The Methamphetamine
Health Project
By: Luna Gutierrez
8th Period
The Negative Effects Of Drug
Misuse and Abuse
The Physical Effects
● Result in increased heart rates and blood pressures
● Lead to paranoia and Anxiety
● In SOME cases it can lead to aggressive/violent behavior
● Cause weak immune system
● Skin and dental problems
The Mental and Emotional Effects
● After a long period of time Methamphetamine could cause your mood to
swing
● Cause depression
● Lead to medical problems - such as a stroke, heart attack, kidney and/or
liver damage, etc
● Using Methamphetamine will make you NOT feel the same anymore
● The risks of using Methamphetamine are very serious and can result in
severe short and long term consequences
Social Effects
● Use of Methamphetamine could lead to less social interactions
● Methamphetamine has been associated with impairments in social
cognitions as evidenced by changes in the users’ behaviors
● Methamphetamine addiction by relating the physiological effects of the
drug to the behaviors
● Methamphetamine use has been linked to the desire for socialization
● Chronic use is due to more than just the social withdrawal associated with
addiction
Research Of Drug Misuse
And Abuse
Research Facts
● Drug misuse is generally associated with prescription medicines
● The key difference between a person who misuses drugs and a person who
abuses drugs is their intent
● Drug addiction is a severe form of drug abuse
● Many people with drug addiction become jobless, homeless, or separated
from their families. Some even die from their substance use
Statistics
● Drug misuse happens when these substances are taken for a purpose that is
not consistent with legal or medical guidelines
● Drug addiction, also known as severe SUD, is a brain disorder that
manifests as the uncontrollable use of a substance despite its consequences
● Since a person who abuses drugs still has control over their life, they don’t
experience major disruption in their life
● In contrast, those with an addiction have a disorder that affects most if not
all aspects of their lives
Solutions To The Problems Of
Drug Misuse And Abuse
Current Laws - Programs
● A simple reprimand may help remedy the issue
● Willpower is not enough to change the behavior of a person with a drug
addiction
● As their bodies are already chemically dependent on a substance, they
would need pharmacotherapy
● Meridian Psychiatric Partners offers therapy sessions and other treatments
to help you resolve any type of drug problem
Personal Ideas to Combat Drug Misuse and buse
● In drug abuse cases, an honest conversation about drug abuse and its
consequences can inspire a person to change since they still have control
over their behavior
● Mental health professional then works with the patient to tailor a recovery
plan toward sobriety
● Therapy sessions to ensure that the patient has the tools and techniques to
help them maintain a happy and healthy lifestyle
● Drug misuse can lead to increased drug tolerance then drug dependency
where cognitive, behavioral, and physiological problems develop
Works Cited
Homer BD, Solomon TM, Moeller RW, Mascia A, DeRaleau Meridian Psychiatric Partners. “Drug misuse, abuse, and
L, Halkitis PN. Methamphetamine abuse and impairment of addiction: What’s the difference?” Meridian Psychiatric
social functioning: a review of the underlying Partners, 19 August 2020,
neurophysiological causes and behavioral implications. [Link]
Psychol Bull. 2008 Mar;134(2):301-10. doi: d-addiction-whats-the-difference/. Accessed 23 October 2025.
10.1037/0033-2909.134.2.301. PMID: 18298273.
If you use meth then soon
you’ll be mething around.
Any Questions?