Effects of Methamphetamine or Amphetamine Addiction

Methamphetamine or Amphetamine regardless of the form it is taken, greatly stimulates the person's central nervous system and lasts anywhere between a few hours to as long as twenty four. This drug has adverse effects both physically and mentally and creates short and long term effects.

Cardiovascular Methamphetamine Effects

The use and abuse of crystal methamphetamine, methamphetamine or amphetamine can produce an accelerated heart beat, elevated blood pressure, hypertension, chest pain and can cause irreversible damage to blood vessels in the brain. All of the above can lead to a heart attack, stroke or even death.

Central Nervous System Methamphetamine Effects

The use and abuse of "crystal meth", methamphetamine or amphetamine can cause a decrease in appetite, an increase in alertness and increased physical activity. Although some people might consider these to be "positive" side effects, they are usually taken to excess and are accompanied by an increase in irritability, insomnia, aggression, jerky movements, paranoia, incessant conversation, convulsions and hypothermia. Hypothermia and convulsions certainly can result in a person's death.

Additional Physical Methamphetamine Effects

The use and abuse of amphetamine, methamphetamine or crystal amphetamine can cause a slurring of one's speech, dilated pupils, grinding of the teeth, dizziness, confusion, respiratory distress, sweats, numbness or a loss in coordination.

Psychological Methamphetamine Effects

The use and abuse of amphetamine, methamphetamine or crystal methamphetamine can create symptoms that resemble several types of mental illness. People have been known to suffer from visual and auditory hallucinations, depression, obsessive behaviors, panic attacks, intense anger and paranoia. More people than we realize have suffered from amphetamine induced psychosis, which can best be described as a paranoid state that develops after ingesting large amounts of amphetamines. When a person experiences this type of psychological state, many have committed suicide. The long term effects of amphetamine use are severe and can be fatal. Liver damage, brain damage, malnutrition, kidney disorders, impaired immune system and blood clots are just some of the medical consequences a person can experience.