Methamphetamine is one of the most dangerous drugs in the world. Sadly, many people who start using meth do not realize the extent of the damage it can cause. At Nexstep Medical Detox, we want to help you understand the long-term effects of meth use as you decide to help a loved one or yourself get clean.

Sores On The Face, Mouth & Body
Increased Risk & Severity Of Mental Illnesses
Profound & Irreversible Brain Damage
Personality Changes
Increased Risk Of Severe Health Problems
Deadly Overdoses

1. Meth Can Cause Skin & Mouth Sores

Addicts who smoke crystal meth often develop a condition known as “meth mouth,” which involves open wounds, burns, and blisters in the mouth. Since it’s a water-soluble drug, chronic use may also cause you to sweat meth, leading to sores on the face and body. Some other reasons why meth use messes up your mouth include:

Dries Out Mouth & Reduces Saliva
Encourages User To Indulge In Sugary Foods & Drinks
Makes Users Ignore Personal Care & Hygiene
Causes Users To Grind Their Teeth

2. Stimulant Use Can Lead To Severe Mental Illnesses

You may have turned to meth to cope with an undiagnosed mental illness in the short term, but this can eventually cause your symptoms to worsen over time. It can also lead to mood swings, anxiety, and depression, even in previously unaffected individuals.

Some addicts even develop stimulant-induced psychosis, which has a 22% chance of transitioning into full-blown schizophrenia.

3. Long-Term Methamphetamine Use & Brain Damage

Scientific studies have shown that one of the long-term effects of meth include changes in the brain’s parts involved in attention, verbal communication, and executive function. It also permanently rewires the brain’s reward center and can cause cell death in the parts of the brain that affect self-control, like the frontal lobe.

Unfortunately, this brain damage is not always reversible because other brain regions might be unable to compensate for the areas that have died. This is especially true if you have used meth over longer periods.

4. Meth Can Change Your Personality

Many types of addiction have the potential to influence your personality and behavior. The long-term brain damage caused by meth often leads to more severe changes than those caused by other substances.

Since meth damages the frontal lobe and other brain regions that influence impulse control and mood, personality changes are especially noticeable. Previously kind people can become impulsive, angry, and even violent under the influence of this dangerous drug.

5. Drug-Related Health Problems Later In Life

Long-term meth use can permanently damage your heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs, and it can cause high blood pressure and premature osteoporosis. It may even increase your risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, contracting HIV or hepatitis C, and having a stroke.

6. Deadly Overdoses & Difficult Withdrawal Symptoms

Like any other stimulant, methamphetamine can kill you if you take too much at once. An overdose can lead to dangerously high (or low) blood pressure, intense stomach or chest pain, paranoia, seizures, and kidney failure.

Quitting meth after long-term use can lead to severe withdrawals, so getting help from a medical detox facility is essential to minimize the symptoms and maximize your safety.

A Compassionate Drug Detox Center In Utah

If you or a loved one is suffering from meth addiction, know it’s possible to get help. The sooner you get off drugs, the sooner you can start to minimize any long-term damage. At Nexstep Medical Detox, many of our caring staff have been through the addiction recovery process themselves. We understand what you’re going through and want to help you get better in a safe, comfortable, private environment.

Avoid The Long Term Effects Of Meth

If you are addicted to meth, get help before you experience irreversible damage to your body, brain, and personality. At Nexstep Medical Detox near Salt Lake City, we care about your well-being and can connect you to rehab centers and other resources to help you after you’ve left our facility.