIDS Resource. Some people who use crystal meth may also experience insomnia or may not sleep for several days in a row.
Weight Loss
Using crystal meth can decrease the appetite, which can cause dramatic weight loss in some people. Crystal meth users often use the drug in place of food, causing many users to appear anorexic or malnourished.
Tooth Decay
The U.S. Department of Justice states that crystal meth use decreases the amount of saliva in the mouth. In healthy people, saliva acts to protect the teeth from decay. In crystal meth users, decreased saliva--in addition to increased sugar consumption and decreased personal hygiene--can lead to severe tooth decay. Many crystal meth users also frequently grind their teeth or clench their jaws, which can lead to a condition called "meth mouth." People with this condition may experience extensive tooth decay and may lose many teeth due to crystal meth use.
Skin Lesions
People who use crystal meth often experience hallucinations as a result of the drug's effects on the CNS. A common hallucination--called the crank bug--causes crystal meth users to believe that insects are crawling on top of or beneath the skin. When this sensation occurs, crystal meth users may incessantly pick or scratch at the skin in an attempt to rid the body of the hallucinogenic bugs. As a result, many crystal meth users develop open skin lesions that may lead to additional skin infections.
Mood Alterations
Paranoia or aggression are commonly noted to occur in people who use crystal meth. These alterations in mood are a result of the drug's effect on the CNS. People who use crystal meth may also appear irritable, anxious or depressed, which can severely affect the social, work or educational lives of these individuals.
