It is a well-known fact that methamphetamine use has severe physical effects on the body. However, many people do not know the extent of these effects. Instead, they brush them aside as “nothing to worry about ” as they descend further into addiction.
However, meth has a severe impact on the body, especially cognitive functioning. By learning more about these consequences, individuals struggling with meth addiction can be prompted to get the help they need to facilitate recovery.
Meth and the Brain
Meth is known to have a euphoric effect on its users due to its prompting of the brain to release large amounts of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine. When an individual ingests meth, they feel more energetic, vulnerable, and experience other psychoactive effects. Long-term use of the drug can cause effects on a person’s ability to feel pleasure as their neurotransmitters are constantly being released. However, there are more severe effects that impair cognitive functioning.
Severe Cognitive Effects
Over time, meth addiction has permanent severe effects on a person’s overall cognitive functioning. Learning what these are can be complex, but they are crucial to understanding how meth impacts the various parts of the brain.
- The prefrontal cortex: the damage caused by meth to this part of the brain can affect problem-solving, reasoning, and focus.
- The cerebellum: meth-caused damage to this area can impact movement and other cognitive functions
- The hippocampus: damage to this area can result in difficulty learning new things
- The parietal cortex: long-term meth addiction can damage this area, causing problems with spatial relationships
- The striatum: movement and directed attention can become inhibited due to severe meth abuse
The longer and more severe an addiction is, the more damage occurs within the person¡s body. Early intervention can help slow this process and even reverse some of the consequences as the person heals over time.
Meth addiction can result in numerous cognitive impairments, especially if it is long-term. Unfortunately, many individuals ignore these consequences until it is too late. For this reason, it is crucial to learn about them and teach others. Alta Loma Transformational Services treats men of all ages for various addictions and mental health problems and educates others about these subjects. If you or someone you know is struggling, call our Texas-based facility today for help at (866) 457-3843. With Alta Loma, you can get the help you need for a successful long-term recovery.
