Meth addiction, clinically described as stimulant use disorder, is a chronic condition that can disrupt a person’s life in dangerous ways. Meth use triggers an intense rush of euphoria and energy, but these effects are fleeting, and the damage it causes can be permanent and life-threatening.
People grappling with meth addiction may not realize how harmful it is until it’s too late. It can cause changes in how they look, feel, and behave. Relationships, jobs, and health can also suffer. With the right support, though, it’s possible to break free from meth addiction and rebuild a healthy sober life. Read on to learn more about how addictive is meth and how to begin the recovery process with evidence-based treatment.
Methamphetamine—often called meth or crystal meth—is a powerful stimulant of the CNS (central nervous system). People use the drug for the rapid and intense burst of happiness and energy it delivers. Like all Schedule II controlled drugs, though, meth is highly addictive. It changes the brain’s chemistry, making people crave the drug more and more. Over time, meth use can take control of a person’s life, making it challenging to stop without professional intervention.
Meth can be found in different forms, from white powder to shiny blue-white crystals. People smoke, snort, swallow, or inject the drug. After the short-lived high subsides, individuals using the drug are left feeling sad, anxious, and tired. Many people take more meth to avoid these feelings, leading to the rapid development of addiction.
Long-term meth use damages the heart, brain, and other organs. It can also be remarkably damaging to mental health, provoking issues like confusion, mood swings, and paranoia.
While meth addiction is aggravating and disruptive, long-term recovery is possible with personalized, science-backed care.
Meth addiction impacts the body and brain. People who are addicted to the drug may look or act differently than they did before. Knowing the most common signs of meth addiction can help you identify problematic patterns of use in yourself or a loved one.
Meth addiction triggers visible changes in the body, including:
Skin spots and sores are one of the most noticeable indicators of meth addiction. People who use the drug often experience formication—feeling like they have bugs crawling under their skin. This causes them to scratch and pick at their skin, resulting in meth-addict skin sores that often turn into open wounds or sores that can become infected.
Skin sores associated with meth use can appear on the face, arms, and legs. They are often red, scabbed, or scarred. These sores can be painful and hard to heal. Seeing someone with skin sores can be a clear warning sign of meth addiction.
Meth addiction not only causes physical changes but also influences how a person behaves. Common behavioral signs of meth addiction include:
Meth addiction symptoms are outlined in DSM-5-TR, the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association. Healthcare providers and mental health professionals diagnose meth addiction as mild, moderate, or severe based on the number of symptoms present. Symptoms are:
If someone shows several of these signs, they may need help overcoming meth addiction. Professional support can streamline the recovery process, so how do you go about that?
Overcoming meth addiction can be hard but it’s possible with the right combination of treatments. While all stimulant use disorders are unique, treatment typically follows a similar framework.
Medical detox is usually the first fundamental step in recovery. This involves a person being closely monitored by healthcare professionals while eliminating meth from the body. This makes meth detox safer and more comfortable and helps people manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Those with severe meth addictions or co-occurring mental health conditions may find inpatient rehab is most effective. This involves remaining at a treatment facility for 30 to 90 days while receiving immersive, continuous care. Inpatient rehab for meth addiction may include:
Outpatient rehab is often recommended for individuals with mild meth addictions and stable home environments. People can access similar therapies and services while living at home and fulfilling their everyday obligations.
All the best meth addiction treatment programs include a comprehensive aftercare component to help people stay sober long-term. Aftercare options may include:
Quitting meth is hard but achievable. Here are some steps to help someone wean off a meth addiction safely and sustainably:
Meth addiction is a powerful and destructive force, but it doesn’t have to control your life forever. Recovery can be demanding, but the right evidence-based interventions typically deliver positive outcomes and help people initiate a full recovery.
If you or someone you care about is battling meth addiction, don’t hesitate to get immediate assistance. Get help recalibrating your life and moving beyond a life controlled by methamphetamine by calling (855) 202-2138 and begin your recovery right away.
Smoking meth is possibly the most common mode of use. Warning signs include the characteristic meth pipe and hollowed-out lightbulbs.
Meth can also be ingested orally. The drug can be eaten on its own or dissolved in a beverage. This mode of use is difficult to identify.
Meth is also commonly used intravenously. Signs of IV meth use include needle marks and missing or bent spoons.
Many users also snort meth. When crushed, the drug resembles a white powder. Signs include rolled up bills and straws.
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