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Side Effects of
Crysal Methamphetamine

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Crystal methamphetamine is commonly abused recreationally and is commonly ingested via smoking, snorting or intravenous injection. Crystal methamphetamine is a stimulant drug that works on the central nervous system and in particular affects dopamine in the brain, a neurotransmitter responsible for the feeling of pleasure. Because of this, recreational users often ingest crystal methamphetamine for its euphoric effects and increase in pleasure and sexual desire. Although many users are aware of these effects, many do not know the potential adverse crystal methamphetamine side effects that can occur on both a short and long term basis.

Crystal Methamphetamine side effects include

  • Increase in blood pressure and heart rate
  • Constriction of walls of arteries
  • Weight loss
  • Nausea
  • Dilated pupils
  • Disturbed sleeping patterns and possible insomnia
  • Hallucinations and delusions
  • Anxiety and panic
  • Paranoia
  • Profuse Sweating
  • Hyperthermia
  • Increased aggressiveness
  • Psychosis
  • Potentially fatal convulsions and seizures

In event of an overdose from crystal methamphetamine one can suffer from permanent brain damage, permanent or long-term paranoia, usually short-term hallucinations, muscle breakdown, kidney and liver damage or failure. Overdose may also be fatal due to stroke or cardiac arrest or hyperthermia.

Long term crystal meth use can cause long lasting and sometimes permanent damage to the user on both a psychological and physical level. Long term effects of meth addiction can include but are not limited to:

  • Tachycardia (increased heart rate)
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Liver Damage
  • Kidney Damage
  • Lung damage
  • Collapsed veins from intravenous injection
  • Brain damage
  • Amphetamine Psychosis and extreme mood swings
  • Anxiety disorder
  • Depressive disorder
  • Xerostomia (dry ‘meth mouth’)
  • Collapsed jaw resulting from excessive grinding of teeth when high
  • Deviated septum if ingested via snorting
  • Abscesses if injected
  • Risk of contracting HIV from sharing needles when injecting

Another serious side-effect of chronic crystal methamphetamine usage is the potential for developing a dependence and addiction. Chemical dependency and addiction can occur when either someone has a genetic pre-disposition to addiction or through excessive use a dependency can be developed. Addiction is a progressive, disease which involves the following symptoms and effects:

  • Chronic drug seeking behavior
  • Lack of self-control
  • Mood swings
  • Lack of care of responsibilities
  • Complete breakdown of social and general life
  • Apathy
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • High risk behaviors
  • Lack of regard for health risks from using
  • If left untreated and recovery, addiction normally ends in jail, institutions or death.

Someone with an addiction to crystal methamphetamine is also likely to experience withdrawal symptoms when recovering. Becoming abstinent from meth will trigger these withdrawal symptoms usually lasting up to a few weeks. Crystal meth Withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Severe depression sometimes including suicidal thoughts and actions
  • Exhaustion and fatigue
  • Increased appetite
  • Irritability and frustration
  • Anger
  • Agitation and anxiety
  • Body aches and pains
  • Insomnia or sometimes hypersomnia
  • Strong cravings
  • Memory and concentration problems

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