Methamphetamine (meth) is a synthetic drug that acts as a central nervous stimulant and is highly addictive. Created in illegal labs, meth is concocted from a variety of highly toxic chemicals such as lye, brake cleaner and battery acid, which have serious physical effects on the human body. Methamphetamine is harmful to the brain and to the cardiovascular and central nervous systems and causes several physical warning signs that damage from the drug is occurring.
Weight Loss
Methamphetamine is a stimulant that causes the body to increase metabolism and energy levels. Meth users often experience an abundance of energy while the drug is active in the brain, and may have trouble sitting still or sleeping. In contrast, methamphetamine also acts as an appetite suppressant, causing users to eat less which can result in-sometimes drastic-weight loss. Chronic methamphetamine users may appear gaunt and malnourished and have a general unhealthy appearance from the lack of appropriate nutrition.
Dental Decay
The American Dental Association classifies dental decay seen in methamphetamine users as, 'meth mouth.' The toxic chemicals used to make methamphetamine, like drain cleaner and lighter fluid, cause deterioration on the smooth, frontal tooth surface, gum inflammation and plaque build-up around the gum line. Chronic meth users may also consume diets high in sugar and neglect oral hygiene, both of which also contribute to tooth decay. If left untreated, 'meth mouth' can lead to gum disease and tooth loss.
Skin Sores
Sores on the skin of methamphetamine users are common after long-term meth use. Chemicals used in meth production are toxic to the human body, which attempts to flush the toxins out through the sweat glands and causes red bumps on the skin. In tandem, methamphetamine causes visual hallucinations which cause users to believe bugs are crawling beneath the skin. Mistaking the skin rash for 'crank bugs,' users will pick and gouge at the skin, causing open sores and skin infections.
Mental Disturbance
Methamphetamine causes changes the way the brain sends and receives signals in the areas of memory, movement and decision making. Physically, meth users can appear off-balance or have trouble with gait, walking and body coordination as well as thought patterns. The National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that brain damage may repair itself once meth is discontinued, though improvement may take months to several years, if it occurs at all.
