Methamphetamines and Your Health

The illegal use of methamphetamine or “meth” has been an issue nationwide and in our community for many years. From a mental health perspective, it is not uncommon for the providers here at Preferred Medical Group to see patients in various stages of meth addiction. One thing that we have come to see is that many patients knew of several possible physical symptoms of meth use prior to using. These physical symptoms would include things like weight loss, and tooth decay. Many, if not all of our patients, were not aware of the possible mental health side effects of long-term meth use, and oftentimes come to regret their decision to use meth once these symptoms start advancing. We feel it is important for our community to have this information available to them before they make the decision to use illegal and damaging drugs like meth. Below are some of the very serious and impairing mental health consequences of meth use.

Psychological Health Effects

1. Addiction: Methamphetamine is highly addictive, leading to compulsive drug-seeking behavior.
2. Mental Health Disorders: Anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, and violent behavior are common. Prolonged use can also cause psychosis, resembling schizophrenia.
3. Cognitive Decline: Memory loss, decreased attention span, and impaired judgment are frequent in long-term users.
4. Mood Disturbances: Users often experience severe mood swings, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

Neurological Effects

Brain Damage: Chronic meth use can lead to significant brain damage, affecting areas involved in emotion and memory.

1. Neurotoxicity: Methamphetamine causes neurotoxicity to dopamine and serotonin neurons, leading to long-term deficits in these neurotransmitter systems.
2. Motor Skills Impairment: Long-term use can impair motor coordination and fine motor skills

It is also important to note that these symptoms can sometimes persist for years after some stops using meth.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please share this information and please remember to think twice about the long term consequences of methamphetamine use BEFORE you start. The physical psychological strain this drug imposes often leaves folks regretting their decision to start in the first place. If you need someone to talk to regarding your mental health, please reach out to PMG.