19,000 West Virginians used meth in 2021. That’s more than the entire population of Beckley, WV – home to one of Hope for Tomorrow’s locations, and the ninth most populous city in the state.
How do you know if someone you love is among those 19,000 people? Knowing the meth side effects to look for can empower you to help individuals who have taken this powerful, and often dangerous, substance. Whether someone only tries meth once, or they have a stimulant use disorder – having a knowledgeable person to look out for them can be life-changing. Let’s cover the side effects of meth so you can be that person.
Taking meth causes an intense surge of dopamine – a chemical messenger in your brain responsible for pleasure. Your body releases dopamine naturally when you experience something pleasurable, such as sex or eating a delicious meal. Natural activities increase dopamine levels by anywhere from 150%-300% above your brain’s baseline amount. Comparatively, meth increases dopamine levels by 1000% or more. That’s where the “high” that makes meth appealing comes from. It typically only lasts a few hours, though, and can sometimes cause a “crash” afterward. This often compels people to take more meth, which has a serious effect on their health long-term.
In the short term, meth can seem great. These are some of the effects that kick in quickly:
Of course, those aren’t the only effects of meth you might feel right away. Other, less ideal, effects of meth include:
While these effects may not be life-threatening on their own, they can still be harmful, especially for people who already have high blood pressure or heart complications. This is especially true if you mix meth with other substances. Additional stimulants can ramp up the side effects whereas depressants, the opposite of a stimulant, can “counteract” the side effects of meth. This is a problem because it leads you to believe you’re better off than you are and can cause you to take more than your body can handle. That can result in a meth overdose. If someone took meth and is having a seizure, potential heart attack, or potential stroke, get medical help right away. These effects can be fatal.
Meth isn’t worth experimenting with, because the euphoria it causes is intense. There’s nothing natural – or any other substance, for that matter – that mimics the dopamine surge it causes. That means if you try meth and want to experience the intense feeling it gave you again, taking more meth is your only option. That’s part of what kickstarts a meth use disorder.
As you take more meth, your brain gets used to the extreme release of pleasure chemicals it causes. Because your brain automatically tries to balance things out, you start to lose dopamine receptors, which are what allow you to feel the pleasure dopamine is responsible for. That means when your brain isn’t bombarded with the extreme effects of meth, you won’t feel happiness from normal things like you once did. Even worse – you’ll develop a tolerance to meth, meaning you have to take larger and larger amounts to feel the same “high” you did when you first took it. Life without meth starts feeling dull, empty, and even depressing. This often drives people to return to taking it, making it a large contributing factor to developing a meth use disorder.
Chronic meth use also leads to plenty of other health concerns, such as:
Knowing the short and long-term effects of meth is important, but you likely want to know if your loved one is taking meth right now. Keep in mind, as you read the next sections, that these signs aren’t a guarantee that your loved one has a meth use disorder, or that they’re taking meth at all.
A meth use disorder doesn’t happen after taking meth one time, but you may notice some of these side effects the first time your loved one uses meth. A meth use disorder is characterized by chronic use of the substance, regardless of the clear negative impact it’s had on their life.
If you notice any of the signs below, the best thing to do is speak to your loved one about it. Stay calm, and come from a place of empathy and concern – not judgment or anger.
One of the clearest ways to recognize if your loved one is involved with substances – including meth – is by observing how they act. These behaviors might be cause for concern:
Physical signs are also noticeable, and a good way to potentially recognize meth use in your loved one. Look out for these symptoms:
Meth has an immense psychological impact on the people who take it, but these signs might not be as outwardly obvious. They’re still good to be aware of so you can notice them if you encounter them. They include:
Maybe, after reading this page, you’ve come to the scary conclusion that your loved one is engaging with meth. After seeing all of the potential health complications laid out so clearly, the situation might feel dire.
Thankfully, we have good news to share, too. Meth use disorder is treatable, and many of those frightening long-term effects are reversible. Your loved one still has a bright future ahead of them, no matter how severe their meth habit is currently.
One of the most challenging parts is that first step. Your loved one taking meth may not want to go into treatment, but it’s important not to give up. Keep encouraging them to seek help, and do some research on treatment options so you can provide them with information if they show any interest in quitting meth for good.
If you’re the one with a meth use disorder, you’ve already taken a healthy step by reading this page all the way through. The long-term effects of meth are real and damaging, but it’s possible to overcome them and find joy in a life without meth. You don’t have to strive for recovery or manage a meth use disorder on your own, either. Take the next step and reach out for support, even if it’s just being honest with someone who cares about you for now. Recovery is a journey you have to take one step at a time, and rehab for meth addiction will be there when you’re ready.
Hope for Tomorrow is proud to provide addiction recovery services to any West Virginians in need. We mean that too: anyone in need. That means anyone who was turned away at other facilities, or who fears judgment for where they are in life. Pregnant women, couples involved with substances together, veterans, and people with additional medical conditions are all welcome at Hope for Tomorrow, as well as anyone else seeking treatment. We want to empower you to transform your life. Call us at 877-679-8162 to get started.
Treatment today for a brighter tomorrow.
