Abusing methamphetamines, in particular crystal meth, has devastating impacts on the body and mind. If you use crystal meth, you do not only destroy yourself but your family as well. If you have a family member who is addicted to meth, it will be the most hurtful experience you have ever had trying to help them break the cycle.
Crystal meth is a potent, addictive stimulant that causes severe long-term consequences. It is important to understand how the body and mind suffer under meth abuse, whether you have an addiction or want to help a loved one who is addicted.
Long-Term Health Damage
Methamphetamines offer a short-lived, intense high that is always followed by a severe crash. The longer the cycle of crystal meth addiction continues, the more havoc the drug wreaks on the body. Some of the most dangerous long-term dangers include:
- Heart damage: Crystal meth elevates blood pressure and heart rate. This can lead to heart attacks, strokes, or heart failure. At any rate, prolonged use will increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Meth mouth: While not as dangerous as the above long-term effects, crystal meth abuse can also lead to meth mouth. Crystal meth reduces saliva production and causes users to grind their teeth. This leads to cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.
- Skin sores: Chronic crystal meth use can also affect the skin. Users often develop skin infections and sores. Even worse, these conditions are typically the result of hallucinations that make users scratch themselves out of fear that bugs are crawling on them.
- Weakened immune system: Crystal meth also suppresses the immune system, making users more likely to contract infections and illnesses. The more frequently a crystal meth user gets infections, the harder it will be on their body.
Physical damage to the body can happen early on in meth addiction. This means that the longer you or your loved one uses the drug, the more difficult it is to stop and recover. Getting help as soon as possible before physical symptoms show up is critical. Fortunately, even at later stages, comprehensive treatments may still be able to make a difference.
Cognitive and Mental Health Decline
The brain is often most affected by crystal meth abuse. Methamphetamines damage brain cells and alter the brain’s chemical function, which can lead to permanent cognitive impairment.
Very often, long-term crystal meth use leads to memory problems and causes users to find it difficult to learn or process new information.
Crystal meth abuse can also lead to emotional instability and chronic mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.
Moreover, crystal-meth-induced psychosis is also possible. If you ingest crystal meth over a long period, you are more likely to experience hallucinations, paranoia, and agitation. These may continue even if you stop using crystal meth.
Showing signs of mental decline means professional intervention is crucial. A holistic treatment plan that integrates medical treatment and behavioural therapy is often more beneficial than traditional community-based programs such as NA (Narcotics Anonymous).
This is mainly because community-based programs often do not have the required resources to address the mental health aspect of crystal meth addiction.
Sudden Behavioural Changes
Crystal meth has a heavy impact on a user’s behaviour. If you take crystal meth, you may become erratic, unpredictable, or violent. If you have a loved one that is addicted to crystal meth, you may notice them isolating themselves or acting defensively.
They may display violent outbursts or lean towards aggression when interacting with you. At the same time, they may start neglecting work, family, and other responsibilities. This means they prioritize getting and using crystal meth over everything else.
Behavioural changes due to crystal meth use can lead to incredibly dangerous situations. The user may harm themselves and those around them. The situation may escalate into a tragic event if professional intervention is not sought.
HARP (Hills & Ranges Private) offers comprehensive and personalized treatment plans that follow a holistic approach. These treatment plans, which also include HARP’s highly successful 5i Curriculum, address underlying trauma and the root causes of crystal meth addiction.
When behavioural changes are apparent in a crystal meth user, programs like the traditional 12-Step approach may not work well. This is because these programs lack the individualized focus required for people with severe addictions.
Overdose Leading to Death
The risk of death among crystal meth users is very high. Crystal meth is a toxic drug, and people with an addiction build a tolerance as they continue using it. This motivates them to take higher doses to achieve that initial euphoric high. The higher the dose, the more likely it is for a user to overdose on the drug.
Overdosing on crystal meth can lead to brain damage or organ failure. In both instances, this can also lead to death.
Meth use comes with the risk of overdose. But, as the addiction progresses, the danger becomes more pronounced. There is no question that immediate professional intervention is critical when a crystal meth user starts using more and more of the drug.
Again, you or your loved one may have more success with your recovery from crystal meth addiction if you enrol in a structured program like the one HARP offers.
Why Is a Holistic Approach Superior?
A one-size-fits-all program is not the solution for a severe crystal meth addiction. Community-based programs offer support, but too often, there are not enough comprehensive care options to make a difference in an addict’s physical, mental, and emotional state.
HARP Can Make All the Difference
HARP’s treatment programs go beyond just stopping drug use. It gets into the causes of addiction, which may include trauma or mental health issues. The team at HARP puts together personalized care plans that include mental health services, behavioural therapy, support, and medical treatment. This ensures that the recovery process is more sustainable.
Furthermore, HARP does not isolate patients from their loved ones. If you are undergoing treatment, you can stay in touch with your family. If your loved one is undergoing treatment, you can stay in touch with them.
The HARP recovery centres also offer meditation spaces, day spas, private gyms, and outdoor access for hiking, walking, and even watersports.
If you or your loved one needs help breaking away from a crystal meth addiction, it starts right here by taking this:
