Health effects

Short-term effects
The onset of methamphetamine effects depends on the method of administration. It can have almost immediate effects when it is injected, or it can take longer than a half hour if ingested orally. Using greater amounts of methamphetamine can cause acute health problems, including:

• paleness, irregular or rapid heartbeat, irregular breathing
• headaches, trembling, blurred vision, dizziness
• stomach cramps, sweating
• grinding teeth
• scratching skin, causing open sores
• collapse.

Amphetamine Psychosis
There is a risk of developing a severe and uncomfortable mental state, characterised by paranoia, aggression, volatility and violence. Not only is the user a risk to themselves but to people around them, friends, family and the general public.

The come-down
Feelings of exhaustion, irritability, mood swings, depression and violence can afflict someone who is coming down after using methamphetamine.

Long-term effects
The long-term use of methamphetamine can greatly increase the risk of significant physical and mental health problems. These include:

• anxiety, tension and depression
• difficulty sleeping
• a violent or aggressive personality
• psychosis
• damage to brain cells, memory loss
• poor skin condition, wounds, acne
• rotting teeth and mouth problems
• susceptibility to infection and disease
• malnutrition due to poor eating habits
• collapsed veins (for injecting users)
• blood-borne diseases (such as HIV, Hepatitis) in injecting users.