Methamphetamine addicts seem to deteriorate physically at a faster rate than people who abuse other substances like heroin or cocaine. In fact, law enforcement efforts have sometimes targeted the poor health of meth addicts as a kind of deterrent: By posting before-and-after photos of meth users, people can make quick associations. and charts on the risks of methamphetamine addiction. But once you understand exactly what meth use causes skin, facial, and dental problems, you’ll see just how dangerous this drug really is.

Before we present our explanation of why meth makes users deteriorate and start looking miserable, check out the next page for numerous before and after photos of meth users courtesy of Law Enforcement and The Good Drugs Guide at TheGoodDrugsGuide.com.

Most of the mug shots referenced above are taken at fairly short intervals showing how shockingly fast meth can cause a person’s skin and teeth to age, bruise, deteriorate and break. These effects can be attributed to a number of aspects of methamphetamine abuse and addiction:

meth face

*When smoked, methamphetamine produces toxic chemicals that are then released onto the face and hair. While all types of smoke tend to dry out and eventually “heal” the skin, methamphetamine smoke is particularly toxic and accelerates skin aging.

*Meth impairs the circulatory system, reduces blood flow, and reduces the ability to fight the effects of stress, disease, and infection.

*Meth users have been known to pick at their skin as a result of the persistent but mistaken feeling that bugs are crawling under their skin. (How Meth Destroys the Body PBS Frontline) Picking at the skin creates sores that do not heal properly and causes infection in some users that could be life-threatening considering the lack of concern most meth users have for personal hygiene .

*The cheeks are sunken and the face is drawn down in an aged appearance reminiscent of a stroke victim. This is caused by “meth mouth” (discussed below) and malnutrition, a common problem among meth users.

meth mouth

Meth mouth is a well-known phenomenon that results in severely damaged teeth and other dental problems. Methamphetamine is a corrosive and extremely toxic substance; Acids and phosphorous, among other substances, quickly break down the protective enamel on your teeth, leading to rapid tooth decay.

Methamphetamine also prevents the normal function of the salivary glands. Saliva is necessary to protect the teeth and gums and provide a healthy barrier against what would otherwise be harmful forms of bacteria. Because methamphetamine also restricts blood flow to the mouth, this combined with the impedance of the salivary gland creates an environment in which teeth and mouth tissues break down and die in a surprisingly short period of time.

Many methamphetamine users have severely damaged and broken teeth that cannot be repaired or would be prohibitively expensive to repair. Consequently, they are subject to self-esteem and other emotional problems as a result of their appearance and reluctance to smile.

meth brain

More than any other drug, methamphetamine causes psychotic episodes in otherwise normal people. While the exact cause of methamphetamine-related psychoses is not fully understood, what is known is that these psychotic episodes can sometimes occur even long after a person has kicked their addiction and stopped using the drug. drug:

“Psychotic symptoms can sometimes last for months or years after methamphetamine abuse has ceased, and stress has been shown to precipitate spontaneous recurrence of methamphetamine psychosis in previously psychotic methamphetamine abusers.” (Meth Addiction and Abuse National Institute on Drug Abuse)

These psychotic episodes often cause both active methamphetamine addicts and recovering people to harm themselves, either intentionally, accidentally, or because they are hurt during physical altercations with other people, health care professionals, or law enforcement officials . Some of these injuries are disfiguring and may be permanent, including facial disfigurement.

In general, meth addicts age quickly, behave badly, engage in dangerous actions, and look like hell while doing it. There’s nothing glamorous or exciting about it: the path methamphetamine users walk is littered with physical and emotional ruin. And considering that severe damage can occur in just a couple of months of meth use, young people should be warned that they can go from their young adulthood to a tired, toothless old man in as little as 8 weeks. All it takes is consistent use of methamphetamine.

Do not ruin your face, your smile, your health; If you are addicted to methamphetamine, seek help now before it’s too late. The sooner you take action, the less chance there is that any deterioration will be permanent.