The short term effects of smoking crystal meth, also known as crystal meth, are different from other drugs and can be extremely dangerous. This drug is considered to be one of the most hazardous for its users. It is important to understand these effects as well as how dangerous an addiction to crystal meth can be.
Brief Knowledge on Crystal Meth
Crystal meth is one of the fast growing drugs in the United States, if not the world. It is made from d-methamphetamine, is highly addictive, and extremely detrimental to a users physical and mental wellbeing. It is most commonly smoked, but can also be injected, swallowed, or snorted. Crystal meth looks like small crystals or glass shards and are a light blue to white in color. It causes a sense of euphoria in users, which is the main reason people use the drug. However, the negative short term effects are far worse than any kind of euphoria.
Most people know that drugs are addictive, can cause serious health damage, and can even kill. Unfortunately, many people do not take time to learn about the short term effects that drugs can have on a person. Sometimes, the short term effects are worse than the long term effects, but typically can reversed.
From the instant a person uses crystal meth they are putting themselves at risk for various problems. The short term effects emerge almost immediately after using. The effects will differ, depending on how crystal meth was used. The user will feel like they are able to focus, they may feel a rush of euphoria, or a large burst of energy. All of these effects will be short lived but the negatives ones can last longer.
The Short Term Effects 1: Central Nervous System
At the same time as these euphoric feelings are going on, the user’s central nervous system is overworking to produce dopamine and other nuerochemicals. These are found in the brain and are needed in order to maintain a stable life. Crystal methwill interfere with these chemicals; research has proven that a user’s mood and behaviour can be altered when under the influence of crystal meth.
Short Term Effects Related to These Chemicals Being Affected
- Paranoia
- Agitation
- Increase heart rate
- Increase blood pressure
- Strange behavior
- Rise in body temperature
Short Term Effect 2: Nutrition
Another short term effect of crystal meth use is nutrition. Users on crystal meth often have little or no appetite. The user will not eat; therefore, they will lose an amount of weight in a very short time period. Many times people will think that the user has an eating disorder, when in actuality they have an addiction to crystal meth.
Short Term Effect 3: Sleep
As crystal meth causes a user to feel a large increase in energy, the user may be incapable of sleeping. Oftentimes, heavy users will go three to four days or more without any sleep. They may feel fatigued or tired, but they are unable to sleep. This with the added lack of nutrition completely wears the user’s body and mental abilities down.
Additional Short Term Effects
Additionally, crystal meth can cause erratic and unpredictable behaviour. The user can suffer from extreme anxiety, suicidal thoughts, tremors, convulsions, rapid heartbeat, coma, and death.
The short term effects listed above can turn into long term effects if the user does not quit crystal meth. Over time, these effects will worsen; more quickly than other drugs.
Fortunately with crystal meth, the short term and long term effects can be reversed. Of course, the sooner the user quits the better. It is important that anyone abusing or has an addiction to crystal meth get help.
