The Deadly Effects of Meth
The short-term and long-term impact on the individual
Taking meth and crystal meth creates an intense false sense of well-being, causing users to push their bodies beyond natural limits. After the effects wear off, meth users can experience a severe crash or physical and mental breakdown. Because continued use of the drug decreases natural feelings of hunger, users can experience extreme weight loss. Negative effects can also include disturbed sleep patterns, hyperactivity, nausea, delusions of power, aggression and irritability.
Other serious effects can include confusion, insomnia, hallucinations, anxiety and paranoia.* In some cases, use can cause convulsions that lead to death.
Meth Harm
Lasting Damage
Over time, meth use can cause irreversible harm: increased heart rate and blood pressure; damaged blood vessels in the brain leading to a stroke; or an irregular heartbeat that can, in turn, cause cardiovascular† collapse or death. Meth addicts are also likely to suffer damage to their livers, kidneys and lungs.
Users may also suffer brain damage which can cause memory loss and cognitive impairment. Recovering meth addicts often experience memory gaps and extreme mood swings.
Short-Term Effects
- Loss of appetite
- Increased heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature
- Dilation of pupils
- Disturbed sleep patterns
- Nausea
- Bizarre and erratic behavior
- Addiction
- Convulsions, seizures and death from high doses
Long-Term Effects
- Permanent damage to blood vessels of heart and brain
- High blood pressure leading to heart attacks, strokes and death
- Liver, kidney and lung damage
- Destruction of tissues in nose if sniffed
- Respiratory problems if smoked
- Infectious diseases and abscesses if injected
- Malnutrition, weight loss
- Severe tooth decay
- Disorientation, apathy, confused exhaustion
- Strong psychological dependence
- Psychosis
- Visual and auditory (hearing) hallucinations
- Hyperexcitability
- Irritability
- Delusions (such as the sensation of insects creeping under the skin)
- Depression
- Memory loss
- Paranoia (can lead to homicidal or suicidal thoughts)
- Aggressive or violent behavior
- Damage to the brain similar to Alzheimer’s disease‡ and epilepsy
* paranoia: extreme and unreasonable suspicion, distrust or fear of other people without evidence or justification
† cardiovascular: related to the heart and blood vessels
‡ Alzheimer’s disease: a disease affecting some older people that is accompanied by memory loss
How much do you really know about crystal meth?
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