Needless to say, crystal meth is the disaster artist of addictive drugs. Regarded as one of the deadliest stimulants on the planet, this substance is infamous for triggering a high rate of addiction (which is notoriously hard to break) and for destroying a person’s physical and emotional health. Ultimately, crystal meth can trigger severe outbreaks of sores and blisters (which do not fully heal) and meth mouth (a phenomenon that occurs when the teeth start to rot), but this deadly substance can also wreak havoc on the human heart, sometimes resulting in death. Let’s take a closer look and find out how crystal meth destroys the cardiovascular system.
Lack of Rhythm
Although crystal meth severely damages the brain and liver, this damage it inflicts on the heart can be dangerously extensive. Ultimately, this stimulant can trigger arrythmia (irregular heartbeat), dangerously high heartbeat, increased blood pressure, blood vessel inflammation (particularly near the brain), and endocarditis (heart inflammation). As a result of this damage, meth addicts can potentially suffer from heart attacks and strokes. In fact, in 2008, scientists assessed 3 million patients in Texas hospitals and identified a connection between heart attacks and amphetamine consumption.
Cardiac Emergencies
In one study featured in the Archives of General Psychology, researchers determined that amphetamine consumers are 5 times more likely to suffer from hemorrhagic strokes (blood vessels bursting in the brain). Overall, this event takes place due to dangerous changes in blood pressure, ultimately triggered by the stimulating chemicals of the drug. In some cases, victims can experience such a dangerous buildup that they suffer from strokes. In the worst-case scenario, some addicts may even slip into a coma.
Tragically, damages to the cardiovascular system might not fully heal over time. For some victims, their brains still retain extensive blood vessel injuries.
Seeking Treatment for Crystal Meth Addiction
Crystal meth might easily be one of the most dangerous substances on the planet, and it can easily trigger one of the most severe forms of addiction recorded. Although this nasty drug can reach into your brain and take control, you can always find a way to break away from it. Meth does not have control over your life. Only you can determine what your future holds. With the right resources and a little bit of courage, healing is just a giant step away.
If you are suffering from a severe case of opioid use disorder or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process detox and withdrawal and guide you through each step of the rehabilitation process to help you separate yourself from these deadly painkillers.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your attachment to opioids and take an essential step against the Opioid Crisis.