While the immediate symptoms of meth abuse are worrying, the long-term symptoms are even worse. Meth is often made in small batches, and the ingredients can vary from one batch to the next. Either way, however, meth contains caustic and dangerous chemicals such as drain cleaner or battery acid. It’s no surprise that such toxic ingredients lead to serious health problems over time.
One of the more obvious signs of meth abuse is meth mouth. The chemicals in meth wear away the enamel on teeth, causing them to rot and decay at a rapid pace. Meth also impacts the brain, often changing the way that people think, process information or store memories.
Meth can also cause people to scratch their skin. This, especially when combined with meth injections, can result in serious skin infections or abscesses. Meth can also lead to psychological symptoms, with anxiety, depression, and paranoia being the most common.