Crystal Meth is having a devastating effect on entire communities in America.
The drug made famous by TV show Breaking Bad is destroying thousands of lives through rampant addiction.
Short term, meth can leave users with a severe ‘crash’ – and result in insomnia, confusion, hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia and increased aggressiveness.
But the most visible and shocking symptom of America’s methamphetamine epidemic is the long-term physical toll the drug takes on users.
A series of Rehab.com mug shots captured over time shows the grave physical effect it has on people’s health.
Meth abuse causes scarring and open sores on the skin. The drug is an appetite suppressant and can cause extreme weight loss and malnutrition.
The infamous ‘meth mouth’ leaves users with appalling dental hygiene – with teeth rotting and falling out from the harsh chemicals cooked in the drugs.
But underneath that the drug does permanent damage to blood vessels of the heart and brain – and high blood pressure leading to heart attacks, stroke and death.
It can also lead to severe brain damage and even Alzheimer’s disease, stroke and epilepsy.
A truly horrible drug.
