Much of the appeal in taking crystal meth is the pleasure it affords; people report feeling intense euphoria because the drug triggers the brain to release dopamine, the “pleasure” hormone.
The substance is, however, incredibly dangerous. As it triggers dopamine to be released, meth also damages the dopamine receptors in the brain. Over time, people will stop being able to experience pleasure without the aid of the drug.
The brain can, of course, heal if given enough time. But any damage done to someone’s cognition can be permanent.
Meth doesn’t just damage our mental health; it also alters a person’s physical appearance. The drug constricts blood vessels, cutting off blood flow and making it easier for someone to become injured. The body can no longer maintain itself, so acne and sores start appearing, and the skin begins to sag.
Reddit user, Wormguy666, was incredibly lucky to watch this damaging process reverse. As his sister finally overcame her meth addiction, she slowly started regaining a healthy look and glow.
He posted photos of her, captioning it “Inspired by another Redditor. I present to you my sister. 90 Days Meth Free.”
When some Reddit users criticized Wormguy666 for making his sister’s personal life so public, she stepped in to correct them.
“I told him he could [post these photos],” she wrote, “I wanted to show people the effects of what meth can do to you and hope to inspire some people who are in addiction or in the process of recovery like I am.”
She expands on how she used to wonder how she would ever be able to carry on her everyday life without relying on meth – and then she got there.
“I truly wish the best for anyone trying to beat this nasty addiction…and just know there IS a light at the end of the tunnel,” she finished.
