Methamphetamine, or meth for short, is a psychostimulant drug that increases activity in your system. Thus, meth and other amphetamines (its drug class) can be prescribed for conditions like narcolepsy and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, another form of meth exists that has no medical purpose: crystal meth. In fact, it can do great damage in the body, including cause meth sores in the mouth. What are these and how does crystal meth cause them?
Why Does Crystal Methamphetamine Cause Meth Sore in the Mouth?
Crystal meth is made with toxic ingredients like drain cleaner, antifreeze, battery acid, lye, and pool acid. By mixing meth with any of these powerful substances, the characteristic crystal-like forms are made. The drug looks like rock-like shards of glass or stone, earning it the street names “glass,” “shard,” and “ice.” Understandably, such harsh ingredients can do damage. People who smoke meth (such as with a meth pipe) are at risk of developing “meth mouth.” This is the condition of ulcers on the cheeks, tongue, lips, and gums inside the mouth. They develop from a number of factors like a weakened immune system, friction, dry mouth, and burns from inhaling hot vapors. Sadly, mouth ulcers are extremely painful, interfere with talking and eating, and can be indicative of dying tissue.
What Are the Other Signs and Symptoms of Meth Abuse?
Meth and other stimulant abuse produces symptoms that are physical, mental, and behavioral. You can watch for these indicators that you or someone you know could be addicted to meth:
- Dry mouth
- Malnutrition
- Disheveled appearance
- Twitching or muscle spasms (called “tweaking”)
- Confusion
- Restlessness
- Hallucinations
- Irregular heartbeat
- High blood pressure
- Loss of pleasure unless meth-induced
- Reckless behavior
- Cravings
- High tolerance
- Withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit
Is Meth Addictive?
Yes, meth is a very addictive drug. Because it activates positive chemical messengers and has pleasant effects in your brain and body, it’s easy to become hooked. The more you take, the faster you can become dependent.
Meth Uses Statistics
Many people follow dangerous patterns of behavior around meth use. An estimated 5 million adults in the U.S. have a stimulant prescription they misuse for the pleasant effects. Further, roughly 6 percent of U.S. adults have tried or used meth recreationally, including crystal meth.
The Dangers of Meth Abuse
Using meth leads to many risks, including overdose and death. Even if it doesn’t escalate that way, meth abuse leads individuals into the cycle of addiction, where they’re constantly needing their next dose to keep withdrawal at bay. Plus, along with meth sores, meth abuse brings many health risks, including liver disease, stroke, heart attack, and coma.
When Does Someone Need Professional Methamphetamine Treatment?
Anyone who uses meth in any form for a recreational purpose is putting their life in danger. Those who find they cannot stop have entered into the realm of dependency, and they require professional help. It’s important to receive treatment if you’re at the stage of addiction. Even if you’re on that path, it’s wise to seek help before your problem becomes too severe to quit. You shouldn’t feel any negative stigma around receiving treatment, as it meets people where they are and teaches them how to recover!
Find Meth Treatment Near Me
To find meth addiction treatment, along with any stimulant abuse treatment, please reach out to us at our rehab center. We are a treatment provider for widespread issues, including substance abuse, mental health disorders, and co-occurring issues. If you can today, we can reserve your spot in rehab.
