If you or someone you love is struggling with meth addiction, you understand the devastating nature of this disease. Living with meth addiction can make life seem unbearable and out of control. Because meth is so highly addictive, recreational use can quickly spiral out of control, wreaking havoc in all areas of life.
At The Right Step Hill Country, we offer meth addiction treatment designed to treat not just the symptoms of meth addiction but the underlying causes that contribute to it. Addiction of any type is a disease that requires comprehensive treatment to heal. From medically supervised detox through aftercare, Hill Country provides the structure and support needed to overcome meth addiction and pave the way to regaining control of your life free from the grips of addiction.
The Signs of Meth Use
Typically, meth is smoked but can also be snorted, injected, or swallowed. Meth production is dangerous and uses toxic chemicals that remain in the finished product—smoking meth erodes the teeth and gums because of exposure to these chemicals. This condition, referred to as “meth mouth,” is the most apparent sign of meth use or addiction.
Other common signs of meth use include the following:
- Burns on the fingers and lips
- Sores and scabs from intense itching and skin-picking
- Twitching, facial tics, or sporadic body movements
- Issues with coordination and motor skills
- Rapid and extreme weight loss
- Erratic sleep patterns
- Hyperactivity
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations and delusions
- Violent behavior
“Tweaking” is another unmistakable sign of meth use. Tweaking happens after a meth binge when a person cannot achieve a high and can last anywhere from three days to two weeks. Tweaking is characterized by:
- Intense cravings
- Confusion
- Irritability
- Violence
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
During a tweaking episode, people may go days without eating or sleeping, after which they experience a “crash” of extreme hunger, thirst, depression, and fatigue as their bodies attempt to regulate themselves.
Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Methamphetamine Abuse
Meth is a dangerous drug that has numerous short-term and long-term effects on physical and mental health. Consider the following effects of methamphetamine abuse:
Short-term effects of methamphetamine abuse:
- Heightened sense of euphoria
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Rapid breathing
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased body temperature
- Increased physical activity
- Increased alertness
- Decreased need for sleep
- Decreased appetite
- Irritable, erratic, aggressive, or violent behavior
The feelings of euphoria and increased energy and alertness are the primary forces that drive the cycle of methamphetamine abuse. To avoid the crash when the effects of meth wear off, people typically take small doses of meth every few hours, often for multiple days, called a “run.”
The long-term effects of methamphetamine abuse can devastate the body, mind, and spirit. In addition to the high risk of overdose, long-term effects of meth abuse can include:
- Severe dental issues
- Skin infections
- Significant weight loss
- Chronic high blood pressure resulting in heart attacks and strokes
- Lung, kidney, and liver damage and disease
- Increased risk of contracting or transmitting Hepatitis B & C or HIV
- Sleep disturbances, including insomnia
- Changes in brain structure and functioning
- Increased aggression, impulsivity, and risk-taking behaviors
- Paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, and psychosis
Along with these effects, long-term methamphetamine abuse contributes to social isolation, damaged relationships, legal issues, unstable employment, and homelessness. Fortunately, it is possible to overcome meth addiction with proper support and treatment.
Get Started in Meth Addiction Treatment Today at Hill Country
Are you struggling with methamphetamine abuse or addiction? If so, you may feel trapped in what seems like an unbreakable cycle. At Hill Country, we know that it is possible to break free from the cycle of addiction. Our meth addiction treatment program can help you safely detox, learn relapse prevention skills, and discover the joy of long-term recovery.
We aim to give clients the tools to live healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives. As a premier medical detox and treatment center, we provide excellent care in an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive environment. Contact us online, or call 1.844.675.1628 to get started in meth addiction treatment today at Hill Country.