Meth is a highly potent and addictive drug that can lead to horrible heart conditions.
Not only is this drug known for its negative effects on a person’s physical appearance, but also for the way it deteriorates the body’s health from the inside out. As a street drug, it’s often laced with other harmful substances that can produce painful symptoms and worsen pre-existing health conditions. Meth addiction is a threat to a person’s heart health and can lead to life-threatening health problems in the future.
At our rehab center in Illinois, we know meth and the heart are not a good duo and advise individuals who are struggling with meth addiction to seek addiction treatment immediately. Drug abuse is no joke; your future is at stake.
What is Meth?
Meth, also known as methamphetamine, is a highly addictive stimulant that works by attacking the brain and central nervous system. Other names for meth include blue, ice, and crystal meth. It’s usually illegally sold on the streets in the form of a white powder that can be dissolved in drinks. It was originally used as a nasal decongestant and was derived from amphetamine.1 Although it can produce similar symptoms as amphetamine, larger doses of methamphetamine reach the brain, making it a more potent and dangerous drug. Although it can be used to treat conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), this is rarely done and only legally available through a nonrefillable prescription administered by your doctor.
Meth is so rarely used for anything else because it does much more harm than good. Methamphetamine addiction can ruin a person’s mental and physical health, and destroy their relationships with their loved ones in the process. Individuals who struggle with meth addiction can begin their addiction treatment with our meth detox.
How Does Meth Affect the Heart?
Meth and the heart are not a good combination. Not only is meth hazardous to a person’s physical appearance, it can also lead to cardiovascular conditions that can be life-threatening.
The effects of meth on the heart can cause the following:2
- Vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels)
- Pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the arteries that connect to your lungs)
- Atherosclerotic plaque formation (hardening of the arteries due to plaque build-up)
- Cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)
- Cardiomyopathy (disease in the heart muscle)
For those asking the question, “What does meth do to the heart?â€, it’s important to understand that any level of meth abuse can prevent the heart from working properly and distributing blood to the rest of the body. Your brain and organs will suffer because the heart is being prevented from functioning correctly, and this could lead to a whole list of health problems. Those who are battling meth addiction can avoid the effects of methamphetamine on the heart with our meth addiction treatment.
At Banyan Treatment Centers Heartland, we understand how dangerous it is to combine meth and the heart. We advise people who have developed any form of substance abuse to seek treatment immediately. At our rehab center in Gilman, we provide a safe and comfortable place where our patients can recover and learn how to transition into a sober life after treatment.
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If you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse, do not wait to get help. Call us now at 888-280-4763 to find out more about our addiction treatment and program options.
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