Throughout the years, there have been various illicit drugs that have impacted millions of individuals’ lives. One of these happens to be methamphetamine, which is commonly referred to as meth. This drug is very addictive and entirely dangerous. Before consuming this drug, it is vital to learn about its risks, side effects, and half-life. Within this article, you will learn all about these aspects of meth.
What Is Meth?
So, what exactly is meth? As mentioned above, meth is the abbreviated word for methamphetamine. It is a highly addictive drug, which mainly impacts the central nervous system. The drug is referred to as many different names, including crystal, ice, and chalk. Although the medication can be used for ADHD and weight loss, it is not commonly prescribed. Instead, the medication’s primary users are drug addicts and abusers.
The Side Effects Of Meth
Before consuming meth, it is vital to take the time to familiarize yourself with the drug’s side effects. Some of these are very dangerous, while others are mild. For your consideration, all of the drug’s potential side effects will be listed below.
- Increased heartbeat, which may be erratic
- Lightheadedness and potential fainting
- Dramatically high blood pressure
- Tremors and hallucinations
- Headaches and dizziness
- Insomnia
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Decreased appetite
- Decreased libido
Some of these side effects are rare, but their occurrence can be increased by increasing the dosage taken. Therefore, you should never consume the medication in large dosages!
Central Nervous System Side Effects
Meth can cause many central nervous system side effects, while many of them are tolerable, others will be very severe. Since this stimulant can alter the neurotransmitters in the brain, which can cause a major imbalance within the central nervous system, the user may become psychotic. Paranoia, combined with auditory and visual hallucinations, can be detrimental to the individual’s overall mood, psyche, and mentality.
A sensation of insects crawling all over the skin can be a bit much for the addict to deal with. This will not only make them experience anxiety, but it can cause them to act out abnormally.
Understanding The Meth High
The mass majority of meth users take the drug because it provides them with a pleasurable high. When abusing meth, the user will experience psychological and physical changes. These effects are felt due to the drug’s impact on the nervous system and brain. The most commonly felt feeling is that of euphoria. This is nothing more than a very powerful sensation of pleasure. Other users may actually experience bluntness. This causes them to become much less aware of their feelings.
This is the very reason that many depressed and distressed individuals turn towards meth. It provides them with a way to escape their unwanted feelings. Of course, they do so without acknowledging the negative and dangerous side effects of meth! This is often a mistake and results in addiction, overdose, and even death!
Dangers of HIV
If you choose the intravenous route over the other options, you are at high risk for contracting hepatitis B, C, and HIV. The main reason for this is because of needle and other injection equipment sharing. Needles are very difficult to obtain, which means that a hardcore addict will be forced to share needles with others with infectious diseases. Although using the medication is dangerous overall, injecting it intravenously is even more so! All in all, you should never attempt to inject the drug!
Meth Half-Life And Duration
To better understand meth, you should take a look at the drug’s half-life. This figure can tell you approximately how long it’ll take for half of the drug to dissipate from your body. The typical half-life is right around 9 to 12 hours. Users of the drug will typically experience the meth high for 10 to 20 hours. Several factors play a role in both of these, including age, metabolism, and the amount of meth ingested.
How Long Does Meth Stay In Your Urine
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive chemical that acts as a stimulant, which affects the brain and the entire body. You cannot only consume this chemical orally, but you can snort and smoke it. If you have never taken methamphetamines before and decide to do so, you will experience many side effects.
Many meth users will become about the drug’s longevity in the urine, which ranges from 2-5 days. Of course, this time frame can be altered per the metabolism rate, so if you have a high metabolism rate, you will find the meth will leave your system much quicker than others.
How Long Does Meth Stay In Your Blood
Methamphetamine will remain in the bloodstream for up to 24 hours after use. Although meth is odorless, it has a very bitter taste. Many users prefer the snorting and smoking method to the oral consumption method because it provides immediate effects. The stimulant is delivered directly to the brain when using these methods. Of course, the injection method also provides this same immediate euphoria, but many users will deter from it because it is a more elusive option. A needle stick is a turn off for most individuals, so they will opt-out immediately on this route.
How Long Does Meth Stay In Your Hair
According to experts, meth can remain within your hair for approximately 90 days. Although many people believe that they can wash the drug from their hair, this isn’t the case. Regardless of how many times you wash your hair or what type of hair treatment you use, meth will still remain for up to 90 days. Therefore, you will need to remain patient and wait it out until this duration has passed.
How Long Does Meth Last
Before you consider using meth, you should know exactly how long the medication’s effects would be felt. In other words, how long does a meth high last? This will typically vary depending on several factors, including metabolism, the consumer’s age, and the dosage consumed. On average, the medication’s effects will be felt for 10 to 20 hours. When compared to other illicit drugs, meth is long-lasting.
Symptoms of Meth Withdrawal
Many meth addicts would love to be able to withdraw from the drug and reclaim their lives. This might seem like an uphill battle, but it is not one that is impossible. With this in mind, you should proceed slowly, after learning about the withdrawal symptoms. For your convenience, these will be listed below.
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Anxiousness and irritability
- Excessive sleeping
- Insomnia
- Insatiable appetite
- Bouts of depression
- Psychotic behaviors
Although these symptoms aren’t necessarily dangerous, they can be very disturbing and uncomforting. Therefore, you should make sure to have someone nearby before proceeding forward.
Health Risks
Long-term use of meth can be detrimental to your overall health and well-being. Not only does this stimulant increase your risks of skin ulcers, but it can also increase your risks of cardiovascular disease. Many addicts will consume a high content and quantity of meth, leading to high blood pressure and a heart attack. You may also experience weight loss and dental carries, which may be linked to “meth mouth”.
Low Quantity Versus High
You may question whether or not the meth quantity consumed will offer higher or lower effects, but it is important to note that any amount can lead to the same physical effects. Although many beginners may experience a higher euphoria the first time they use meth, the body will become immune to the drug over time.
This is a very addictive stimulant that should not be experimented with. Some drugs are so dangerous and addictive that only use can cause many severe side effects and addiction. Of course, peer pressure will pull many adolescents into experimenting with methamphetamine, which will lead to a dead-end road. You should utilize your common senses and never sample this drug because it is nearly impossible to withdraw from.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, methamphetamines can be extremely dangerous. Their side effects are risky, and the drug’s addictiveness is incredibly high. With this in mind, it is vital to learn about your risks before using the medication. Once you do, you will quickly see that using meth isn’t worth it! Just don’t do it! If you have fallen victim to meth, you should work to reclaim your life as quickly as possible.
