Meth use is on the rise among teens, but there are long-term effects of meth that can be detrimental to teens. This drug has become popular because of the intense high that it provides. Since meth is a stimulant, the side effects of meth include a rush of energy and brain activity. As a result, users feel energetic, excited, and focused. These pleasurable feelings make it highly addictive.
If your teen is using meth, you should know it is far from a harmless drug and seek help immediately. Venture Academy can help. If you’re looking for teen drug addiction treatment in Canada, call us at 866.762.2211 today or reach out online.
Warning Signs of Meth Abuse and Addiction in Teens
Meth abuse and addiction can be a serious problem for teens. It can lead to long-term physical and mental health issues, as well as an increased risk of overdose. Being aware of the warning signs of meth use in teens can help parents identify the problem quickly so that they can get their child the necessary help and treatment. Here are some common warning signs to look out for:
- Unexplained weight loss – Methamphetamine is known to decrease appetite, which can lead to dramatic weight loss in short periods of time.
- Physical changes such as dilated pupils or flushing skin – These effects are often seen when someone has taken methamphetamine due to its stimulating effects on the body’s cardiovascular system.
- Mood or behaviour changes – Methamphetamine use can cause sudden, extreme mood swings and a lack of impulse control that can lead to dangerous behaviours, such as risky sexual activity and violence.
- Unusual sleep patterns – Teens who are using meth may be up for days at a time with no sign of fatigue, or they may become increasingly isolated and refuse to come out of their rooms for long periods of time.
- Memory problems – Meth use can impair short-term memory formation, causing teens to experience difficulty concentrating and remembering details from recent conversations or activities.
- Secretive behaviour – Teens who are engaged in drug use will often try to hide their activities from parents and other authority figures. This may involve lying about where they are going, being defensive when questioned, or having a sudden increase in spending money.
It is important to be aware of these warning signs and to take action if you suspect that your teen is using meth. Talk to a medical professional or addiction specialist right away to get help for your child. Without the proper support and treatment, meth abuse can lead to serious long-term consequences.
Long-Term Effects of Meth on the Body
Dependency is the most common side effect of meth. After using this drug, a person can quickly develop a meth dependency. Meth dependency depends on a few factors. This includes the method of ingestion, genetics, and mental health disorders. Another one of the long-term effects of meth is brain impairment. Symptoms include memory loss, paranoia, aggression, and psychosis.
Using meth can affect body organs. It can cause heart disease, kidney failure, liver failure, lung issues, and malnutrition. Long-term effects of meth include reproductive issues. Women who are meth users may have a difficult time getting pregnant in the future. People who use meth may experience other types of health challenges. This includes sudden cardiac death, chronic skin infections, premature aging, and high blood pressure.
It’s essential to address meth use with your teen as soon as possible. Our team at Venture Academy offers intensive treatment programs for substance abuse.
Long-Term Effects of Meth on Relationships and Finances
Substance abuse affects every aspect of a person’s life, including relationships and finances. These side effects are often difficult to overcome. Meth dependency can change your teen. It can change an honest person into someone who lies. Teens who use meth experience mood swings. One moment they act happy and normal. The next moment they act withdrawn and tense. It’s not easy to get through to a teen who is on meth.
Sustaining a meth habit is expensive. It can cost $13,000 to $39,000 each year to support a meth dependency. Some teens steal from family members to get money. Others resort to crimes such as drug dealing, prostitution, and robbery. Severe crimes can lead to arrests and jail time.
Healing broken relationships and financial challenges takes time. In many instances, it can take years to repair these areas.
Get Help for Meth Addiction at Venture Academy
At Venture Academy, we offer a safe environment for troubled teens. If you’re looking for a drug treatment program for your teen, we can help. Our programs include behavioural treatment, drug/alcohol treatment, electronic addiction, school programs, and education.
Since 2001, we have helped hundreds of teens throughout Canada regain control of their lives. Parents choose Venture Academy after other solutions have failed. We have the resources that assist troubled teens. Our priority is to help your teen make positive and sustainable changes. We provide solutions-focused approaches. We’ll help your teen overcome struggles and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Venture Academy has two locations in Canada, in Red Deer, Alberta and Barrie, Ontario, that provide positive environments for teens to face their challenges. Ready to discuss options for your teen? Contact Venture Academy at 866.762.2211 to speak with a support representative. You can also reach us via our online form.
