How does meth work?

Meth is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, which is part of the reason it’s so very addictive. When a person takes meth, it goes to their brain, creating signals that release dopamine.¹ Dopamine activates the brain’s reward and pleasure centers, but the level of dopamine released when taking meth is many times higher than what happens naturally.

The accelerated release of dopamine creates a euphoric state, and it also triggers addiction. The user’s brain begins to crave the high, which pushes them to take progressively higher dosages. Along with feelings of intense pleasure and happiness, meth typically increases a person’s physical activity and energy levels, as well as their alertness and sociability. Users aren’t likely to feel hungry or tired, and they often have increased attention spans.

Short-term effects of meth on the body

Most of the short-term effects of meth use are often associated with its stimulant effects, including²:

• Increased body temperature (hyperthermia)
• High blood pressure
• Irregular heartbeat
• Elevated heart rate
• Potential brain hemorrhage
• Convulsions during overdose
• Lung collapse
• Decreased appetite
• Increased energy

Long-term effects of meth on the body

After a person develops an addiction and chronically uses meth, their body begins to break down in several ways, like²:

• Extreme, rapid weight loss due to poor nutrition
• Sleep deprivation and insomnia
• Damage to internal organs such as the lungs, heart, liver, and kidneys
• Harm to nasal passages from snorting meth
• Skin conditions such as infections, abscesses, and sores
• Tooth decay, commonly called “meth mouth”

How is meth used?

Depending on the resources available to the person struggling with a meth addiction, they may resort to different methods of getting the drug into their body. Some of the most common uses of meth include:

• Snorting: Can cause a quick head rush and damage to the sinuses.
• Injection: “Shooting up” or IV drug use may lead to one of the fastest meth highs since it goes directly into the bloodstream. Extended injections can cause track marks.
• Smoking: Using pipes or other methods to smoke the drug can lead to meth mouth over time.

Although there are a few different ways people use meth, the devastating effects on the body are usually the same. Prolonged meth use damages the liver and increases the risk of liver failure and hepatitis. This failure is due to the numerous toxins contained in the drug, which may include battery acid, drain cleaner, paint thinner, and lithium. Meth may cause kidney failure due to increases in body temperature, as well as the breakdown of muscle tissues.

It’s also important to consider the drug’s effects on the lungs when someone smokes it. When a person smokes meth, its toxins go directly into the lungs, causing severe damage. As the drug constricts the blood vessels, it inhibits blood flow to the lungs, leading to fluid accumulation.

What does meth do to the body?

Since meth is a stimulant, it strains the body—especially the organs. It puts a great deal of stress on the user’s heart, disrupting its normal rhythm. With severe damage to the cardiovascular system, the risk of heart attack and stroke dramatically spikes. It constricts the veins and blood vessels, which causes the formation of blood clots. Furthermore, meth is toxic to the blood vessels; it causes rupturing that may lead to bleeding in the heart.

Meth mouth: Effects of meth on teeth and gums

One of the most obvious signs of meth use in a person struggling with addiction is its effect on the mouth. Meth mouth occurs when teeth decay, and gums become red and swollen. Signs of meth mouth include:

• Blackened, stained teeth
• Mouth sores
• Severe gum disease
• Tooth loss

Meth mouth happens, at least in part, because meth causes severe dry mouth, which gives bacteria a chance to grow and affect the teeth. People struggling with meth also often have strong sugar cravings. With more bacteria and sugar in the mouth, teeth are more likely to decay, and mouth infections are likely to develop.

Meth effects on the brain

Meth affects the body, but many of its most severe effects happen to the brain. Meth changes dopamine activity, affects reward pathways, and can interfere with memory, decision-making, emotional regulation, sleep, and stress response.

In the short term, meth can make someone agitated, anxious, confused, and paranoid. They may take more risks and have spikes of energy. With long-term use, someone might experience memory loss, issues with mood, and even an increased risk of Parkinson’s-like symptoms or movement problems.³

The mental and psychological effects of meth

The mental effects of meth can sometimes be more damaging in the long run than the physical effects. Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant, and it overstimulates the brain’s synaptic activity. This overstimulation can lead to issues with:

• Cognition
• Memory
• Psychosis
• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Paranoia
• Visual and auditory hallucinations

People who use meth often experience a euphoric high when they first take the drug. However, this high is usually followed by an intense crash that can lead to feelings of anxiety, irritability, and depression.

Meth addiction treatment in Georgetown and Austin, Texas

Meth addiction can affect every part of a person’s life, but recovery is possible. The effects of meth on the body and brain can feel overwhelming, especially when cravings, withdrawal symptoms, mental health concerns, and physical health problems are happening at the same time. Professional treatment gives clients a safer, more supportive place to begin healing.

The Arbor offers residential and outpatient meth addiction treatment in Georgetown, Texas. Our gender-specific programs and dual diagnosis approach allow clients to receive personalized care so they can find a way forward that works for them. With both evidence-based and holistic therapies, you or a loved one can get comprehensive care right here outside of Austin.