Meth Use Leads to a Variety of Health and Social Concerns
There are various drugs and pharmaceuticals which when used can have a huge impact on people and communities. Methamphetamine or meth is one such drug. Policymakers and healthcare professionals around the world are working towards identifying ways to tackle this rising problem. Australia has also seen increased clandestine meth labs, meth availability and use of high purity meth in recent years. This gives rise to methamphetamine-related harm incidents and fatalities.
If you have come across or own a property that has been used as a meth lab, you need to be concerned. The next step is to avail of reliable meth decontamination services like Bio-Cleanse to remediate the property and make it safe and habitable again.
What Is Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine or meth is a manufactured substance, usually made in illegal labs. It’s most common form is a white, bitter-tasting powder. It can also be made into a shiny, white, or clear rock. It can also be pressed into little pills that look like the drug Ecstasy or Molly or made into white pills. Meth, blue, ice, and crystal are the common street names for methamphetamine.
Meth is often used illegally, there is no legal use for methamphetamine. Sometimes, but very rarely, doctors prescribe it in small doses for certain medical conditions. However, some people tend to consume meth illegally in order to get high. This leads to them getting addicted to meth and they end up taking much larger and frequent doses.
Methamphetamine - a Type of Stimulant Drug.
Meth directly affects the body’s central nervous system and causes an immediate euphoric reaction. However, due to its potency it tends to have longer-lasting and more harmful effects on the central nervous system than expected.
Some of the common effects of meth are decreased appetite, increased activity, and a general sense of pleasure.
Methamphetamine is a powerful and highly addictive chemical substance. As the concentration of meth in the user’s blood decreases, the intensely pleasurable feeling that it produces also fades away quickly. To avoid this from happening, some meth users tend to binge on meth. Such binges vary among meth users in terms of the length and severity. However, some users may even neglect to eat or sleep for days at a stretch. Medical treatment may be necessary in these cases and to treat meth overdose.
Side Effects of Meth Use.
Meth-related harm arises from the pharmacological effects of the drug. The toll of meth on the body has made it one of the most dangerous drugs causing a range of adverse short and long term effects.
Short-term effects of using meth are increased respiration, rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat. Higher blood pressure, hyperthermia or higher body temperature and decreased appetite are also common. Meth gives the user a high or rush and a feeling of euphoria. They experience increased activity and decreased fatigue as well as increased attention and wakefulness.
Long-term meth users often have side effects like experiencing confusion, psychotic episodes and severe anxiety. They have trouble sleeping and exhibit violent behaviour. Then have reduced motor and memory skills. Among the physical effects are severe dental problems and skin sores caused by scratching. They may even have an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease and strokes. As long-term meth use leads to addiction, the users may require to ingest larger amounts in order to experience the desired effects. The more frequently the drug is used, the more dependent the user becomes on meth – the end result being the need for treatment. In worse cases, the meth users end up in hospital or dying.
Social Effects of Meth Use.
Meth is a highly addictive drug and it impairs the social cognitions of the user. Physiological changes in brain structure and functioning, mainly in the frontal lobe, lead to changes in the user’s behaviour. In the long run, most users always experience negative consequences of methamphetamine use. Meth use may initially start off with a desire for socialization. However, chronic use and meth addiction leads to aggressiveness, increase in depression, and social isolation or withdrawal. Some other severe psychological symptoms that meth users experience are hallucination and paranoia.
While under the influence of methamphetamine users are also known to commit acts of violence. Meth-based violence is more likely to occur between family and acquaintances, and within private / domestic environments. Methamphetamine use not only heightens the risk for negative physical and psychological health, but also affects the person social relationships.
Treatment Considerations for Meth Addiction.
Any treatment for meth users should be holistic – considering the role of social cognition and addressing the impact of the drug on the brain and body. Communities and authorities should promote understanding and awareness regarding the stigma of addiction to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, etc. Behavioural therapy has also proved to be most effective for meth users. If you or anyone you know is affected by meth use, look out for effective treatments and programs that include support, counselling, and behavioural therapy. With a little help, you can address the dangers of meth and other drug use.
Read More: Meth contamination leaves innocent people sick and broke
If the presence of a meth lab is known or suspected, then an assessment must be conducted by a certified decontamination specialist. Bio-Cleanse provides meth contamination screening and decontamination in Goulburn, Mittagong, Moss Vale, Bowral and Canberra. Our forensic and biohazard cleaners are certified, experienced and experts in undertaking challenging jobs. Email us at bryan@bio-cleanse.net.au or call 0409 037 634. We operate 24×7.