Crystal Meth: Physical & Mental Effects, Signs of Abuse

They allegedly confessed to renting the house to stash the drugs before distributing them to dealers in the greater Bangkok area. Patients who smoke meth are more likely to develop wrinkles and gain a rough, coriaceous texture to their skin. Drug rehabilitation inpatient programs may offer assistance through the withdrawal process, helping a person to recover from SUD. Learn more about the differences between addiction and dependence. Meth production is often dangerous and can lead to fires and explosions.

meth addiction

Methamphetamine belongs to the substituted phenethylamine and substituted amphetamine chemical classes. It is related to the other dimethylphenethylamines as a positional isomer of these compounds, which share the common chemical formula C10H15N. If someone has concerns that they or a loved one may have SUD, NIDA’s website can offer support https://ecosoberhouse.com/ and guidance to help them find a treatment program and manage their condition. Presently, there are no medications to help people recover from meth-related SUD that have received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration. Available in many different forms, meth can be smoked, snorted, injected or ingested orally.

Start the road to recovery

They may also discuss a person’s history of substance use with them. Unless you or someone you love has been addicted to meth and you have lived in a world of hell that meth addiction causes, it is difficult to grasp the magnitude of the struggle caused by meth fully. Crystal meth addiction leads to some of the most severe consequences of any other drug on the market or on the streets today. Chronic meth users may chew lots of gum or drink lots of water to offset the side effects of meth use (dry mouth and meth mouth). Seizures are common among cocaine and meth users, though meth users tend to suffer longer lasting convulsions. Seizures caused by meth are dangerous and can lead to sudden death.

Aftercare may include community-based and family-based support systems, mutual-help groups, alumni events, and more. Methamphetamine addiction impacts many different parts of the body including; the muscles, liver, brain, mouth, heart, circulatory system, and respiratory system. Meth releases high levels of meth addiction the neurotransmitter dopamine into the brain’s “reward circuitry” very quickly. Dopamine plays an important role in movement and motor function, motivation, and the reinforcement of rewarding behaviors. The rapid release of dopamine into this system powerfully reinforces the urge to continue using the drug.

Effects of Meth Addiction

The addicted person must receive treatment or suffer these physical and mental health effects, as well as destroyed relationships, financial poverty, and criminal charges. If someone you love is abusing meth, and cannot or will not stop on their own, it may be time to seek professional help. If they are in denial about their harmful behavior, you may want to set up an intervention with an addiction specialist and gather their close friends and family members. This person may also be aware they are addicted but are unable to stop despite trying to ween back their dosage. In this case, it would be helpful for you to support them in their recovery, by finding them a nearby addiction treatment center with medical professionals who can assist in their detox, treatment, and recovery. Physically, meth addiction can lead to irreversible damage to the brain and other areas of the body.

  • However, consistently using meth damages the brain cells that produce dopamine, which can make it harder for the person to achieve the same high over time.
  • However, drug tests can detect even tiny amounts of meth, so you’ll need to wait much longer before you can test negative on a drug screening.
  • Parents suffering from meth addiction will display a lack of supervision, chronic neglect, and violence towards their kids.
  • Inpatient treatment is always the best option for addicts, especially long-term users who will have more severe withdrawal symptoms.

Tweakers typically don’t sleep during these long periods of meth use and become psychotic on behalf of sleep loss, insomnia, and intense drug cravings. Tweakers can become extremely violent and dangerous, and tend to have fast-moving eyes and quivering voices. These meth users also tend to move more quickly and jerkily than other meth users. Tweaker behavior becomes more frantic the longer they use this drug. People suffering from meth addiction may try to hide the side effects of meth use from their friends and family. Here are twenty-two things most meth addicts will not tell you about their addiction.