Meth, or methamphetamine, comes in many forms. It can be in a powder form known as “crystal” and can further be processed into a rock form known as “ice”. It can also be found in a liquid form that is injected.
Snorting crystal meth can lead to multiple physical and psychological symptoms as well as addiction. These symptoms can range from moderate to severe depending on the usage. Meth abuse can also lead to permanent damage to your body, especially your brain. Some risks include:
- Insomnia
- Weight loss
- Extreme mood swings
- Violent behavior
- Anxiety and confusion
Someone who finds themselves addicted to meth may even experience more extreme symptoms like paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions. These may last for years after the usage as stopped.
“Tweaking” refers to when someone is in one of the most dangerous stages of meth abuse. They may not sleep for up to 15 days at a time and will chase the original high with no success. Some people may appear normal during this stage until closer observation. They may also found themselves engaging in erratic behavior surrounding their home or work life.
Short-Term Effects
The exact effects of meth usage are determined by the purity of the meth along with the range of abuse and the amount taken.
The more immediate and apparent effects of snorting meth include:
- Brief rush, euphoria, surge of energy
- Increased physical activity
- Increased blood pressure and breathing rate
- Dangerously elevated body temperature
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia
- Paranoia, irritability
- Erratic behavior
- Performing repetitive, meaningless tasks
- Dilated pupils
- Heavy sweating
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Shaking
- Dry mouth
- Uncontrollable jaw clenching
- Seizures and sudden death
Long-Term Effects
Long-term and chronic meth abuse can lead to the extremely severe side effects such as:
- Damaged nerve terminals in the brain
- Brain damage similar to Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease
- High blood pressure
- Prolonged anxiety, paranoia, insomnia
- Psychotic behavior, violence, auditory hallucinations, and delusions
- Homicidal or suicidal thoughts
- Weakened immune system
- Strokes, heart infection, lung disease, kidney and liver damage
- Increased risky behaviors
- Increased risk of accidental or unintentional death
If you or someone you care about is experiencing crystal meth abuse or addiction, it is important to seek out help immediately.
At Asana Recovery, we understand how difficult recovering from these addictions through our daily work to help those struggling most from this disease. While some may believe they can make it alone, rehabilitation programs are essential in the fight to break dependency. The road ahead is not a smooth or easy one, but you can traverse it if done so with the support of the right team. Counseling and aftercare processes can assist you by addressing the psychological facets that led you to addiction and help you build a structure from which to better cope with life without succumbing to addiction.
The supervised detoxification and residential treatment programs at Asana Recovery are offered in a supportive, relaxing, and inspiring environment. We’re deeply committed to ensuring your long-term recovery, and guiding you on your path to a healthier and happier future. There is no better time than now, and we’re always available to speak with you. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment program today.
