What Are the Long-Term Effects of Meth Use Disorder?
Meth is one of the most notorious substances, which many Orange, CA, patients struggle to untangle themselves from. While this stimulant exists in a medicinal form, the form that many find on the street contains dangerous chemicals and is highly addictive.
The long-term effects of meth use disorder underlie the importance of rehab treatment. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to reverse these damages. Addiction treatment facilities provide necessary care and strategies for long-lasting recovery.
To help you understand the impact meth has on the mind and body, we’ve compiled a guide to its long-term effects. Remember, if you’re struggling with meth addiction, these effects aren’t a guarantee and can be prevented with drug rehab treatment.
If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use disorder, contact Twin Town Treatment Centers today for the pathway to recovery.
Cardiovascular issues
Meth creates surges of energy in the user, producing a euphoric rush and heightened attention. These effects naturally increase the heart rate. If used regularly, these constant increases in blood pressure and heart rate can dangerously strain the organ.
Regular meth users are in danger of irregular heartbeats, arrhythmias, and heart attacks. Over time, meth use can harden the arteries increasing the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes.
According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is the second-leading cause of death for those struggling with meth use disorder. Rehab treatment is about more than improving your life; it is also about saving it.
Twin Town Treatment Centers has an experienced staff who can help free you from the grip of meth addiction. Detoxification returns you to a healthy baseline, while physical strategies can mitigate and even reverse previous damage.
Dental damage and decay
“Meth mouth” refers to a collection of dental issues caused by meth use disorder. This substance reduces saliva production, which severely impacts dental hygiene. Teeth become brittle as enamel decays, resulting in a high risk for cavities and gum disease.
A 2015 study done by the Journal of the American Dental Association found that of the 571 meth users studied, 96 percent had cavities, and 61 percent were missing six or more teeth.
Tooth decay and gum disease have links to heart disease, worsening the above damages caused by meth addiction. Dental damages are costly and challenging to reverse, often requiring replacements. For this reason, immediate rehab treatment is essential.
Substance-Induced Psychosis
Methamphetamine attacks your mental landscape as much as your physical one. Due to the stimulating nature of the drug, paranoia and delusions are common side effects.
These effects combine over time to become what’s known as a substance-induced psychosis. This psychosis The severity of your meth use is connected to the severity of the psychosis you’ll experience and how long it takes to alleviate the condition.
Typical manifestations of a substance-induced psychosis include hearing voices, paranoia about being watched, hallucinations, and difficulty distinguishing between reality and fantasy. This condition can last for months or even years, depending on the length of meth use.
Even when you’ve completed an in-patient or outpatient treatment program, psychosis symptoms can re-emerge during times of stress.
Neurological alterations
As alarming as it sounds, meth use can reshape your brain, altering how it functions. This is due to the drug’s effects on dopamine receptors. Over time, they become dulled by the drug, reducing motor speed and impairing learning abilities.
The destruction of dopamine receptors can lead to depression-like symptoms and difficulties feeling any form of pleasure. These receptors can heal over time, but drug rehab treatment for meth use disorder is vital for protecting your long-term cognitive functions.
Other effects associated with the brain include anxiety, memory loss, mood swings, depression, and brain damage. The only way to prevent these issues is to seek help from a drug addiction treatment program.
Achieve recovery with help from Twin Town Treatment Centers
Twin Town Treatment Centers offers addiction treatment in Orange, CA. Our friendly, experienced staff provides support and guidance as you recover from meth use disorder and develop reliable recovery strategies.
Our rehab treatment facilities offer a comfortable environment where you can recover from alcohol addiction, cocaine use disorder, meth use disorder, and more. We offer outpatient treatment programs that provide quality care with a flexible schedule.
If you or a loved one are struggling with meth use disorder, call Twin Town Treatment Centers at 866-594-8844 or contact us online to schedule an initial assessment.
