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The Many Faces of Meth: |
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(Source: Multnomah County Sheriff's Office - Faces of Meth™) |
What's Happening to Me?
What's Happening to My Loved One?
Sometimes it is tough to tell. But, there are certain short and long term health effects that may indicate that you or a family member or friend is using drugs and/or drinking too much alcohol. Methamphetamine is classified as a stimulant, making it highly addictive, even more so than heroin. The use of methamphetamine creates a buildup of dopamine, which results in a feeling of euphoria. Because meth stays in the brain longer than other stimulants like cocaine, the effects of its addiction last longer. This is one reason it is believed that meth is more addictive than cocaine or heroin. In all cases of meth use, a user may experience a loss of inhibitions and a false sense of control and confidence, which can lead to dangerous behavior.
If you or your loved ones exhibit many of these side effects, please seek help immediately.
To speak with someone regarding treatment options, please call 1.888.484.1053 or visit our section on Meth Treatment programs.
What are the short- and long-term health effects?
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Health Problems Resulting from Methamphetamine Use |
SHORT-TERM USE:
Physical problems, including:
- Elevated blood pressure
- Hyperthermia (elevated body temperature)
- Increased respiration
- Convulsions
- Acute lead poisoning
- If pregnant, birth defects to the developing fetus
Behavioral:
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Change in friends
- Disinterest in previously enjoyed activities
- Increased activity
- Incessant talking
- Irritability
- Twitching and shaking
- Itching
- Decreased appetite
- Erratic attention span
- Repetitious behavior, such as picking at skin, pulling out hair, compulsively cleaning, grooming or disassembling and assembling objects
- Aggression or violent behavior
- False sense of confidence and power
- Convulsions
- Carelessness about appearance
- Deceit or secretiveness
Psychological problems, including:
- Insomnia (Long periods of sleeplessness [24-120 hours] or Long periods of sleep [24-48 hours] )
- Psychosis - including hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Suicidal tendencies
- Cognitive problems
- Anxiousness
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LONG-TERM USE:
Physical problems, including:
- Heart problems (including ischemia and arrhythmia)
- Difficulties swallowing
- Facial flushing (hyperpyrexia)
- Irreversible, stroke producing damage to small blood vessels in the brain
- Malnutrition and weight loss
- Permanent neurological damage
- Dental problems
- Shortness of breath
- Nasal problems or nosebleeds
- Sores that do not heal
- Dilated pupils
- Burns on lips or fingers
- Track marks on arms
Behavioral
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Change in friends
- Disinterest in previously enjoyed activities
- Increased activity
- Incessant talking
- Irritability
- Twitching and shaking
- Itching
- Decreased appetite
- Erratic attention span
- Repetitious behavior, such as picking at skin, pulling out hair, compulsively cleaning, grooming or disassembling and assembling objects
Psychological problems, including:
- Insomnia (Long periods of sleeplessness [24-120 hours] or Long periods of sleep [24-48 hours] )
- Psychosis - including hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Suicidal tendencies
- Cognitive problems
- Anxiousness
- Delusions of parasites or insects crawling under the skin.
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Signs that Someone You Know is Using
If you find paraphernalia such as:
- Rolled up paper money or short straws
- Pieces of glass/mirrors
- Razor blades
- Burned spoons
- Surgical tubing
- Syringes/needles
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