Meth Addiction

Meth Addiction: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

The powerful nature of meth makes it one of the most addictive substances, and its impact on both the body and mind can be devastating.

Many who struggle with meth addiction feel trapped in a cycle they can’t break on their own, which can lead to feelings of hopelessness and isolation.

You may be concerned for yourself or someone you care about, and that’s an important first step. Meth addiction can be overwhelming, but it’s not something anyone has to face alone.

By learning more about the signs and symptoms, you’re taking a crucial step toward getting the need to start a recovery journey.

What is Methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth, is a stimulant impacting the central nervous system.

• It comes in different forms, including crystal meth (a clear, rock-like substance) and powdered meth, both of which can be smoked, injected, snorted, or ingested.
• Meth works by flooding the brain with dopamine. It’s the chemical responsible for feelings of joy and reward. This massive surge of dopamine creates an intense, euphoric high, which is why meth can quickly lead to addiction.
• Over time, the brain’s ability to produce dopamine naturally goes down, making it harder for users to experience pleasure without the drug. This effect is what drives the compulsive use of meth, as individuals chase that initial high, often at the cost of their physical and mental health.

In 2021, an estimated 2.5 million people used meth and 1.6 million had a substance use disorder.

Common Signs of Meth Addiction

When someone struggles with meth addiction, the signs can be both behavioral and physical. The changes can happen gradually but, over time, become more noticeable.

Physical Signs:

• Rapid weight loss: A noticeable weight drop due to decreased appetite.
• Extreme dental issues (“meth mouth”): Severe tooth decay, gum disease, and broken teeth are common.
• Skin sores or scabs: Meth users often pick at their skin, causing open sores or scabs.
• Hyperactivity or jittery movements: Uncontrolled, erratic movements or an inability to stay still.

Behavioral Signs:

• Increased aggression or paranoia: Heightened irritability, suspiciousness, or violence.
• Sudden mood swings: Quick shifts between extreme emotions, from euphoria to anger or sadness.
• Isolation from loved ones: Withdrawing from friends, family, or social activities to focus on drug use.
• Obsessive behaviors: Repetitive actions, such as cleaning or dismantling objects, are often linked to the drug’s impact on the brain.

These signs can be alarming, but recognizing them early can make all the difference in getting help for someone struggling with meth addiction.

Other Physical, Emotional, and Mental Symptoms

These symptoms depend on how long someone has been using meth, but there are both short- and long-term effects with serious consequences.

Short-Term Symptoms:

• Euphoria or extreme energy: Meth often creates a sudden, intense rush of happiness or hyperactivity that can last for hours.
• Dilated pupils: Enlarged pupils are a common meth use sign, often including increased sensitivity to light.
• Rapid heart rate: Meth can significantly speed up the heart rate, which may lead to chest pain or heart palpitations.
• Loss of appetite: Someone using meth may frequently go long periods without eating, leading to rapid weight loss and malnutrition.

Long-Term Symptoms:

• Chronic anxiety or paranoia: Over time, meth can lead to feelings of fear, anxiety, or suspicion, often without any real cause.
• Hallucinations: Many long-term users experience vivid hallucinations, such as the feeling that bugs are crawling under the skin, known as “meth mites.”
• Severe depression during “come down”: After the drug wears off, users often experience intense depression, fatigue, and irritability, which can last for days.
• Memory loss or cognitive decline: Prolonged meth use can damage brain cells, leading to memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and long-term cognitive impairment.

The Dangers of Long-Term Meth Use

Long-term methamphetamine use is not just harmful — it can be life-threatening.

• Damage to the cardiovascular system: Meth puts extreme strain on the heart, leading to high blood pressure, heart disease, and an elevated risk of stroke or heart attack.
• Increased stroke and heart attack risk: The stimulant effects of meth can cause blood vessels to constrict, increasing the likelihood of cardiovascular emergencies.
• Permanent brain damage: Long-term meth use can alter brain structure and function, leading to issues with memory, decision-making, and emotional regulation.
• Dental deterioration (“meth mouth”): Severe tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss are common due to poor oral hygiene and meth’s corrosive effects.
• Heightened risk of overdose: As the body builds a tolerance, users often need higher doses to achieve similar effects, increasing the risk of a fatal overdose.
• Mental health complications: Chronic use of meth can lead to serious mental issues such as psychosis, extreme paranoia, and hallucinations, some of which may become permanent.

Finding Help—What Treatment for Meth Addiction Looks Like

New Jersey Behavioral Health offers a range of treatment options that provide the flexibility and support needed to overcome meth addiction.

Whether you need more intensive care or a program that fits around your daily life, we have options designed to meet you where you are in your recovery journey.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

• Comprehensive care with structure: PHP offers high support, providing treatment during the day while allowing individuals to return home in the evening. This program is ideal for those who need significant care but don’t require 24/7 inpatient treatment.
• Focus on therapy and healing: With a structured schedule that includes individual and group therapy, as well as holistic activities like mindfulness and wellness practices, PHP addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of meth addiction.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

• Flexible treatment with strong support: IOP is a step down from PHP. It includes structured therapy sessions a few times a week. This program is perfect for individuals who have completed more intensive treatment or need significant care but can still manage their day-to-day responsibilities.
• Emphasis on behavioral therapy: Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), relapse prevention strategies, and group counseling, IOP helps individuals build healthy coping mechanisms and reduce the risk of relapse.

Outpatient Programs

• Convenient and adaptable care: Outpatient programs offer the most flexibility. Individuals can attend therapy sessions while maintaining work, school, or family commitments. This option is ideal for those in the later stages of recovery or those transitioning from more intensive programs.
• Ongoing support: Outpatient care includes individual therapy, group counseling, and access to resources that help individuals maintain long-term sobriety while navigating everyday life.

No matter where you are in your recovery process, New Jersey Behavioral Health provides compassionate, effective treatment to help you regain control of your life.

How New Jersey Behavioral Health Can Help

At New Jersey Behavioral Health, we understand that no two individuals experience meth addiction in the same way.

That’s why we offer a combination of holistic and evidence-based treatment options designed to address both the physical and mental aspects of addiction.

• Holistic and evidence-based treatments: We integrate proven therapeutic techniques with holistic methods that promote overall wellness, from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to mindfulness practices.
• Compassionate care: Our team treats the whole person, not just the addiction. We provide a supportive, non-judgmental environment where individuals feel safe and empowered to heal.
• Personalized treatment plans: Every person’s journey is different. We create individualized treatment plans that meet your unique needs, whether you require detox, inpatient care, outpatient therapy, or ongoing support.

Seeking Support: You’re Not Alone

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, taking the first step toward help can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to do it alone. At New Jersey Behavioral Health, we are here to guide you through the process with compassionate, expert care.

Recovery is possible, and it starts with reaching out. Contact us today to learn more about our meth addiction treatment options and how we can help you take the next step toward a healthier, sober life.

References:

1. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): What is methamphetamine?
2. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): What is the scope of methamphetamine use in the United States?
3. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Methamphetamine
4. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Know the Risks of Meth