There is no room for doubt about whether or not methamphetamine (meth) use is dangerous. Its potential for addiction is high, making it one of the riskiest drugs of abuse today. The effects of long-term meth abuse are severe, sometimes even permanent and fatal, so often, people who want to stop abusing meth choose to seek help from a meth addiction treatment program. One of the body systems impacted by meth abuse is the respiratory system, of which the lungs are the most important organ. What does meth do to your lungs? Researchers are learning more about the effects of meth use on the lungs, and the public should also be aware of the harm that can be done.
What is Meth, and What Does It Do In Your Body?
Meth is a central nervous system stimulant, meaning that it affects how the brain and the body’s nerves communicate with each other and with the rest of the body. Some of the effects that can occur when meth is taken are:
- Increased alertness
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia
- Increased focus
- Mood elevation
- Increased physical energy
- Elevated blood pressure
Meth is a drug that takes an immediate physical toll on the body. What makes this drug even more dangerous is that the physical effects can be long-lasting and cause other health issues.
What Can Meth Do To Your Lungs?
Since meth is a central nervous system stimulant, it acts to constrict blood vessels in the body. Your lungs are full of tiny, threadlike vessels that help the body harvest oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. These vessels are also constricted when meth is used, leading to a very serious condition called pulmonary hypertension. This means that the tiny vessels in your lungs become narrowed and develop high blood pressure. This situation causes the heart to work too hard to move blood through the lungs. After a while, the heart muscle can become weakened by this extra work and can fail. Heart failure is very serious and can be fatal.
Additionally, new research suggests that meth use could be responsible for higher risk of lung infections like pneumonia and possibly a cause of acute respiratory failure. Acute respiratory failure happens when fluid builds up in the lungs, blocking the lungs from exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide. This condition can cause disability and even death. Much is still unknown about how meth abuse can harm the lungs, but it seems clear that using meth is potentially harmful.
What Should You Do If You Need Help to Stop Using Meth?
Meth can be difficult to quit, so frequently, people who want to quit choose to seek help from a meth addiction treatment program. At a treatment program for meth addiction, experienced care staff and counselors can help clients heal from addiction and learn skills that will help maintain their recovery in the future. Addiction is a disease and, like other diseases, requires special treatment to recover. Studies show that people who participate in a substance abuse treatment program are more likely to maintain their recovery over time, return to work or school, and enjoy better physical health.
Discover How Rise Above Treatment Can Help With Meth Addiction
We at Rise Above Treatment understand that our clients are real people with real challenges and real lives. We can help you overcome those challenges and get control of your life again. Our treatment center in Murietta, California, offers proven treatments for addiction and mental health. We are committed to showing our clients and their families the way to a lasting recovery. Reach out to our knowledgeable and caring staff today at (877) 641-0717 and let us tell you how we can help.
