5 Irreversible Side Effects of Prolonged Meth Abuse
The opioid epidemic shined a light on a major problem in American society. Methamphetamine (or “meth”) abuse has not received the same level of attention. Keeping that in mind, there have been recent promising findings that hope may be on the horizon for those struggling with meth addiction. Early intervention remains extremely important. Simply getting people to stop using meth is not the only issue if someone has had a long-term addiction. This is because, unfortunately, there are a number of serious irreversible side effects that result from prolonged meth abuse.
If someone you care about is struggling with meth addiction, the sooner you can have an intervention the better for their future outlook. We encourage you to reach out to Oasis Recovery today to speak with a specialist about our meth addiction treatment program. Our programs and services are tailored to fit the individual needs of our clients and our expert clinicians and therapists are eager to help you get your life back on track.
5 Irreversible Side Effects of Prolonged Meth Abuse
1. Brain Damage
A person who has abused meth for a long period of time is likely to have extensive brain damage. If they cease to use, certain areas of brain function will return after months or years of abstinence and recovery. Keeping that in mind, there are areas of the brain that will never regain functioning and a person’s memory is likely to be permanently impacted.
2. Aging
Someone who abuses meth often experiences signs of premature aging. This is because long-term use of meth causes irreversible damage to organs including the skin. Liver, kidney, and lung damage are also common problems associated with long-term abuse of meth.
3. Tooth Decay
Over time, a person who abuses meth may experience what is commonly referred to as “meth mouth”. This typically means loss of teeth, rotting teeth, gum disease, and abscesses or infections in the mouth.
4. Weight Loss
Long-term abuse of meth is associated with dangerous amounts of weight loss. Being unnaturally underweight for an extended period of time can result in osteoporosis, anemia, fertility problems, hair loss, as well as other dangerous physical and mental health concerns.
5. Risk of Disease
Extended use of meth can result in heart issues including high blood pressure, an increased risk of heart attack or stroke, as well as an increased chance of developing Parkinson’s disease.
What to Expect When You Quit Meth
Do not be intimidated by the road ahead. Once a person has undergone detox and withdrawal, they can find their baseline, their “new normal”, and begin the process of finding out how to create a life that feels meaningful.
Because meth withdrawal can be intense and has the potential for a medical emergency, going through detox in a medically-supervised setting is recommended.
During meth withdrawal, clients can expect to have at least some of the following common symptoms:
- Powerful cravings
- Intense fatigue
- Sleep issues
- Headaches
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Tremors or muscle spasms
While withdrawing from meth, it’s important to engage in self-care to ease the process as well as prevent additional physical, psychological, and emotional issues. These can include:
- Attempting to get enough sleep
- Staying hydrated
- Integrating a healthy diet
- Accepting the difficulty of the situation
Contact Oasis Recovery to Stop Abusing Meth Today
Quitting meth can be hard. That’s why at Oasis Recovery our addiction specialists and mental health counselors are prepared to work with you on a treatment plan that is tailored to your particular needs. We offer programs and services that can help you turn your life around and find new ways to make your life feel worthwhile and meaningful. Reach out to us today and speak with a specialist about how we can help you get back on the road to recovery.
