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Effects from a few months of using meth


deeeeeCA Effects from a few months of using meth
I wanted to ask because I know some of you know about this.... How long does one have to be on meth to have the effects of reduced dopamine, feeling depressed, etc, etc, etc?

I'm just interested to know... I know everyone is different but is there any research that says a few (3-4 months on meth) can have a significant effect on a person?
     Replies...
Loraura Re: Effects from a few months of using meth
withdrawal occurs with the first use. Like an alcohol hangover.

The reason you feel withdrawal after crashing from meth is because you have destroyed dopamine.
hussiedors Re: Effects from a few months of using meth
Hi, my addict has had a 5 month stint this time on meth. He is presently in prison. He has constant jerking of the head, chews away at his mouth. He can't string a simple sentence together and doesn't remember anything we talk about. He has been in prison for just over three weeks and each time i have visited him he just sits there and cries. I firmly believe he has neurological damage. The drugs have attacked his nervous system. In my opinion I don't think he will ever be the same again. I guess only time will tell and a lot of tests from the doctors. He is covered in sores and his teeth are gone. This is madness.... to think people pay money to get like that... sheeeshhh.
deeeeeCA Re: Effects from a few months of using meth

I guess my question didn't yet get really answered though so I'll be a little more detailed... If someone who never used meth... started using... maybe sniffing once daily for like 3-4 months... do you think they could have significant damage as far as dopamine and everything else goes?

Maybe there is no answer but I wanted to ask anyway... just to see. Thanks for your responses and being nice about it.

nineyears
clean
Re: Effects from a few months of using meth
My first question would be:
Are we talking about you?

My second question would be:
What does "once" mean? Did you mean to type "ice"? If so, daily?

Yep. I'd say definitely. To a point where it's easier just to do some more and take your chances than to feel like shyt.
That's how it was for me.
That's how it gets you.
Look for the warning signs. One big one is telling lies

....TO YOURSELF.

Other signs? Asking questions like the one you just did.
Answers?
I'm waiting.
Macystiller
01
Re: Effects from a few months of using meth
I don't know about others but Ts dopamine took a hike after the first time. And whenever he came down he was an a**, depressed, etc. So in my opinion just one time for it to start depleting!
Loraura Re: Effects from a few months of using meth
If someone who never used meth... started using... maybe sniffing once daily for like 3-4 months... do you think they could have significant damage as far as dopamine and everything else goes?

Yes.

When using daily, the body has no chance at producing enough dopamine to make up for the dopamine being destroyed by using.

It is my opinion, based on the research I've done, that much of the major damage done to dendrites occurs when users have recently begun using, and use frequently, or have returned from a relapse.

You see, dendrites are the finger tips of neurons in the brain. They are like the ears of the cell. They listen to the dopamine and tell the cell to react.

After days and days of constant stimulation, with no way to "plug their ears" they begin to deteriorate in an attempt to save the brain from this over stimulation.

The more dopamine you have screaming in the dendrite's ear, the more likely the dendrite will use a self-defence mechanism to shut down.
This is the type of damage that can not be repaired later
Dopamine levels can eventually return to something resembling normal.
Dendrites, once destroyed, can not be repaired by the body.

New pathways of communication inside the brain must be found once dendrites shut down, and this is what causes the feelings of "slowness", inability to remember things, and other long term issues from meth use. It's brain damage.
hussiedors Re: Effects from a few months of using meth
Thank you Loraura, I found your response most informative. I have just learnt some new things from you about what this hideous drug can do. Anymore information like that would be much appreciated. Love from Hussie. 
Loraura Re: Effects from a few months of using meth
Here you go, I've written it up on a webpage to share whenever needed. There are additional links at the bottom of the page to related topics.

Meth and Brain Chemistry
deeeCa Re: Effects from a few months of using meth
9 said "My first question would be:
Are we talking about you? "YES nineyears I am talking about me

"My second question would be:
What does "once" mean? Did you mean to type "ice"? If so, daily?"

Sorry ice, I was typing fast... and yes daily

"Yep. I'd say definitely. To a point where it's easier just to do some more and take your chances than to feel like shyt.
That's how it was for me.
That's how it gets you.
Look for the warning signs. One big one is telling lies
....TO YOURSELF."

What sort of lies do you mean? I have been very honest about what happened to me earlier this year... I have been getting help in my DUI class - it's a women's class with many people who are sober. I was just wondering if using for that amount of time would do something mentally to someone. As most of you know.. I never did meth until end of Jan and haven't touched it since late April. I'm finally feeling normal again and my doc had nothing to say or nothing to add about the question asked above.
Penel0pe Re: Effects from a few months of using meth
deeeee - I talk to my doctor about this all the time... only I'm freaking about 26 years of meth and my current health crap.
She said the brain is extremely "Plastic" (Meaning it will eventually "bend itself" back into shape.)
She believes that my metabolism has been really f-ed up by my drug use, and that, in time, things will get as close to "Normal" as possible.
I had lab work done last year and my liver enzymes were all messed up.
I had lab work done last week and EVERYTHING came back as perfect as can be... no kidney damage, no evidence of liver damage, no cardiac problems.

Slowly but surely my poor brain is starting to mend (I think.) My "CRS" isn't as bad this year as it was last year - hell, by next year, I might be able to remember a whole day!!

I think you'll be OK.
jacksmom Re: Effects from a few months of using meth
Loaura...
Does what you posted mean that since Jacklyn, (even though used for a good 2 years but NOT everyday), hasn't done the same kind of damage as an everyday user? She'd use daily for a few days at a time, but when home and away from her 'group' did not use. Being in independent study, she'd be home most of the week and with friends on weekends.

DANG!!! Those weekdays were sheer hell!

But mentally and emotionally she's good! No depression, mood swings only now at 'that time', and she's pretty happy. I love to hear her laugh, see her smile and play 'lovey dovey' with our family dog. These are things I didn't think existed in her...it'd been a long time.

I think her 'dentricles' are healed!

See also:

Effects of Crystal Meth from Usage


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