Meth Use

Question: Reversing the signs of meth use.?

(Posted by: devil doll on 2007-12-16 21:47:12)

I know a few people that have used meth and cocaine and I dont want to see people that I love ruin their lives. Is there any possible way to reverse what meth has done to you physically/ mentally after you've made a full recovery.? anything will help. thanks!

Posted by: onlymatch4u on 2007-12-16, 21:59:48

The real problem with these substances is that they produce huge amounts of free radicals, especially the OH- radicals. These destroy many tissues and combine with toxic elements in the body that does a lot of damage to many organs. One of the most obvious problems that develop is Parkinson's disease. We are born with 400,000 nigral cells in the brain. These are pigmented cells that are white at birth. As we age and by the time we are 18, these cells have turned to a grey color. This is the grey matter in the brain. These cells produce dopamine that is an integral part of the neural transmissions that end up at the dopamine receptor sites where physical movement is controlled. When you lose 240,000 of these nigral cells, you get the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Normally, you will lose about 2,400 of these nigral cells from normal cell metabolism each year. So you can see if you do the math, at 100, you will typically get the shakes and be unstable on your feet. Using meth and other drugs like ecstasy, you kill the nigral cells with the huge amounts of OH-'s created. The more drugs you take, the faster you lose the nigral cells. It's that simple. Most drug users will have also damaged other organs in their body's and will die early enough to escape the Parkinson's problem, but it's a numbers game because once you lose the cells, you can't get them back. good luck

Posted by: Lauren on 2007-12-16, 21:52:28

They may need professional help. After they overcome the addiction, seeing a psychiatrist and therapist can help them cope with the emotional aspects of recovery. A dermatologist and dentist can help with the physical side effects of meth abuse, because meth use frequently leads to dental decay and skin problems. A makeover may help them feel better about themselves and give them a fresh start. Good luck, it's good to see that someone cares. Meth is one awful drug.

Posted by: carblue on 2007-12-16, 21:56:45

Meth is the worst drug in the history of this country. From what I understand it is next to impossible to quit. I did see a documentary once though where a dentist in a small town was helping former addicts restore their teeth. Of course they had to get all fake teeth but the guy he did it to said that just not looking like a meth addict anymore helped him tremendously.