METH– The Physical Toll

You may have seen pictures of people on methamphetamine showing how they prematurely age over long periods of use. The Italian Institute of Technology and University of California at Irvine have conducted a study to determine exactly what is going on.

Meth develops a feeling of euphoria and increased energy along with reduced appetite according to meth users. According to Medical Daily, (www.medicaldaily.com) meth has been linked to diseases of aging, such as coronary atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and pulmonary fibrosis (scar tissue in the lungs).

The study shows that meth creates abnormalities in the fat metabolism of cells, triggering an increase in a type of molecule that promotes cell death.

For a more detailed, and probably more scientifically accurate, explanation go to:

Medical Daily:

http://www.medicaldaily.com/meth-effects-ravaged-faces-meth-result-increase-molecules-causing-cell-death-321854

 

If you know someone who is on meth, you can go to the Snohomish County Human Services web page for referrals.

 

Snohomish County Human Services:

http://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/424/Alcohol-Other-Drugs

 

Snohomish Regional Drug and Gang Task Force:

http://www.srdtf.org/