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Short and Long Term Effects

Methamphetamine is a stimulant that makes you feel awake and more aware for a short period of time. But quickly afterward, you feel very tired, nervous, and dizzy and can�t concentrate. Meth affects your vision, too. Imagine having all these problems while you�re behind the wheel.

Short-Term Effects

A rush or high
Increased respiration
Elevated body temperature
Convulsions
Stroke
Feeling wide awake
Increased physical activity
Less appetite
Feelings of great pleasure
Irritability
Insomnia
Confusion
Tremors
Anxiety
Paranoia
Violence
Hypothermia
Higher heart rate and blood pressure
Irreversible damage to blood vessels in the brain

Long-Term Effects

Acute vision loss
Corneal ulcers
Strokes and deadly convulsions
Intense paranoia
Psychotic behavior
Memory loss
Aggression
Brain damage
Breathing problems
Heart damage and cardiovascular collapse
Severe tooth and gum disease
Irregular heartbeat
Unhealthy weight loss
Death
Visual and auditory hallucinations
Out-of-control rages and violent episodes
Body sores from scratching nonexistent �crank bugs.�
Loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain; users become unable to experience natural feelings of pleasure.
Serotonin-containing nerve cells may be damaged even more extensively.
Those who inject the drug suffer exposure to HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B and C.