Methamphetamine, or Meth, is a potent central nervous system stimulant that is often abused for a prolonged high. Meth can be smoked, injected, snorted, and even ingested—with each method having a range of side effects.

Some side effects of meth use can range from excessive weight loss to confusion and deterioration of skin and teeth. However, getting proper addiction treatment for meth abuse as soon as you notice the signs can help prevent long-term implications or fatal complications. 

Nurture Nexus Recovery Center offers evidence-based methamphetamine addiction treatment. Call us at (214) 838-7488 or schedule an appointment!

5 Common Signs of Methamphetamine Abuse

From 2015-2019, meth use in the United States increased by 43% with meth related overdoses almost tripling in occurrence.¹ Similarly, the 2020 Drug Threat Assessment showed that methamphetamines are now readily available with increased potency and purity.² Increased potency leads to more serious side effects when used.

Meth use can cause a lot of complications for the user, with its effects ranging from short-term to long-term. That’s why it’s essential to know the signs of meth use for a timely intervention for substance abuse. Five of the most common signs of methamphetamine abuse include:

1. Changes in Appearance

Long-term meth use can lead to changes in physical appearance. These changes vary in severity depending on the duration of use and the dosage.³ However, some common changes include thinning hair, pale and clammy skin, sunken eyes, and a sickly appearance.

2. Rapid Weight Loss

Meth use often causes rapid weight loss and has been linked to eating disorders, especially during prolonged addiction. It causes the user to drop weight fast without making lifestyle changes. This is also a major reason that the majority of patients in meth addiction treatment programs are women.⁴

3. Major Dental Issues

One of the most common signs of meth use is deteriorating oral health or meth mouth, which includes weak and eroded teeth as well as gum disease.⁵ Most meth users have trouble eating hard foods, an aching in the mouth, and struggle with the physical appearance of their teeth. 

4. Open Sores on Skin

Consistent meth use causes a unique phenomenon called ‘crank bugs’. Crank bugs are the sensation of insects crawling on or under your skin without them actually being present.⁶ This causes intense paranoia and itching on the face, neck, and extremities, which leads to open sores all over the body. Not only do the sores contribute to a sickly appearance, but they’re also at risk of getting infected. 

5. Nasal Irritation or Nosebleeds

When snorted frequently, meth can cause perforations in the nasal septum that can lead to bleeding. Research shows that the nasal route for meth and similar drugs causes irritation and nasal septal necrosis.⁷ In the long run, it can lead to breading issues, saddle nose, and other complications.

 

 

Behavioral Changes Along With Meth Use

It is estimated that around 40% of meth users show abnormalities on standard neuropsychiatric tests.⁸ Since methamphetamine usage impacts dopamine and serotonin production in the brain, it can cause many psychiatric and behavioral changes in the user. 

The seven most common changes⁹ noticed with meth use include:

1. Insomnia and general restlessness.
2. Paranoia and increased anxiety.
3. Increase in violent behavior marked by short outbursts.
4. Hallucinations and loss of reality.
5. Issues with coordination and cognition.
6. Impaired understanding and delayed response times.
7. Memory loss accompanied by confusion and disorientation.

Does The Method of Meth Abuse Impact Its Effects?

Now that we’ve covered the signs of meth use, let’s look at how the method of intake can affect the body. The method of administration of methamphetamines impacts its effects on the body and how long the high generally lasts.¹⁰ 

Understanding how a patient has been abusing meth helps treatment providers customize addiction treatment solutions to curb addictive behavior and promote a healthy lifestyle.

• Oral Route: When meth is ingested in the form of methamphetamine pills (also known as speed), it takes about 15-25 minutes to feel its effects. This delayed high can often lead to overdosing and fatal complications.¹¹
• IV Route: If someone struggling with meth addiction is frequently injecting themselves with meth, they are at greater risk of heart issues and weakened arteries. It also leaves them vulnerable to infections such as Hepatitis C or HIV. 
• Nasal Route: Snorting meth has become popular in the last decade and leads to more complications than other routes. It can potentially lead to nasal septal necrosis as well as perforations in the inner nose.
• Smoking Route: Smoking is the most common method of administration for meth. It has been linked to the formation of meth mouth, issues with the respiratory system, and an increased risk of heart disease.¹²

Short-Term Effects of Meth Use

The short-term effects of acute methamphetamine¹⁶ use include:

• Irregular heartbeat
• Increased respiratory rate
• Higher than normal body temperature
• Tremors and convulsions
• Increased paranoia
• Inability to focus

Long-Term Effects of Meth Use

However, if meth is abused over a long period of time¹⁷, it can cause side effects like:

• Changes in brain structure and function
• Decline in verbal learning and slurred speech
• Issues with sleep 
• Changes in behavior and aggressive tendencies
• Visual and auditory hallucinations
• Severe dental problems or meth mouth
• Anorexia and malnutrition
• Memory loss and low attention span

When Should You Seek Help for Meth Addiction?

If you’re struggling with the following signs of meth addiction, you should get help as soon as possible:

• You are showing clear signs of experiencing meth withdrawal
• You feel agitated when you aren’t doing meth, or if someone stops you
• Thoughts of meth are frequently on your mind
• Your substance use is affecting your daily life and ability to function
• There is an intense urge within you to abuse meth 
• You feel the need to hide your substance abuse habits from your loved ones
• You can’t stop doing meth even when you feel like you should
• Every day seems to be  a repetitive cycle of use

For lasting recovery, it is essential to find the best addiction treatment centers near you. Consider things like the urgency of treatment, how far it’s from your home, and whether the treatment options are flexible enough to accommodate your lifestyle.

“Many people wait too long to get treatment for meth addiction. It’s highly addictive and has potential for accidental overdoses and fatal complications. The best course of action is to get help as soon as you notice the first signs of addiction. In time-sensitive cases like these, a delay of even a few days can impact the treatment process.”

-Dr. Oluwole Popoola

Treatment Options For Methamphetamine Abuse Addiction

Meth addiction treatment has been proven to help curb addiction and promote a healthy lifestyle. However, most people have to go through treatment several times due to the high addiction potential of the drug. 

Effective methamphetamine treatment consists of a combination of the following approaches:

Medical Detox

Medical detox is an important approach that most treatment centers use when treating drug addiction. Though it is not an essential step in the treatment of meth addiction, supervised detox for methamphetamine addiction can help patients seeking recovery recovery take the first step towards a drug-free life.¹³

Psychotherapy Approaches

Both individual and group therapy are effective for treating methamphetamine addiction and correcting addictive behaviors. The Matrix model has particularly been shown to be effective for methamphetamine addiction. Some of the psychotherapy approaches¹⁴ include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: CBT is a proven method that helps patients in recovery connect their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to understand the root of their addictive behavior. It also imparts useful coping skills to help them say no to drugs after treatment.
• Motivational Interviewing: This approach provides a framework where the treatment provider and patient can work together to create realistic goals for addiction recovery. It helps start conversations about making change and promotes accountability.
• Family Therapy: Meth can be a difficult addiction to battle on your own. That’s why many treatment centers recommend family therapy for an inclusive approach that helps build strong support systems for the patient in recovery. 
• Contingency Management: Utilizes positive reinforcement and rewards for desired behaviors like maintaining sobriety and attending sessions.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment combines FDA-approved medications with behavioral therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to provide an option that caters to both physical and psychological aspects of addiction. A combination of injectable Naltrexone and oral Bupropion has been shown to reduce withdrawal symptoms in meth users and promote better recovery.¹⁵ 

Find a Meth Addiction Treatment Center in Texas

Your recovery from methamphetamine addiction starts the moment you sign up for Nurture Nexus Recovery’s Methamphetamine Treatment Program. Our medical experts use FDA-approved treatment methods to help you live your best life.

The best part? We accept a variety of insurance plans, including Medicaid, Aetna, Humana, Multiplan, and more. Call us at [214.838.7488] or contact us to schedule an appointment today!

FAQs About Signs of Meth Use

How Addictive Is Crystal Meth?

Crystal meth is a highly addictive drug that can lead to addiction after the first few uses. It is also easy to abuse, which increases the risk of overdose when used frequently.

Are Black Teeth a Sign of Meth Use​?

Yes, black teeth are a sign of meth use. Initial use of the substance causes the teeth to stain, giving them a darker or ‘black’ appearance. As use continues, the teeth may decay and the user eventually develops meth mouth.

Do Former Meth Users Still Show Signs of Meth Use?

Long-term meth use can cause signs that take years to improve, from scarred skin with lesions to corroded teeth that need replacement. Hence, someone who has recovered from meth use can sometimes still look like they’re using meth, but long-term treatment and cosmetic procedures can bring back their healthy appearance. 

How Common is Relapse During Meth Addiction Treatment?

Statistics show that around 90% of meth addicts are likely to relapse at least once during their recovery efforts. However, relapse doesn’t mean that recovery isn’t possible. It is a likely outcome of addictive behavior and can be corrected with consistent treatment. The primary goal is to ensure the patient remains in recovery, regardless of the duration.

What Are the Signs of Meth Overdose?

Here are the five most common signs of a meth overdose:

• Pain or tightness in the chest
• Increase in heart rate, temperature, or blood pressure
• Altered mental state or psychosis
• Visible confusion or disorientation
• Any signs of circulatory collapse

What is the Methamphetamine Treatment Timeline?

Meth addiction treatment starts with withdrawal, which typically begins 24 hours after last use and can last anywhere from a few days to the course of a week. In cases of extreme meth abuse that has taken place over a long time, the withdrawal can last more than a week. After this phase, the patient is given treatment through a variety of methods that range from 1 to 3 months on average.

How to Approach a Loved One Who Has a Meth Addiction?

If you suspect a loved one has a meth addiction, approaching them requires thought and consideration. Make sure to gather them with their closest friends and family and ease them into the conversation. It is best not to have an accusatory tone but rather to show you’re looking to help and persuade them towards treatment.