Physiological Manifestations of Methamphetamine Consumption
The physiological effects of methamphetamine use manifest in several visible ways. As mentioned above, severe dental complications are a typical sign, characterized by decaying teeth and inflamed gums. Meth also causes the development of skin sores due to excessive scratching, often caused by hallucinations of bugs crawling under the skin, known as formication.
Rapid weight loss is another significant physiological manifestation, as methamphetamine suppresses appetite, leading to malnutrition and a frail physical appearance. Additionally, those who take meth via smoking experience chronic respiratory issues and frequent infections. Abscesses appear around injection sites, often on the arms and legs.
Due to the stimulant properties of meth, the person often exhibits hyperactivity, tremors, and excessive sweating. Long-term use results in serious health complications, including kidney failure, cardiovascular demise, and increased susceptibility to infectious diseases.
Psychological Symptoms Associated with Methamphetamine Use
Methamphetamine use has severe psychological implications that worsen over time. The person will experience euphoria, increased confidence, and heightened energy levels in the early stages. However, as dependency develops, these effects are replaced by negative psychological symptoms such as paranoia, anxiety, and hallucinations.
One of the most concerning psychological effects is methamphetamine-induced psychosis, characterized by delusions, auditory and visual hallucinations, and extreme paranoia. This state leads to violent behavior and self-harm, making it a significant concern for the person and those around them.
Depression is another common symptom, particularly during withdrawal periods when the brain has difficulty producing dopamine naturally. Suicidal thoughts and tendencies are prevalent from long-term use due to the profound chemical imbalances caused by methamphetamines.
Cognitive impairments such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and poor decision-making skills are often observed. These impairments can persist even after discontinuation of use, highlighting the long-term consequences of methamphetamine use on mental health. One study showed that those taking methamphetamines long-term had significant deficits in motor function and verbal memory. Though there was no significant impact on IQ scores, memory recall test scores were drastically worse than the control group.
