The Physical Signs of Meth Abuse

Methamphetamine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant with a high risk of dependence and addiction. In addition to the extremely severe side effects and health concerns associated with meth abuse, it is not uncommon to discover the existence of a co-occurring mental health issue.

The addiction intensifies the mental health condition, which complicates and might even contribute to drug use. Neither the meth abuse nor the mental health issue will go away independently without intervention and treatment through a mental health and meth abuse treatment program.

At the Greater Boston Addiction Centers, our team of experts has programs to meet all of our client’s needs, regardless of substance or mental health conditions. We are familiar with the physical signs of meth use and are here to provide you or a loved one with the knowledge and resources to ensure lifelong recovery. Find out how we can help to build and restore hope by calling 877.920.6583.

What Is Meth Addiction?

Meth, a highly addictive and destructive drug, interferes with the brain’s dopamine transmitters and creates euphoric sensations. These pleasure feelings are short-lived and intense, prompting continued use of the drug in more frequent and higher doses, leading quickly and easily to dependence and addiction.

The profound and permanent damage caused by prolonged meth use makes an intervention, detox, and rehab critically important as early in the addiction as possible. Harmful effects on memory, learning, psychomotor skills, and information processing are common with chronic or excessive meth use.

Little-known facts about meth use and addiction:

• The brains of meth users have been found to be physically and structurally altered in the areas relating to emotion and memory, which underlies their cognitive and emotional challenges.
• The loss of brain function is thought to cause some of the physical and mental impairments seen in chronic meth users.
• Decision-making and mental flexibility are commonly disrupted in those who abuse meth.
• Adults with severe mental health diagnoses are at a greater risk of becoming addicted to an illicit drug such as meth than those with no mental illness.

At the Greater Boston Addiction Centers, it is our top priority to help clients identify the signs of meth use early and offer the meth addiction treatment people need to avoid the deterioration of physical and cognitive abilities.

What Are the Physical Signs of Meth Use?

Unlike some drug use and addiction which may not be easily recognizable or could be easily confused with symptoms of other mental health issues, the physical signs of meth use are typically easy to identify in most users, including both physical and psychological symptoms:

• Rotting teeth often referred to as “meth mouth”
• Intense scratching to the point of bleeding
• Acne or open sores
• Extreme paranoia
• Irritability and confusion

Drug Addiction Treatment in Needham, Massachusetts

Meth addiction is harder to treat than other substance use disorders for many reasons. Those challenges increase when there is a co-occurring mental health diagnosis, including suicidal ideation, relapse due to meth-induced cognitive impairment, and a return to drug use for self-medication if the mental health disorder is not effectively treated.

At Greater Boston Addiction Centers, our Needham, MA drug rehab staff has the ability to diagnose mental health issues and substance use disorders. We offer a broad range of programs and services, including:

• Partial hospitalization program
• Intensive outpatient program
• Outpatient program
• Evening intensive outpatient program
• Women’s rehab programs
• Men’s rehab programs
• Aftercare planning

Contact GBAC at the First Signs of Meth Abuse

If meth addiction has you or someone you love in its grip, do not wait. Meth is a deadly drug, which can have a life-altering and life-threatening impact. The longer someone uses, the more likely they are to experience serious health complications, including heart attack, stroke, and organ failure.

If you see the physical signs of meth abuse, contact the Greater Boston Addiction Centers today to get started on the path to lifelong recovery. We offer a comprehensive and individualized approach to meth addiction treatment that has helped countless individuals and families find hope and healing. Call us at 877.920.6583 or complete our online form.