Long-term use of any drug will ultimately affect your health and life. The severity of these effects will depend on the drug you are using. Some drugs will have severe effects after long-term use. A good example can be meth. There are millions of people in our country who use meth. Whether these users are aware of the long-term effects of meth or not is uncertain. However, everyone needs to know these effects. Knowing the effects can dissuade a potential user from indulging in drug use, and an addiction treatment center like Blueprint Recovery can help these people get on the path to recovery.
How Does Meth Affect the Brain of the User?
Meth is a stimulant. Its mechanism of operation is similar to other stimulants. Stimulants make the brain to release massive amounts of neurotransmitters. The release of these neurotransmitters in higher doses is responsible for the euphoric effect that meth users experience. Apart from the euphoric feeling, the release of neurotransmitters can also trigger energy released by the body.
Meth use affects the central nervous system (CNS) of a person too. The central nervous system is made up of the brain and the spinal cord. It is responsible for regulating and maintain nearly every bodily function. Meth use will affect neurons located in the spinal cord. Neurons is simply a term that refers to nerves inside the spinal cord. These neurons are prone to damage due to the long term effects of meth use.
Long-Term Effects of Meth
The long-term effects of meth can land you in an addiction treatment center. This is because meth is highly addictive. Addiction is a disease that needs a special kind of treatment to overcome it. The effects of meth use include:
- Neuronal Death: Meth use over a long period leads to the death of neurons present in the CNS. The body’s ability to regenerate these neurons is limited. Sometimes the body can’t recover the lost neurons. The death of neurons will hurt crucial bodily functions that depend on them.
- A Decrease in the Production of Glial Cells: Glial cells are found in the CNS too. They are responsible for fighting infection, developing myelin, and signaling. Meth use damages and destroys these cells. As a result of the death, the meth user’s body will find it difficult to perform functions associated with the glial cells effectively.
- Reduction in the Levels of Dopamine and Serotonin Transporters: These transporters remove dopamine and serotonin that neurons release. They then transport the chemicals to other cells. The cells then repackage the chemicals for reuse. Meth interferes with this transport system. The interference can trigger extreme mood swings among long term meth users.
- Addiction: The long-term use of meth alters the normal functioning of the brain. It makes the user dependent on meth use before the brain can perform its functions. Dependency over a long period morphs into an addiction disorder for meth use. Luckily there are a variety of substance abuse treatment programs that can help you fight the addiction.
Treatment at Blueprint Recovery Center
Blueprint Recovery Center has facilities and professionals who can help you deal with the long-term effects of meth use. The programs are diverse to ensure that each patient has an option to choose from based on their likings.
Some of these programs and centers include:
- Partial hospitalization program: This program allows you to receive treatment, but you won’t have to stay at the facility. It gives you the freedom to handle your daily activities while receiving treatment.
- Community housing program: The program enables you to maintain your sobriety while you receive outpatient therapy. The program will help you transition back into everyday life after you recover.
- Women’s rehab center: A center that can help women struggling with meth addiction. These women get to recover among peers who can offer them the support they need.
- Men’s rehab center: A men’s center can help your loved one get specialized treatment with fewer distractions.
- Drug addiction treatment program: Meth addicts are likely to be addicts of other drugs too. This center can treat and deal with patients who suffer from multiple addictions.
Call Blueprint Recovery to Start Your Path to Recovery
The long-term effects of meth can be hazardous if you don’t get treatment. You can mitigate these effects by enrolling in a reputable mental health facility. If you or your loved one needs help with meth addiction, call Blueprint Recovery at 833.654.1004. We will help you overcome your addiction.
