Users of methamphetamine (meth) get a false feeling of well-being. As a result, they tend to press their bodies beyond their capabilities. Such stress on the body can result in severe physical and mental breakdown when the effects of the drug subside. The long term effects of meth use distort and damage the quality of life of its users, leading to several negative consequences and the need for help from an addiction treatment center.
Insight Into the Effects of Meth Abuse
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) defines addiction as a chronic and relapsing condition that leads to a compulsive craving for the drug. The desire comes when the molecular brain function changes to accommodate the presence of meth.
Like many other drugs, users develop tolerance to meth after continued use. They increase the dose to achieve similar pleasurable feelings as before. The pattern leads to chronic addiction, whereby users cannot function without the drug.
Abusers of meth experience several short-term effects, including loss of appetite, hypertension, and disrupted sleep patterns. However, users can experience severe symptoms, such as violent behavior, psychosis, seizures, hallucinations, convulsions, and possible death, from an overdose.
Besides addiction, seasoned abusers of meth are likely to experience a series of long-term effects, including:
- Permanent brain and blood vessels damage, resulting in a stroke, heart attack, and death
- Damage to the liver, lungs, and kidney
- Respiratory complication, especially for users who smoke the drug
- Damage to the nose tissues for sniffers
- Anxiety, psychosis, and depression
- Chronic psychological dependence on the drug
- Tooth decay and other related dental diseases
Treatment for the Long Term Effects of Meth Abuse
The FDA is yet to recommend specific medications for the treatment of meth use disorders. Medical experts are still conducting lab experiments to unveil a common drug to counteract the effects of meth. Meanwhile, NIDA is working to achieve a specific meth treatment.
Are you struggling with meth abuse and desire to embark on a recovery journey to get your life back? Contact a rehab center for advice on how to overcome your condition.
In almost all cases, therapists recommend medical detox as the first step in the recovery journey. On completion of medical detox, your doctor will incorporate other treatment programs to reverse the long term effects of meth abuse.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
A cognitive behavioral therapy program recognizes learning as a crucial aspect of adopting new behaviors. For example, users become dependent on meth because their body systems are accustomed to the presence of drugs. They can also learn to live without taking drugs by incorporating new schedules that maintain their focus.
The model is a behavioral program that takes a few weeks to several months. Participants undergo counseling, family education, behavioral therapy, and other programs to focus on positive non-drug activities entirely.
There is a reward system whereby therapists acknowledge the steps that all participants take towards recovery.
Learn More at Midwest Recovery Center
The effects of meth on the brain make it difficult for many users to quit. Those trying to overcome the habit may face mild to severe withdrawal effects when they instantly stop using meth.
At Midwest Recovery Center, we can offer various treatment options to reverse the effects of meth on your mind and body. Our therapists will provide a personalized treatment plan that incorporates several programs, such as:
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Community housing
- Group therapy program
- Family therapy program
- Alumni program
Overcome the long term effects of meth abuse by enrolling in our treatment program today. Our health care professionals are ready to walk the journey with you. Contact Midwest Recovery Center at 833.627.0039 to get started.
