Meth (slang for methamphetamine) is a dangerous stimulant drug that may cause serious side effects and death. Meth is also addictive; the addictive effect may be due to meth causing the release of dopamine into the body. This drug is snorted, smoked and injected. It is made with toxic ingredients that may vary with each dose. Use of meth has reached epidemic proportions, especially in the Western and Midwestern states, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. It is also often created in homes where use levels are high.
Anxiety and Paranoia
Anxiety and paranoia may occur with meth use according to the U.S. Department of Health & Social Services. Meth users may feel extreme emotions and stress that impact their health. Ongoing spikes in stress take a strong emotional toll on meth users.
Cardiac Disorders
The heart may race dramatically and have an irregular rhythm while on meth. Blood pressure may also spike. Meth may cause unusual heart health issues such as heart failure. Cardiac events may occur in all ages of meth users, even teenagers.
Lack of Appetite
Lack of appetite is a problem with meth. Users may not want to eat. Someone on meth may want only to pursue drugs, not food.
Stroke Risk
Stroke risk increases during meth use. No matter what the age of the user, a stroke may occur unexpectedly while on meth.
Brain Damage
Permanent damage to arteries in the brain may occur with meth use. Meth may also cause confusion and cognitive issues that impact ability to learn or to function normally at work. Meth may damage the brain at the cellular level as well.
Violence
Violence is another possible effect of using meth. This drug causes an increase in aggressive tendencies and an inability to control rage. The psychosis meth may cause sometimes lasts a long time after drug use stops. Meth use may cause extreme personality changes causing unexpected acting out and dangerous, unsafe behavior.
Liver and Kidney Damage
Liver and kidney damage may occur while taking meth. System-wide damage to the body is a risk with meth use. Even teens may experience failure of organs and sudden medical crises while taking meth.
Lung Damage
Lung damage is a possible effect of meth use. The toxic elements used to create meth may damage the lungs for the short term and may produce lingering long-term effects as well.
