What Does Methamphetamine Addiction Look Like

About Methamphetamine Addiction

From cocaine to heroin and everything in between, every drug takes a heavy toll on its users, but some drugs exert a heavier toll than others. Methamphetamine is definitely one of those drugs, and meth addicts face a particularly difficult road – one that can end in disfigurement, sudden overdose, shattered lives, and even death, but what does methamphetamine addiction look like?

You may have seen pictures of meth addicts, including those shocking before and after shots, and you may have wondered if those photos were real or if they were just for shock value. Those photos may be shocking, but rest assured they are entirely accurate. The long-term effects of meth on the body are severe and possibly deadly, but it is the impact on the appearance of the user that gets the most attention.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today at 877.969.1993 to learn how we can help.

Physical Signs of Meth Abuse

The use of methamphetamine can have serious impacts on the bodies of the user, and those symptoms can appear seemingly overnight. It does not take long for the physical side effects of meth use to become apparent, and any of these symptoms should be a red flag and a warning that your loved one needs help.

• Poor dental hygiene and rotting teeth, a condition known as meth mouth
• Unexplained loss of weight, often sudden and severe
• Intense and unexplained scratching
• The sudden appearance of acne or sores on the skin
• Paranoia, irritability, and confusion

If you notice even one of these signs or symptoms, it is vital to get your loved one or yourself into treatment as soon as possible. Meth is a highly addictive substance, and its continued use will only make a bad situation even worse. At WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab, we know what it takes to help meth addicts get clean, so pick up the phone and give us a call today.

Short-Term Side Effects of Meth Addiction

It does not take long for the side effects of meth use to become apparent, and even short-term use can be extremely dangerous. Meth is responsible for tens of thousands of overdose deaths a year, but it is also responsible for these short-term side effects.

• Paranoia and delusions
• Irregular heartbeat
• Rapid heartbeat
• A dangerous rise in body temperature

Any one of these issues could be life-threatening, and their combination can be downright deadly.

Long-Term Health Effects of Methamphetamine Use

The short-term effects of meth use are harmful enough, but chronic use is even more dangerous and destructive. The longer the use goes on, the more at risk the individual is, making prompt help and quality rehab more critical. Here are some of the longer-term health effects of continued methamphetamine use.

• Tooth loss – As time goes on, meth mouth will get progressively worse, resulting in tooth loss, sores in the mouth, dangerous abscesses, and other oral health issues.
• Severe and dangerous weight loss – The extreme weight loss caused by meth use can be life-threatening on its own, especially if it is accompanied by malnutrition and nutritional imbalances.
• Skin infections caused by untreated sores – Meth addicts often develop sores on their bodies, and those sore spots can quickly become infected, creating a perilous situation.
• Increased risk of heart damage and heart attacks – The short-term use of meth can cause an increase in body temperature, along with rapid and irregular heartbeat. Over time these issues can increase the risk of heart attacks and other forms of coronary damage.
• Ongoing risk of overdose and death – Every use of meth carries a high risk of overdose, especially since many dealers are now cutting their stash with other dangerous substances. Meth users play a dangerous and potentially deadly game every time they use the drug, one they could quickly lose.

Treatment for Methamphetamine Addiction at WhiteSands

The dangers of meth have been well established, but there is help available. If you or someone in your family has been using this dangerous drug, it is essential to get them into treatment right away, and the staff at WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab can help.

All it takes to get started is a single phone call, so pick up the phone and give us a call today or visit any of our locations around Florida today.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.