In The Know Zone

Long Term Effects

Long-term Effects of Methamphetamine Use

Many methamphetamine users begin to use the drug heavily after only a short period of time, so some of what we call "long-term" effects actually affect the meth user fairly early. Heavy and/or long-term methamphetamine use can cause the following:

  • Tooth decay
  • Anxiety, paranoia, and insomnia
  • Inability to function socially
  • Psychotic behavior and violence
  • Auditory hallucinations and delusions
  • Homicidal or suicidal thoughts
  • Elevated blood pressure
  • Lowered resistance to disease
  • Strokes
  • Heart infections
  • Lung disease
  • Kidney damage
  • Liver damage
  • Lead poisoning
  • Brain damage similar to Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease
  • Premature delivery when used during pregnancy
  • Babies born to women who use suffer cardiac defects, cleft palate, and other birth defects
  • Increased risk of contracting HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B and C
  • Death

In The Know: Substance Abuse Pamphlet/ DVD Package
"In the Know: Methamphetamine, Fools Rush In" Pamphlet
In The Know: Substance Abuse DVD Package