How It Works
Methamphetamine
How It Affects The Body
Meth increases the amount the amount of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which leads to high levels of the chemical in the brain. Dopamine is involved in reward, motivation, the experince of pleasure, and motor function. Meth rapidly releases dopamine in reward regions of the brain causes a euphoric rush. Repeatedly using methamphetamine can lead to addiction.
Short Term and Long Term Effects
Short Term Effects
Some short term effects of meth include loss of appetite, increased heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. Dilation of pupils, disturbed sleep patterns, nausea, bizarre, erratic, sometimes violent behavior are also short term effects. Also hallucinations, hyperactivity, irritability, panic, seizures, and death may occur.
Long Term Effects
Permanent damage to the heart and brain, high blood pressure leading to heart attacks, strokes, destruction of nose tissue, respiratory problems, infectious diseases, malnutrition, weight loss, severe tooth decay, disorientation, apathy, confused exhaustion, strong psychological dependence, psychosis, depression, and death can all occur because of a long term use of methamphetamine.