Facing the Ugly Truth: Why ‘Casual Meth Use’ Isn’t a Good Idea
You are here:Meth kills people. That’s the ugly truth about it. But, before it kills a person, it takes them on a horrifying journey and turns them into someone they or their loved ones hardly recognize anymore. Sadly, many people mistakenly believe they can indulge in casual meth use without harming themselves, so they aren’t interested in hearing about the risks involved.
Of course, not everyone who uses meth will become a regular user or develop an addiction to the drug. However, they need to realize that meth is a highly addictive substance and once a person is hooked, getting clean is difficult. In fact, the relapse rate for recovering meth users is in the 90 percent range.
Is casual meth use possible? Given meth’s increasing popularity, the question naturally arises. So, here are some things you need to know about this powerful substance:
Why Is Casual Meth Use a Bad Idea?
Although meth has been around for decades, it hasn’t gotten safer. The drug was originally intended for medical purposes. It was also used during WWII to help soldiers stay awake and remain alert. Also, Japanese kamikaze pilots used it right before their suicide missions. The U.S. government declared meth illegal in 1970, but that didn’t stop the drug from spreading across the country at an astounding rate.
Meth produces an intense rush of euphoria that only lasts a few minutes. This short-lived rush causes a person to want more of the drug. It is also what causes some people to become addicted after only one use. Anyone considering casual meth use should take time to learn more about how easily meth addiction can take hold.
Meth is popular because it produces increased feelings of increased energy, euphoria, and suppressed appetite. But, the truth about meth is that it will have severe effects on a person’s health in several ways. The drug has a high potential for psychological and physical dependence. Due to its psychostimulant properties, it can cause dangerous and irreversible side effects.
Are Casual Meth Use Side Effects Worse Than Opioids?
Besides the changes that aren’t visible, prolonged meth use can drastically alter a person’s appearance. Here are some of the side effects of meth that aren’t typically experienced with opioids:
- Damaged nasal tissues
- Sores and scars on the face and body
- Tooth decay, loss of teeth, gum disease
- Malnourishment
In addition to the visible side effects, meth abuse also causes the following side effects that aren’t immediately apparent:
- Exhaustion
- Risk of stroke
- Respiratory problems
- Heart damage
- Organ failure
The risks of meth use in high amounts extend to include psychotic side effects such as:
- Delusions
- Convulsions, seizures
- Psychosis
- Paranoia, anxiety
- Violent behavior
- Hallucinations
The psychotic symptoms can persist for months or years after discontinuing meth use. Other lasting effects on the brain include memory problems, lack of emotion, and poor decision-making skills.
The combination of physical, mental, and emotional effects of meth use leads a person down a path of suffering no one should endure. If you think casual meth use isn’t harmful, there are thousands of people who can tell you otherwise. Maybe the meth overdose statistics will help you think twice about using this dangerous drug. In the U.S., more than 1,500 deaths involved methamphetamine in 2021.
Signs That You Are Addicted to Meth
If you avoid facing the truth about meth, at some point, you won’t care anymore. The drug will take control of your ability to stop using. Before you reach that point, take a look at the signs of meth addiction to see if you are at risk of becoming dependent on the drug:
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Dry, itchy skin
- Sleep problems
- Increased anxiety
- Blood pressure issues
- Withdrawal symptoms
Another risk of meth use involves the deadly drug fentanyl. To increase profits, drug dealers lace meth and other drugs with fentanyl. In many cases, the buyer is unaware that the meth they purchase has been contaminated this way. Overdoses are on the rise as a result of this trend.
Face the Truth About Casual Meth Use and Seek Help Today
Long-term casual meth use can result in withdrawal symptoms when the drug is withheld. When this happens, it’s difficult not to seek more of the substance. At Design for Change Recovery, we understand the truth about meth use and how to overcome it.
We will work with you to design a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs and situation. Our team of compassionate professionals wants you to succeed in overcoming meth use for a more fulfilling, healthier lifestyle.
Learn more about our evidence-based, comprehensive programs at Design for Change Recovery by contacting our Lancaster, CA facility. You can get started on the path to freedom from meth and its dangers by talking with one of our representatives today.
Sources:
- dea.gov – Methamphetamine
- https://insight.livestories.com/s/v2/meth—deaths/17c05d0a-2218-4bb8-af7a-c450194d74ea – Meth Detected at Death
