Meth Effects

Due to its powerful stimulant characteristics, the effects of meth use include increased wakefulness and physical activity while decreasing appetite. A brief yet intense sensation is reported by users who snort or inject the drug. Both the rush and the high are a result from the release of very high levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine into areas of the brain that regulate feelings of pleasure.

 

Initially, meth effects can be characterized by increased mental and physical well-being. With increased doses and/or chronic use, the risk of toxicity increases and the user may experience irritation, outbursts of anger, paranoia, delusional thinking, and visual or auditory hallucinations. A potential risk to meth users is the possibility of lead poisoning. Lead acetate is often used as a reagent in illegal meth production.

 

Fetal exposure to meth is a significant problem in the United States. Extensive research has indicated that the effects of meth use during pregnancy may result in increased rates of premature delivery, abnormal reflexes, and extreme irritability in infants. Congenital deformities have also been linked to meth abuse during pregnancy.

 

Meth effects stem from the association the drug has on the human nervous system. Meth, when compared to cocaine, produces a longer feeling of euphoria which can last for over 12 hours. The same pleasurable effect observed with cocaine use may only last for a few minutes. The “feel good” sensational effects of meth use disappear before the concentration of the drug starts to diminish in the blood. Thus, the other side effects such high blood pressure may remain while the euphoric feeling diminishes. Without the required treatment for this addiction, the end result is usually fatal. Due to the effects of meth on the blood vessels, there is a high potential for stroke, which in many cases leads to death. Other patients die of hyperthermia and cardiac failure.