Effects of Meth on the User

The effects of meth is so widely varied that it is hard to tell what might exactly happen to a person who uses meth. The effects themselves really depend on the amount the user is putting into their body. There are several long and short-term effects that will be talked about within this blog. These effects need to be talked about and taken literally because the effects far outweigh the benefits of taking this dangerous and life-destroying drug.

To start with, the short-term effects of this drug are nothing compared to the long-term effects that I will be getting to. Meth itself makes the user feel an increased amount of wakefulness and physical activity while decreasing their appetite. This is one of the main reasons for people to start using meth in the first place. Meth can also create extreme problems with the cardiovascular system which would include a rapid heart rate and increased blood pressure just to name a few. These small time effects are just a few that lead to the long-term effects that really shows how addicted a person has become to meth.

In addition, the long-term effects of this drug come with many consequences which include addiction. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s website states that, “chronic abusers exhibit symptoms such as anxiety, confusion, insomnia, mood disturbances, and violent behavior…also a number of psychotic features such as paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations, and delusions.” These effects really define what a meth user becomes and are the signs of a long-term and chronic user. With these effects out in the open, who in their right mind would want to use such a destructive drug as meth?

These users start to rely on the drug for different reasons such as weight loss, instant energy, or even just as an escape from reality. Although, the longer they use this drug, the more dependant they become and the larger amount needed to feel the same high as before. Another effect as described on the Anti-Meth Site is that, “Methamphetamine use increases self-confidence, which often ignores the reality of personal limitations…users may experience “Superman Syndrome,” in which they attempt to perform tasks they are incapable of performing.” This in itself can become very dangerous for the user and the people around them.

Meth is a drug that needs to be looked at very carefully and needs to be educated about properly. It is becoming a much bigger problem than many have anticipated and is becoming very dangerous for our youth and society alike. With proper education about the effects and negative aspects of this drug, maybe more people will start making the right decisions when it comes to taking and using illegal narcotics.

http://www.justice.gov/dea/concern/meth.html
http://www.kci.org/meth_info/sites/meth_facts2.htm