Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine, or meth, is a stimulant that is highly addictive. Meth users get a euphoric and energizing high from the drug, which can lead to meth addiction and repeated use. When a person’s meth abuse causes significant problems in their lives, professionals diagnose stimulant use disorder, a clinical term for meth addiction.
What Effects Does Meth Have on Women’s Bodies?
Meth can cause not only physical changes such as premature aging, weight loss, and tooth decay, but it can also cause very serious problems for women if used incorrectly.In women’s brains, meth has an effect on gray matter. This gray matter, which is responsible for neuroplasticity and information processing, is a part of the brain’s physical makeup. Gray matter aids neuroplasticity by assisting humans in memorizing facts, learning new skills, improving motor skills, and changing and adapting to new situations. The amount of gray matter in a woman’s brain decreases when she uses meth. Not only the user, but any future children she may have, may suffer developmental consequences as a result of this.
Meth’s Negative Consequences
The effects of long-term meth use can manifest themselves in a variety of ways, and the effects can appear unexpectedly. Addiction, particularly meth addiction, can be a “ticking time bomb” that goes unnoticed until it explodes. If you or someone you know has used or is using meth, be aware of the warning signs and risks of abuse. The side effects include:
- Tooth decay
- Irritability
- Kidney damage
- Depression
- Paranoia
- Heart disease
- Psychosis
- Weaker immune system
The severity of a person’s side effects depends on how long they’ve been using meth, how much they’ve used, and their sexual orientation. In fact, studies have shown that meth has a greater negative impact on women’s bodies than it does on men’s bodies.
Selecting the Most Appropriate Meth Treatment
Addiction to meth is a unique experience for each person. Nobody’s journey to sobriety is the same for everyone. Every woman and girl who seeks professional help for meth addiction should be treated as an individual.
Mallard Lake Detox Center provides a variety of treatment options, including:
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP): Women who participate in this level of care benefit from the structure of daylong treatment, as well as the option to return home or stay in one of our on-campus residences once the treatment day is completed
- Inpatient Treatment for meth addiction. This level of care provides women and girls with round-the-clock treatment in a secure environment. Our multidisciplinary team approaches meth addiction treatment with a trauma-informed, 12-Step approach that encourages long-term recovery.
Our expert team works closely with you to understand your current needs and goals in order to find the meth addiction treatment that is the perfect fit for you.
If a woman is experiencing the negative consequences of meth use, she is most likely suffering from an addiction or substance abuse disorder. Contact our team of substance abuse professionals if you or someone you know has used meth in the past or is currently using it to learn about treatment options. Therapy, group meetings, medication, and other methods may be used to treat meth addiction. Contact our team of medical professionals to learn more about the effects of certain drugs, such as meth, on the different sexes.