Crystal meth or crystal methamphetamine is an illegal, strong, and highly addictive central nervous system stimulant. Also known as “ice” or “glass,” crystal meth gets its name from its crystal or crystalline-like appearance. The drug is usually smoked but is also often snorted or injected. Crystal Meth is the drug that is most associated with violent acts and other anger-related issues. Struggling with crystal meth addiction is not easy and the best thing to do is get help to overcome your addiction. It has a wide variety of short-term and long-term side effects that no one will want to have. 
What Are the Short-Term Effects of Crystal Meth?
Crystal meth increases the activity in the brain and body. Taking it causes a surge of dopamine to be released, which causes an extreme euphoria. Crystal meth elevates mood, increases the ability to focus, increases energy, decreases appetite, and provides a false sense of well-being and happiness. At high levels, it gives the user a rush and also decreases the need for sleep. Many crystal meth users will go on binges and stay up using the drug for 3 to 4 days at a time. Once the user stops using the drug, they will experience a “crash,” which causes fatigue, anxiety, extreme depression, and long patterns of sleep. This “crash” is caused by the person’s dopamine levels decreasing from not having the drug.
More About Short-Term Effects of Crystal Meth
Crystal meth is a dangerous drug and causes many physical and mental short- and long-term effects. Since it is a stimulant, as stated above, it causes an almost instant euphoria along with an increase in energy and alertness. Some of the other short-term effects of the drug can include:
- Hyperthermia (Increased Temperature)
- Elevated Blood Pressure
- Rapid Heart Rate
- Irregular Heart Rhythm
- Tremors and Convulsions
- Severe Mood Swings
- Unpredictable Behavior
- Change in Sleeping Patterns
- Significant Weight Loss
- Severe Anxiety
- Severe Paranoia
Long-Term Effects of Crystal Meth
Crystal meth is a very addictive drug. Once a person gets started using it, it’s very hard to get off of. The drug can cause severe physical and psychological issues and long-term use can destroy a person’s life. Some of the effects of long-term crystal meth use can include:
- Confusion and Odd Behavior
- Increased Depression, Anxiety, and Social Isolation
- Persistent Psychotic Symptoms Such As Delusions, Paranoia, and Hallucinations
- Memory Loss
- Feelings of Bugs Crawling On the Skin
- Body Sores From Picking
- Severe Dental Problems “Meth Mouth”
- Breathing Problems From Smoking the Drug
- Irreversible Damage to Blood Vessels in the Body, Heart, and Brain
- Stroke
- Coma
Long-Term Use of Crystal Meth Also Changes Structure and Function of the Brain
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse:
In addition, continued methamphetamine use causes changes in the brain’s dopamine system that are associated with reduced coordination and impaired verbal learning. In studies of people who used methamphetamine over the long term, severe changes also affected areas of the brain involved with emotion and memory. This may explain many of the emotional and cognitive problems seen in those who use methamphetamine. Although some of these brain changes may reverse after being off the drug for a year or more, other changes may not recover even after a long period. A recent study even suggests that people who once used methamphetamine have an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, a disorder of the nerves that affects movement. (DRUGABUSE.GOV)
Crystal meth can destroy a person’s appearance. The drug destroys tissues and blood vessels and makes it difficult for the body to heal. Users often develop acne and their skin loses its elasticity. The teeth start cracking and decaying. And, one of the most severe long-term effects of the drug is sudden death from cardiac arrest or stroke.
Get Help for Crystal Meth Addiction at Evoke Wellness at Miramar
If you or someone you love struggles with an addiction to crystal meth, our addiction specialists are available around the clock to assist you. Evoke Wellness at Miramar offers cutting-edge addiction treatment. We offer a safe environment and treat our clients with respect. Our programs promote healing and stability in every aspect: physically, mentally, and emotionally. You no longer have to continue to suffer out of fear. So give us a call today, we are available around the clock and all calls are free and confidential.
