What Are Meth Mites and Why Do They Occur?
Methamphetamines, often referred to as crystal meth or simply meth, are a highly addictive illegal substance that poses severe risks to both physical and mental health. Despite experiencing extremely uncomfortable and concerning side effects, many individuals struggling with meth addiction find themselves unable to stop using it. One particularly distressing effect of meth abuse is the experience of “meth mites,” where users feel as if insects are crawling on or beneath their skin. This sensation can be so intense that those addicted to meth may compulsively scratch and pick at their skin in a desperate attempt to alleviate the feeling, resulting in painful sores and marks. These stem from hallucinations linked to heavy or extended use of the drug and can be pretty distressing to the user. They are often a sign of long-term or heavy meth use, which is associated with various negative consequences, including the potential for addiction and overdose.
What Are Meth Mites?
“Meth mites” refers to a phenomenon often experienced by individuals who are using methamphetamines. Also known as meth bugs, ice mites, or crank bugs, these are not actual insects or mites but rather a disturbing sensation of bugs crawling on or beneath the skin, a phenomenon known as formication. Meth mites are a result of hallucinations commonly experienced when using meth and can cause the person to scratch or pick at their skin in an attempt to remove the imagined mites. According to research published in Neurologic Clinics journal, about 40% of patients admitted to drug treatment facilities for methamphetamine abuse report having experience formication or meth mites.
While these bugs aren’t real, the experience of feeling them can be very real to the person and lead to serious consequences. The person may experience intense itching and start to scratch themselves, leading to open wounds and sores aggressively. Constant picking combined with neglect of hygiene increases the risk of developing skin infections, including abscesses, cellulitis from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and sepsis. Meth abuse has also been tied to the destruction of tissues and blood vessels, as well as a weakened immune system, which can inhibit the body’s ability to heal itself. Meth users also frequently suffer from malnutrition which can exacerbate the healing of skin lesions and infections.
The Connection Between Meth Use and the Sensation of Bugs Crawling
Methamphetamine has a profound impact on the brain and nervous system by boosting dopamine release, resulting in powerful feelings of euphoria, increased energy, and heightened concentration. However, with prolonged use, meth can disrupt normal brain function, leading to a range of psychological issues such as paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations. One particularly common hallucination associated with meth use is the sensation of bugs crawling on the skin, often referred to as formication or meth mites. This experience typically arises during heavy or extended use, contributing to heightened anxiety and psychotic symptoms. As the drug excessively stimulates the nervous system, it can create sensory distortions, making users feel as if something is crawling on or beneath their skin. Additionally, meth use can lead to compulsive behaviors, such as scratching or picking at the skin, to eliminate these imagined pests.
Although various types of hallucinations can manifest, the feeling of bugs crawling is the most prevalent and may represent a specific response to the brain’s hyper-stimulation. The prevalence of these among users may stem from the brain misinterpreting normal sensations, like nerve signals or the skin’s natural movements, as foreign entities, such as insects. To make sense of these signals, the brain may “fill in the gaps” with a familiar sensation—bugs crawling on the skin. This could also be linked to the association of bugs with discomfort and paranoia, which are common during episodes of meth-induced psychosis.
Why Does Meth Cause Hallucinations?
Heavy methamphetamine use can result in psychosis, a serious potential side-effect that is characterized by paranoia and hallucinations. This condition poses significant risks not only to the individual but also to those nearby. Research published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience indicates that long-term methamphetamine abuse often results in psychotic symptoms akin to schizophrenia, such as paranoid delusions, auditory hallucinations, heightened activity levels, and unusual speech patterns.
The hallucinations associated with methamphetamine stem from its impact on the brain’s chemistry, particularly the production of dopamine. This neurotransmitter is crucial in regulating pleasure, reward, and motivation. When methamphetamine triggers an excessive release of dopamine, it disrupts normal brain operations, particularly in regions responsible for perception, cognition, and emotional regulation. This overproduction can lead to hallucinations by impairing the brain’s ability to accurately process sensory information, resulting in the perception of stimuli that aren’t actually present. This disruption can lead to visual and auditory hallucinations, and long-term use changes the brain structure and function, making hallucinations more frequent and intense over time. Additionally, meth can cause extreme paranoia, anxiety, and delusions, which all can contribute to hallucinations. The combination of heightened sensory sensitivity, brain chemistry imbalance, and mental stress can distort reality for meth users.
Treating the Sensations of Meth Mites and Addressing Meth Addiction
The experience of meth mites stems from extensive and prolonged methamphetamine use, which can trigger hallucinations. Treatment for meth addiction in Florida requires a comprehensive approach that tackles both the physical and psychological symptoms, as well as the root cause of the substance use disorder. Primary treatment strategies for meth mites involve comprehensive treatment programs that help the individual stop using meth through detox and addiction treatment. These programs use evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to aid long-term recovery. Many individuals grappling with meth addiction also face mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. Therefore, addressing these issues concurrently through dual diagnosis treatment significantly enhances recovery outcomes. Furthermore, ongoing management of the substance use disorder is crucial, which can be achieved through continued therapy, participation in support groups, and adopting a healthier lifestyle to ensure sustained abstinence.
When it comes to meth-induced psychosis, characterized by hallucinations and paranoia, treatment typically involves counseling, therapy, and the use of antipsychotic medications. A study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry highlights that without antipsychotic intervention, some individuals may not fully recover from psychosis and could develop severe psychotic symptoms. The research indicates that antipsychotics are effective in alleviating both the positive and negative symptoms associated with amphetamine psychosis. If an individual has experienced severe itching resulting in skin damage, such as sores or infections, treating these open wounds with appropriate ointments and antibiotics is essential. Keeping these sores clean, dry, and debris-free prevents infection and promotes effective healing.
Get Help for Meth Addiction and Side Effects Like Meth Mites at WhiteSands Treatment
If you or a loved one is facing the challenges of meth addiction, seeking professional assistance is essential. This addiction can have severe physical and mental repercussions, significantly impacting health, cognitive function, and overall well-being. Methamphetamine is a potent and highly addictive stimulant that can result in lasting health issues, profound psychological shifts, and serious consequences. WhiteSands Treatment provides extensive programs designed to help individuals break free from meth addiction and its alarming side effects, such as meth mites. Our treatment options encompass medical detox, inpatient care, outpatient services, and aftercare programs, all tailored to address the physical and psychological dimensions of meth addiction for sustainable recovery.
Reaching out to WhiteSands Treatment is the first step towards a healthier, meth-free life. Contact us today at 877-855-3470 to learn more about your treatment options.
External Sources
- Neurologic Clinics – Neurologic Manifestations of Chronic Methamphetamine Abuse
- Frontiers in Human Neuroscience – The neurobiology of methamphetamine induced psychosis
- Frontiers in Psychiatry – Antipsychotics for Amphetamine Psychosis. A Systematic Review
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.
About the Author
Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.
