Methamphetamine, or “meth,” is a powerful stimulant drug that is highly addictive and has far-reaching impacts on physical and mental health. Prolonged meth use causes damage to multiple organs and body systems and the chemical changes in the brain can lead to mental health conditions, including anxiety, severe depression, and meth psychosis.
At Hill Country, we understand the complex nature of meth addiction and how it can devastate lives. We offer effective meth addiction treatment in a safe, supportive, welcoming environment. From medically supervised detox through aftercare planning, our compassionate, experienced staff are available around the clock to provide the tools and guidance to help you or a loved one navigate early recovery. Meth addiction does not have to control your life. Call 1.844.675.1628 to learn about your treatment options at Hill Country.
The Physical Effects of Meth Addiction
Meth creates an intense but short-lived euphoric high. Therefore, people usually take it in repeated doses to maintain the effects. Doing so repeatedly for days is known as a “run,” during which people forgo all other responsibilities and priorities, including food, sleep, and hygiene.
Prolonged meth use wreaks havoc on the body. Common physical effects of meth addiction include:
- Skin issues – Many meth users experience the sensation of insects crawling under their skin, causing them to scratch and pick, leading to sores obsessively. Meth hinders the body’s ability to repair itself. Skin also loses elasticity and luster, causing premature aging.
- Weight loss – Meth is a stimulant that suppresses appetite and increases activity levels, resulting in rapid weight loss.
- Dental problems – A combination of exposure to chemicals from smoking meth, poor dental hygiene, teeth grinding, and poor nutrition result in tooth and gum decay, referred to as “meth mouth.”
- Heart damage – Along with irregular heartbeat, rapid heart rate, and increased blood pressure, meth can cause an enlarged heart (making it harder to pump blood) and can worsen pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.1
- Lung damage – Smoking meth can lead to severe respiratory issues.2
Meth increases body temperature, which can result in hyperthermia and dehydration. Other physical effects of meth can include hair loss, uncontrollable tremors or shaking, weakened immunity, and seizures.
Meth and Its Impacts on the Brain
Long-term or heavy meth use creates structural changes within the brain and disrupts the brain’s dopamine system. Meth can trigger or worsen symptoms of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.
Meth psychosis is a serious mental health condition that results from prolonged use. It involves severe psychological symptoms that resemble psychotic disorders like schizophrenia. These symptoms can include:
- Visual hallucinations – Seeing things that aren’t real
- Auditory hallucinations – Hearing things that aren’t real
- Formication – Tactile hallucinations like feeling bugs crawling on the skin
- Grandiose thinking – The belief that one has extraordinary importance or powers
- Paranoia – The belief one is being watched, targeted, or followed
People experiencing meth psychosis also have difficulty concentrating and exhibit extreme irritability, agitation, aggression, hyperactivity, and restlessness. The symptoms of meth psychosis can occur during active use, as a withdrawal symptom, or can be permanent in cases of extreme meth addiction. Fortunately, the human brain is very malleable and, for most, can heal over time during recovery, though this can take a good deal of time.
Call Hill County for Meth Addiction Treatment Today
The relationship between meth and the brain is a dangerous one and the physical and psychological effects of meth addiction can have significant lasting consequences for those who do not seek treatment. Meth addiction treatment at Hill Country can help you safely detox, uncover the root causes of your addiction, and learn how to prevent relapse.
We aim to provide you with the tools to live a healthy, productive, and fulfilling life while maintaining lasting recovery. Contact us at 1.844.675.1628 to discover how our meth addiction treatment program can benefit you or your loved one. You can also complete the online form.
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