View Full Version : Long term effects of methamphetamine use
likeclockwork
24-04-2004, 00:23
Snorting, smoking, shooting. Is there truly such a thing as crystalized lungs? If so, would a dr know what to look for? Heart problems related to shooting, smoking? Vein damage? Brain damage? Will I ever be the same? Is it true that now my brain has been permanantly damaged and has rerouted everything? Will I die an early death? Get alzheimers?
Also, mental health... I've had still some fleeting homicidal/suicidal thoughts. They were rampant during the first 4 month abstinance. Am I crazy now?
Thanks in advance,
likeclockwork
nofxface
01-06-2004, 23:06
I used meth for about a year and a half, up until 6
months ago. I quit without the aid of doctors or friends. when you really think of the long term effects of this retarded creation, or it's contents, it's not hard.
i found a new sense of who i was after surviving this
addiction, and was overwhelmed to find that this filthy drug( not much different from heroin) only has a 3% recovery rate. that is so sad. learn to hate it first, and you'll be well on your way to recovery knowing your such a better person for it.
2-smashed
07-06-2004, 04:32
you can recover and be normal again but only if u want to be. Meth is like e's it triggers the cerertonim in our brain but if u are a full on ice head then u cannot produce these naturally and u always need ice to trigger it. Its pretty sad....you can become a very depressed person
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Tom Krusty
07-06-2004, 20:35
truth be told meth has a uncorrectable effect to somne degree on your mind and body.Your state of mind alters negatively,yet after extensive resistance to the drug i.Your mind can possibly
heal itself to a better state.Derpending on the lenght ,and amount of abuse.Some people ,that s use was unimaginally high never get back to normal state.Nerve damage can be permanent,again depending on the lev el,and lenght of ones abuse.You do take many years off your life and the damaging effects on the heart and liver it has is devastating.Smokers ,may have have lung problems that are irreversible,and?or fatal.Lastly,the dopamine glandin your brain can heal and in due time (months-yrs.)can function again,.It all comes down to the fact that ,the more and longer you use the worse it will hurt you.
Cutting backcan help some people, too. You know, so theydon't give up on life completely.
I am new to the group but, Like many of you,have many addict demons to deal with too. I am with member nonxface when it comes to crystal meth.
I too have been on it for 1 1/2 years and I am sick of it. I really don't know why I even use it. It sure isn't for the high. I am 50 now and used to use those tiny whites when I was in my late teens and early twenties. Crystal is no where near as good as those bennies. I made the mistake of thinking that it would be the same. Man was I wrong. Nofxface hit it right on the nail head. You really have to 'hate' it before you can quit.
I see the effects it's taking on this body of mine and I cringe, How can I be so stupid to take something that has no high, or redeeming quality to my mood and yet see the damage it's doing and not stop. This stuff is screwing up my feet, they tingle and get numb, it hurts my joints, my energy, my motivation, every aspect of my being and who I know I am. Not to mention the money 'stuffed up my nose' literally.
I am quiting around the second week of July. I am weening myself off and getting a mind set to quit and I can do it. So can you people. THERE IS NO PAYOFF....it doesn't do shit except 'FRY YOUR NERVES'.
Thanks for being here everybody. And lets always say a prayer for the addict that is still out there using.
Insane Asian
23-06-2004, 09:52
good luck man. i wish you luck on quitting. but ill stay to tweak another day <img border="0" src= "smileys/smiley10.gif">
I wish you the best of luck. God bless.
skinnyb_1
24-06-2004, 09:34
gosh im only 27 but i feel the same damn way.i been using for 6 yrs now and i wonder the same crap...why i sleep more then sober people!!i cant understand why i keep doing it either i think its a mental thing lol thats so funny though because when i read your form i started laughing because i told my self after my birthday(because i dont want to sleep the whole thing away) which is july 4th i am taking 2 weeks off of work to quit im also trying to cut back but i too am DONE sick of wasting my money and lookin like crap.i wish you the best of luck and myself too keep an update cause im curious to know if it works out for you !!!!
"I sleep more than sober people."
I put off all the things I need to take care of until I tweak. Then I have the energy to do them, the stamina to finish them, and the mindset to enjoy a mundane task such as cleaning my house.
During those sober days, I just huff and puff a bit. It's not all the drugs I wish I could do, but the balance is decent.
If I could, I'd be like rapper 50 Cent, who proclaims "I stay high all thetime I smoke the good shit".
2-smashed
24-06-2004, 13:48
You just gotta balance it thats all...Even out the time for drugs and time for responsible stuff...If you can find the balance, you'll be alirte, All of us here still trying to find it, hmmmmm, wonder if it exists??
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I may be close. (But that sucks. If I had more cash, I'd be sideways every day)
abetterperson
24-06-2004, 23:22
If it helps at all. Being sober is the payoff to getting sober. I was a meth user for 7 or more years. I think I slept for days when I first stopped. It was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. I quit 3 times before I actually quit for good. I did have to eliminate all the people that were associated with it,including my husband at the time. Needless to say 5 years later, he's an X husband and he's still using. Your life will turn around, but it takes time. You have to learn to hate and dispise the stuff and the person that you are on drugs as well.
f**k responsible stuff, run around hte area all day doing bnes, f**king over people, and STAYING HIGH ALL THE TIME...do coke.. side effects not that bad
str8ballin
09-07-2004, 09:04
You're just like my cousin man! He ripped off this kid's amp and traded it for a ball.He got his window smashed out for that one.
Then last weekend he called up a dude and told him he wanted a ball.Come to find out he didnt have any money at all and when the guy goes to hand it to him he takes off running out of the guys house! Now he's hiding out.
I wheel n deal but I have other people do the dirty work,then I take it to my guy and cop some yay.
Hey there,
The best of luck to you in your desire to quit speed. You are going to need a great deal of willpower. I was doing speed for about 6-7 months......and then I felt the need to quit so I moved to a different city. I used again in 4 months. Now I seem to use on a monthly basis. :( Words of advice, if you're not actively promoting your sober lifestyle....you're taking a step back.
Also, if you are o.k. with not being being sober and don't feel guilty, you are lucky- many people carry this guilt around like everybody was meant to be in AA or NA. Some people like to get high for a living. LOL
I feel guilty when I always wear long sleeves to my mom's because she knows why, but long sleeves is the lesser evil in that picture. It really made me feel bad when she asked to see my arms and I wouldn't let her (she's my MOM)and I was ready to leave if she pushed the issue (she didn't). I just don't like hurting my mother- as for drugs I love to party.
searcher
03-08-2004, 13:33
Long term effects of crystal meth:
Rotten teeth
arthritis
weak bones
paranoia
anxiety
depression
vitamin and mineral deficiencies
lower resistance to disease
organ damage
decreased ability to learn
<UL class=effects-item>
<LI>disturbed sleep patterns
<LI>tightened jaw muscles, grinding teeth (trismus and bruxia)
<LI>loss of appetite leading to poor nutrition and weight loss with heavy use
<LI>reduced enjoyment of eating
<LI>loss of interest in sex, over time
<LI>itching, welts on skin
<LI>nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
<LI>excessive excitation, hyperactivity
<LI>shortness of breath
<LI>moodiness & irritability
<LI>anxiousness & nervousness
<LI>aggressiveness
<LI>panic, suspiciousness & paranoia
<LI>involuntary body movements (uncontrollable movement and/or twitches of fingers, facial & body muscles, lip-smaking, tongue protrusion, grimacing, etc.)
<LI>false sense of confidence and power (delusions of grandeur)
<LI>aggressive and violent behavior
<LI>severe depression, suicidal tendencies
fatal kidney and lung disorders
<LI>possible brain damage
<LI>permanent psychological problems
<LI>lowered resistance to illnesses
<LI>liver damage
<LI>stroke </LI>[/list]
I've been doing it off and on for 12 years, yet I've taken very good care of my teeth and hygeine during that time. Your teeth do not have to go- if you aren't predisposed to it, proper brushing and yearly visits to the dentist can sure save the toofins!! I have two or three white fillings and that's it.
CRACKBACK
05-08-2004, 08:49
EVER BEEN SO HIGH FOR SO LONG YOU LOOK BACK ON THE YEARS AND RELIZE ITS BEEN REALITY FOR TOO LONG.AND REMEMBER(WHEN YOU WERE MADE) AND HOW YOU FELT BEFORE YOU THOUGHT YOU WERE SO BORED YOU WOULD DO SOMETHING DIFFERTAND GET HIGH ON ANYTHING. (NA ME NEETHER)one day you and stop towonderwhy/howthe rest of the world puts all the shit, and wonder if you really can?Still tryin. and now I think I've become one of the people I used to talk about, and wonder how they got were they are.
OneDiaDem
05-08-2004, 21:05
Also heart damage.
The damage to the teeth is not from lack of care. Meth affects the gums, makes them bleed, which results in poor circulation to feed the teeth nutrients that are needed.
This is one nasty drug. Addicts have to totally disassociate themselves from all aspects. Friends, area's, neighborhoods, and fill their lives with sober activities. The claws of this demon are long and steadfast. Breaking the ties are sometimes almost impossibe. Help is more times than not the only way to be free.
I know people who have kicked this habit who say everyday they have to deal with the desire and want, even years after stopping. The good news is, it can be done, and I wish everyone dealing with this luck and Godspeed.
it will eventually tear every piece of life left in you to shreads.
you guya are so cool ive never talked to people liked me.
CRACKBACK
07-08-2004, 10:41
you have tu hate the thingsthe shit will do to you, I know you think you are in control..... but why are you here, looking for some one like you,to make you feel ok bout all the smokin you do.you hide it from your parents. your boss, family and mates, dates and even people you hate, talkin with people to relate,spun as fuck with pickin pox on your face. Is this what you want, is this really happening in your life, I know, Ive herd it,your not that bad yet, you stll look clean and fit, youve herd afew times that youve lost weight. "wow wish i could loose some like that" If they only knew why you dont get fat. And sometimes you think your cool,"now im done. no more shadow people that move every where, and run. no more voices that cry and wisper things you cant hear. now your life is yours so make it your own, its been a year that you relize has past, but you see the white dragon, your right on his ass, just one more hit, you almost feel like the 1 time you got spent on the shit. you never will,and thats the truth of it, Its pandoras box .................... Please dont ever try this shit!
searcher
07-08-2004, 17:27
The speed I used to get back in the day came in 3 varieties, black beauties were the best (black capsules of pretty good amphetamine). These would make you rush and sweat a little but made you feel great. Then there was chrystal methamphetamine that was powder. This was pretty easy to get. Friends would go to Canada and bring back pounds. This stuff was like a paste like substane, like dry paste. This stuff would get you amped.
Then there was white cross, some was better than others. Little white thin wafers that had a cross so you could split them in half or quarters. If you took 2 or 3 you'ld be good... they could give you a headache though.
Crashing off this stuff was not fun, dry mouth, shrivel dick, shakes and slight spasms... not so much fun...
*
Long term effects... well I'm still alive and have all my teeth. I used the stuff off and on for a couple years, maybe less...again...I saw what it was doing.. I weighed 145 *pounds and was 5'10" so it certainly kept me thin (diet pills) but I wasn't strong (well I was strong but not like a body builder or a weight lifter).. the stuff makes you "scrawney". I weigh alot more than that now.
I don't know what long term effects might happen to me the older I get, maybe I'll have early kidney failure or something...I'm not sure. I think the effects are more cumulative than long term, although extremly long term use and chronic use might make you shrivel up and get sick. *
They used to have a saying in the 60's/70's, "speed kills." If they said it about a drug in the 60's...
Imo the long term effects (& even many of the short term effects) are much worse than coke. Coke seems to aim a lot more for dopamine, even though it has some tweaky effects they're outweighted by the euphorigenic (sp?) properties. To me, speed is much less pleasure and much more tweak. Oftentimes a bad sort of tweak too. If you can afford it, try switching to coke (heheheheheh...).
I have been using meth sense I was about 13, I am know 34 and still using. It was always a once in a wile thing Intel up to about 4 years ago when my ex wife had me kicked out of our home were we lived with our 2 boys age 10 & 7. we were together about 14 years yet I do not think I was ever relay in love with her I just could never walk out on my kids. My ex had been seeing a co worker and he ended up moving in about 2 weeks after she lied to the court and got a restraining order and had me kicked out. And that is when I got vary depressed, I was back living with my mother at age 30 and just knowing that some guy would end up seeing my boys more then me made me not want to get out of bed in the morning. My once or twice a month habit became an every day thing. Because as long as I was using meth I was not feeling anything and could go to work every day without being depressed.
That was over 4 years ago and the longest I have gone without meth is 31 days. Still living at my mothers, lost that job I was at for 10 years, and two more sense then. I am know about 50 grand in debt. gone through a bad relationship, and my car needs major repairs. Meth is a vary powerful drug and I am still using and still feel nothing. no emotions as long as I am on meth. About a month ago i started trying to find out what it does to me and why i cant stop without having major depression. and what i can do to quit this life controlling drug. i have learned a lot about what it does to the brain. in my case i have a depression problem and when someone is depressed there brain is not functioning normally the pleasure sensing chemicals are not getting through like they should. And when I am on meth my brain is over releasing so I feel better. they say that meth will take a persons most noticed flaws and magnify them.
4 and a little over a half years is not long term, and you see what I have let
this man made demon do to me. I will one day quit, this I know for a fact. I just hope
that I am still above ground when I do. for the people trying to quit, i wish you the best of luck.
- Dan-o -
singlegnyc
22-09-2004, 03:00
I've only done four it times. First time I snorted it - crank. Once big line, I think I thought a was doing coke. Wanted to kill people the next day - it was the worse I had ever felt in my life and I swore to never do it again.
Fast forward about 10 years, I was hanging out with some friends that were getting ready to leave the area and it was really late and I wanted to just drive the hour home, but was tired. They offered me some crank and I said i had snorted it once, hated it. They suggested a little bit in a glass of water, I did it. Just enough to get home, I slept that night got up the next day - didn't realize until after 24 hours that I had not eaten, nor was I hunger or had thought of food.
About 2-3 years later I was in a situation where it was being smoked. So I tried it. I really didn't notice anything until they pulled the pipe out again and I immediately had to keep from grabbing it out of their hand. That's when I first saw it's power. That was a lost weekend, didn't smoke much, but did some mdma also and was just really fucked up - forgot about the crystal once the e kicked in. Ah Miami...
Most recently this spring I had a quarter gram and was trying to smoke it with a little test tube and glass tube - didn't know what I was doing, probably ruined most of it, but I sure felt the power and was up for a good 48 hours and slept fitfully and had cravings for another couple days. It beat the shit out of me.
Now I don't crave it or plan on doing again, but I can sure see how it gets you hooked. The only time I might be slight tempted to do it "one more time" would be for a sex experience, because that would be incrediable. But I'm not going out of my way to look for it.
All of you trying to kick it - good luck! You can do it. I know a friend of my brother finally did and has been clean for a year - but it took a prison stint to get through to him.
Hello my boyfriend is trying to quit crystal meth. He hasn't done it for about a month now but I know that it's nottotally over yet. He quit before (after about4 continuous years of usage) but had a serious relapse within a couple monthsand started using intensively for another 8 months.
All of the symptoms and effects you mention I clearly see in him.He must have been in abad place to start using, but now he isin such a worse place. We have moved and he is trying toleave all associations with it behind.
Recentlyhe has been trying to access memories, bad memories, that he blocked off and completely forgot about. It seems like the crystal helped him forget. It seems really painful reaching them now but it seems to be a good thing.
All I want is for him to reach a place where he wouldn't ever go back. From reading your forum, it seems likesomany people have trouble completely cracking it.
Can anybody offer any useful advice in killing the pull that draws you back? I have never used and I need all the help I can get.