The Effects of Methamphetamine on the Body

The abuse of methamphetamine is a very serious problem in the United States. According to one national survey, approximately 10 million people in the United States have tried methamphetamine at least once (Meth Abuse and Addiction, 2010). Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Although most of the methamphetamine used in this country comes from foreign or domestic super labs, the drug is also easily made in small clandestine laboratories, with inexpensive over the counter ingredients. Methamphetamine is commonly known as “speed,” “meth,” and “chalk.” In its smoked form it is often referred to as “ice,” “crystal,” “crank,” and “glass.” It is a …show more content…

With repeated shrinking, the vessels will not recover, thus causing dental tissue to starve and break down. The end result is tooth decay, gum disease, and bone loss (Kelsch, 21). Xerostomia, also known as dry mouth is caused by the vasoconstriction and reduction of salivary gland function. The dry mouth accompanying the use of this drug leads to many problems. Without saliva, acids accumulate, lowering the pH of the surface of the teeth. The tongue and lining of the mouth can become raw and irritated without the surfactant action of saliva. This can lead to secondary infections, limited ability to speak and eat. (Kelsch, 22).
Methamphetamine abuse is increasing and it affects user’s life and health in many negative ways. Methamphetamine has severe long term effects on the brain, your skins appearance, and dental hygiene. Most of what I researched is or was true. I say this because I myself was a user for 12 years, give or take a year. I have been clean for five to six years now. So with that said, I would like to add my experience with methamphetamine. As I recall the most widly used phrase is “do you have any shit”, “shit” being methamphetamine. It is rare to find it in its white powder form which was not odorless as I noted earlier, and if you do it’s most likely not methamphetamine. It now comes in a crystal clear like shards, still bitter-tasting but with a weaker odor and is used