Side Effects Of Meth Use You Don’t Want To Experience

There are few illicit drugs that have such serious and noticeable effect on a person as meth does. Often, a person’s history of use can be tracked by the changes in their appearance, mentality, and overall health due to the severity of some side effects of meth use. When you call 800-605-6597 Who Answers? to learn about meth treatment, keep in mind some of the more serious side effects of meth use.

“Meth Mouth”

According to the DEA, meth can be swallowed, smoked, injected, or snorted. With swallowing and smoking, a user’s mouth and throat are often seriously damaged by the drug. The damage is commonly referred to as “meth mouth” and involves deterioration of the mouth and surrounding structures.

The drug often affects a person’s inhibitions and judgement, and their hygiene usually suffers the most. Many users have severe dental decay as a result, giving the side effect its name. Sores in the mouth, such as on the tongue, gums, and cheek, are common signs of meth mouth. These sores often become infected, leading to further problems.

The person’s lips and the area around their mouth may also develop sores as well. The sores may not heal easily or become worsened by frequent and unnecessary scratching that many users exhibit. Infections in these sores are also common, and usually are caused from bacteria on the person’s fingers and nails, as well as from inside their mouth.

Extreme Weight Loss

One of the common side effects of meth use is a decrease in appetite and an increase in energy and physical activity. As a result, many meth users experience rapid weight loss as their body expels more energy than it takes in. Without the necessary energy that food provides, the body will break down stored fat and eventually its own tissues in order to keep itself functioning.

In some cases, the weight loss has resulted in the development of anorexia and all the complications that come with it. Users who develop anorexia will often have severe damage to their organs, as well as compromised muscles and bone structure that leaves them open to debilitating injuries.

Increased Risk of Infectious Diseases

One of the main methods of meth use requires injecting the drug directly into the user’s body. The drug often affects the person’s judgement and they often do not think to follow proper needle hygiene while using. As a result, they may share or reuse needles.

In doing so, the NIDA states, they are continually increasing their risk for hepatitis B and C, as well as HIV. The drug often results in altering of a person’s inhibition, and they may engage in unsafe sex that can also expose them to these diseases and other STDs. Side effects of methuse can also include bacterial infections from old needles, leading to gangrene, tissue death, and blood poisoning.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, please call 800-605-6597 Who Answers? to learn about what options are available. You’ll be able to speak with one of our caring specialists to learn more information about treating addiction.

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