5 Ways Meth Destroys the Body and Mind

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5 Ways meth destroys the body and mind

• The ugly consequences of a deadly drug

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facts about meth

• Meth is among the most addictive substances on
  the planet, causing a dopamine spike in the brain
  3 times more powerful than cocaine and 10 times
  more powerful than sex.
• People can become addicted to meth after using
  the drug just once.
• Using meth repeatedly changes the brains
  chemistry and can cause permanent brain damage.
• As of 2008, 12.6 million Americans had used
  methamphetamine, according to the Substance Abuse
  and Mental Health Services Administration
  (SAMHSA).

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• Meth ruins lives
• Here are 5 ways the drug affects the body and
  brain.

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1 SKIN

• Meth cuts off the blood supply to skin, causing
  skin to lose its elasticity and luster and
  causing acne.
• Meth users frequently pick at their skin, a
  phenomenon called formication, that leads to
  sores and scabs on the skin.
• Meth users often have burns around their mouths
  from smoking the drug.

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faces of meth (photo multnomah county sheriff)
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2 teeth

• Heavy meth users frequently develop tooth decay
  and broken and discolored teeth, known as meth
  mouth.
• Meth reduces saliva production, which causes the
  mouths acids to erode tooth enamel, and
  corrosive chemicals in the drug may also
  contribute to tooth decay.
• Meth users frequently consume sugary drinks and
  snacks, grind their teeth and generally neglect
  their teeth, adding to the problem.

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Meth mouth (Copyright Dr. Chris Heringlake,
DDS, St. Cloud Correctional Facility).
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3 brain

• Meth causes the brain to release dopamine in
  large amounts over time, meth can damage the
  wiring of the brain, permanently altering users
  ability to experience pleasure.
• Heavy meth use can lead to aggression, paranoia,
  and psychotic behavior.
• Meth use causes intense focus that can become
  obsessive.

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3 brain (contd)

• Meth can cause permanent damage to cognitive
  abilities disorganization is a common problem
  resulting from meth abuse.
• Meth can cause extreme increases in body
  temperature, which can cause brain damage.
• Meth impairs judgment and heightens libido, which
  can lead users to engage in risky sexual
  behaviors.

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4 immune system

• Meth use decreases the bodys ability to fight
  infections.
• A weakened immune system leaves users susceptible
  to contracting diseases and infections.

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5 liver

• Meth use can damage the liver and lead to liver
  disease, cirrhosis and hepatitis.
• Acute liver damage/failure can ultimately lead to
  death.

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About Northbound Treatment services

• Northbound takes a multi-faceted approach to drug
  and alcohol treatment, tailoring programs to meet
  the unique needs of each client. We have
  developed experiential, gender-based and academic
  programs, among others, and our professional,
  highly-trained clinical staff specializes in dual
  diagnosis treatment.
• For more information about our treatment options,
  visit www.livingsober.com.