If you or someone you love has tried or is currently using methamphetamine, you may be curious about the physical side effects of meth. Methamphetamine addicts are known for a distinct look, quickly recognizable by law enforcement officials. Meth addiction is dangerous and often requires professional medical help. If you or someone you love needs help, reach out for crystal meth addiction treatment in Florida.
What Is Meth?
Also known as crystal, meth is an addictive, illegal drug. It affects the central nervous system. Meth can be found in clear or blue chunks called crystals. Most users smoke meth using a pipe, but others snort or inject the drug. Most users report that they feel an instant sense of euphoria when the drug enters their bloodstream. This is due to dopamine, a feel-good chemical, flooding the brain. The high is short-lived, and it’s impossible to get the same feeling as the first time the drug is used. Meth is dangerous both for the body and the mind. In the brain, meth makes users feel anxious and confused after the high has passed. Many users experience insomnia, and end up looking for more of the drug to ease their exhaustion due to an inability to sleep. People who use meth may see or hear things that aren’t actually there. This can result in a sense of paranoia. While the mental effects are incredibly dangerous, the physical effects are what make it clear to others that someone is using meth.
Physical Effects of Meth
Rapid Aging – In many users, the use of meth accelerates the aging process. People appear to age decades in years or even months. Wrinkles appear quickly, and the skin develops a dull, ashy appearance. The hairline may recede. Some people with meth pick at and pull out their hair.
Skin – One of the most telltale signs of meth use is sores in the skin that do not go away. Many meth users report the feeling of bugs crawling under their skin. They may pick at their skin obsessively in order to try to get rid of the feeling.
Teeth – There are a number of reasons that the teeth of a person who uses meth deteriorate quickly. Most people who use meth spend most or all of their money on the drug. This leaves a little behind for dental care, and their teeth get neglected quickly. Smoking meth results in a dry mouth, which exacerbates dental issues and can cause foul-smelling breath. Due to contact with smoke, the teeth often become stained and have a yellow appearance. They may also be cracked, broken, rotting, or missing.
Movement – Due to meth’s effects on the central nervous system, many users experience twitching or jerky movements. These can occur even after meth has left the user’s system. These movements may only occur in the limbs, or they may also occur in the facial muscles.
Help Is Available – Don’t Wait
If you or a loved one are currently using methamphetamine, it’s normal to feel like all hope is lost. Fortunately, nothing could be further from the truth. Recovery from the mental and physical effects of meth is possible with a comprehensive recovery program and rehab aftercare plan. At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida, our medical detox program helps prepare your mind and body for rehabilitation and a sober lifestyle. Evidence-based addiction therapy provides the coping skills and knowledge you will need to create lasting recovery.
It’s important that you don’t try to detox from meth alone. When your body is chemically dependent on a substance, it’s important to get medical help during the detoxification process to ensure that your body safely rids itself of the drug. When you’re ready to take the first step toward change, call Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida at 866.294.5306. Our caring, compassionate counselors are here 24 hours a day to take your call and help you begin your journey to a happy, sober life.
