meth and your skin Archives - Best Rahabs In Arizona

March 7, 2023March 30, 2023

Meth and Alcohol

Falling Into Meth and Alcohol Addiction

When dealing with an addiction to multiple drugs, recovery can be an even bigger hurdle. Luckily, there are a lot of people who have been able to find peace and healing as a result of substance abuse. I will outline how it worked for me, and perhaps you will find the strength to make it work for you.

I arrived at Best Rehabs In Arizona recovery center following several years of meth and alcohol addiction. My alcohol abuse began in my teenage years and led me to try a bunch of different drugs. I began mixing meth with alcohol after I graduated high school and these two substances quickly overtook my life. I tried a lot of other drugs during my substance abuse, but nothing overtook me like meth and alcohol.

I wasn’t ready to enter the real world after school, and in order to cope I turned to meth and alcohol. My binge drinking in high school was originally only limited to parties and social gatherings. Soon enough, I was mixing meth into my alcohol abuse and couldn’t leave my house without one or the other, usually both in combination.

Stay reading if you want to hear more about my story, how bad things got with meth and alcohol, and how I eventually got help with the support of Best Rehabs In Arizona!

Mixing Alcohol And Other Drugs

My addiction to meth and alcohol led me to a lot of awful choices and years of regret. I try not to dwell on my past failures now that I am sober, but it’s hard to not look back on those days and wonder how I got to that point. A lot of people who engage in drug abuse start with alcohol because it is so readily available and socially acceptable.

When you start drinking alcohol, you aren’t thinking of where it can lead you. I remember watching videos about alcohol dependence in health class in middle school. All the warning signs of alcohol use were right there, but I didn’t take any of them seriously. When I had my first drink, I was at a party and having a great time. My alcohol intoxication only amplified my good time. My young brain became accustomed to needing it.

So what was there to be afraid of? My alcohol abuse slowly got worse and worse, but I still had a good time. Slowly but surely, the signs of my alcohol use disorder began to pop up. When I didn’t have alcohol, it made me irritable. I needed a drink in social situations. I couldn’t be without it if I had to interact with other people. Eventually, I felt that I needed more than just booze. This is where meth abuse came into the picture.

Mixing Meth And Alcohol: When It All Goes Downhill Fast

I had no idea what meth was when I first tried it. I was drunk the first time I used meth and was looking for something else to lift up my buzz. Marijuana didn’t do a whole lot for me. It usually just made me tired. I learned later on that I was much more interested in upper like methamphetamine to keep the party going.

Methamphetamine rapidly increases the brain’s output of dopamine, so in combination with alcohol, I felt like I was on top of the world. When I mixed meth and alcohol, it gave me a sense of freedom and power. This was all internal. I can only imagine what I looked like from the outside. After several years of mixing meth and alcohol, I didn’t exactly resemble someone with a lot of power or control over any situation.

Only later did I learn from the staff about how the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) describes the mix of alcohol and meth as being particularly dangerous, causing psychosis for many users.

Combining alcohol and meth lulled me into a mental fog and allowed me to avoid the issues that I was avoiding. I was bullied a lot growing up, and didn’t really know how to process the pain that it caused. We live in a society where people don’t feel very open to discussing their mental and emotional issues. My drug and alcohol dependence helped me avoid the reality of my situation.

How Do You Make Yourself Want Help?

I didn’t want to get help. My self-esteem was non-existent. I didn’t feel like I had it in me to deal with my problems. The effects of alcohol and meth created a void in me, where all that mattered was both methamphetamine abuse and alcohol-related sedation. This sedated feeling helped me avoid the rest of the world and all reality in general.

Because alcohol is such a commonly abused substance, there is always an increased risk of abuse. This abuse almost always leads to risky behaviors, and the desire to try other drugs as well. Alcohol’s effects lull you into a deceiving form of comfort. The numbness that alcohol makes you feel can easily lead you into a negative headspace and change the way that the brain processes information.

The idea of sobriety is distant and seemingly unattainable to those who are in the middle of alcohol addiction. It’s very easy for people of all personality types to fall into excessive drinking. There is always the risk of increased alcohol intake. As your tolerance builds, you need more alcohol to feel the way you want to feel. The cycle is very similar with other drugs such as methamphetamine.

When Meth and Alcohol Abuse No Longer Cures The Pain

Years of mixing alcohol and meth ruined my brain chemistry and my body. I had no positive people in my life who could pull me aside and tell me that I needed help. Would I have listened to them anyway? Probably not. My addiction to both alcohol and meth consumed every part of my life, and I only associated with people who would enable that.

Living in a constant state of alcohol toxicity and meth-induced psychosis is a unique situation. You ride the highs as long as you can, but once the alcohol and meth wear off, you find yourself in a pit of utter despair. Many times I contemplated suicide. Methamphetamine and alcohol use had sapped my brain of dopamine and left me in a hollow rut.

The effects of alcohol slowly began to go away the longer I drank. I needed more and more alcohol to get to where I needed to be. This was the same with meth. After ending up in the hospital with alcohol poisoning, I knew that I needed a change. But where to even start? Having two addictions to overcome seemed absolutely impossible until I checked in at Best Rehabs In Arizona.

What are the Health Risks Associated With Meth and Alcohol?

After years of substance abuse, my body was in bad shape. My meth and alcohol use had caused cardiovascular disease, tooth decay, insomnia, and an overall sense of dread on a daily basis. I had wounded my brain and body so much, but I didn’t stop to think about my safety or my well-being.

Long-term meth and alcohol abuse will lead you to avoid focusing on your health in pretty much every aspect. I lived in a daily cycle of impaired judgment and anxiety. It was intensely distressing and scary to think of the reality of where I was at. That’s why people continue to abuse drugs for so long. Eventually, you forgot about everything but the drug.

Meth users like myself will usually deal with hallucinations and paralyzing anxiety. A drug like crystal meth will keep you awake for days on end. Because of this, you begin dreaming while you are awake. You lose touch with reality, and you think everybody is out to get you. You think people are following you, trying to kill you. Is this any way to live? When you are deep into an alcohol and Tina addiction, you don’t know any other way.

Help Is Always There When You Need It

When I began my recovery journey, my drug abuse was at an all-time high. Mixing meth and alcohol, as well as any other substances I could get my hands on had left me a fragile being. My substance abuse had tricked me into thinking I couldn’t get better, but I knew of people who had done well in addiction treatment, so I was willing to give it a try.

There are a lot more treatment options out there than one would expect when they first enter recovery. There are dual-diagnosis treatment programs that focus on individuals who have multiple addictions, as well as mental health problems. It was a huge relief to know that I could use the same tools to deal with my crystal meth addiction as well as my alcoholism. I just had to get through the withdrawal symptoms first before I could get to work.

My withdrawal was uncomfortable, but the good people at Best Rehabs In Arizona made it as easy as possible for me to come out on the other side. I was dealing with my alcohol withdrawal and meth withdrawal at the same time, which caused a great deal of physical and emotional pain.

The stimulating effects of these drugs were no longer there to comfort me. I had to get through it without them, and this planted the seed in my brain that I didn’t need these drugs to live my life. The intense discomfort was tough, but I knew I was doing the right thing. The negative effects of the withdrawal were worth it.

Is Lasting Recovery From Meth and Alcohol Possible?

When you enter the world of recovery, you have a lot of work to do. I knew that a treatment provider alone wasn’t going to keep me sober. It was going to take a lot of therapy and group counseling, which I embraced immediately. There are a lot of people in recovery who are still struggling on a daily basis. In order to seek the peace of mind needed to stay clean, you must actively engage in recovery and make it a top priority in your life.

It’s encouraging to me to talk to others in recovery, and learn about the tips and tricks they use in order to stay on the right path. I know there is always a risk of relapse, but if I stay one step ahead and keep my eyes on the prize, I can navigate through recovery in a positive way.

I am doing a lot of my own addiction research and trying to learn as much as I can in order to help others and perhaps work in addiction treatment someday. I want to help others the way that I was helped. I know what methamphetamine users go through. I know what it’s like to be an alcoholic with no hope. I’ve got a lot of great people around me who inspire me to be the change in the world that I want to see.

Reaching Out for the Help with Drug Abuse and Relapse

You can go to multiple treatment centers, get sober, relapse, and get sober again. The only way to truly achieve lasting recovery is to practice it every day. You need to connect with others and be a positive force in the world. I can’t influence anyone to get clean, but I can help plant the seed.

I can give my own personal experience, which is that Best Rehabs In Arizona is a facility that has worked wonders for so many people. I can use my knowledge and experience with someone who was in the same situation I was in during my addiction. That’s what keeps me going.

If you want a little help in keeping going, why not reach out to them today and see what options they can give you and your family? It can make all the difference to know someone’s supporting you every step of the way in getting clean!

February 20, 2023February 28, 2023

Meth Sores

The Effect of Crystal Meth on a Person’s Health

My drug abuse finally caught up with me after over a decade of meth use. I was nearly dead when I arrived at Best Rehabs In Arizona to begin my recovery process. Luckily in my case, I was able to beat my meth addiction and live a normal life again.

Recovery is possible for anyone who is willing to make it work. Read more to find out how to make it work for you or someone you love. The effects of substance abuse are crippling, particularly with a drug like meth.

I began using crystal meth when I was in my early twenties and used it regularly for 12 years. One of the most obvious signs of my abuse was my meth sores. Meth is a drug that creates a lot of mental and physical symptoms. The more you use meth, the easier it is to develop meth sores.

Keep reading to find out more about meth sores, meth mites, and how to get help if you or a loved one are struggling with meth now!

What Are Meth Mites?

Meth does a lot of damage to a person’s skin, and meth sores can take on a variety of appearances. Meth sores, meth mites, and meth mouth are all easy ways to tell if someone is dealing with a meth addiction. I’ve suffered from all of these conditions, so I am well aware of how to spot when a person’s body has been affected by meth abuse.

Meth use disorder damages your entire body, and the signs of meth use present themselves very clearly. Meth sores form for a variety of reasons, and can typically happen in people who use meth long-term. One common occurrence is meth mites. When you engage in meth use long enough, it can cause extreme paranoia and hallucinations.

You get a crawling sensation that feels like you have bugs running around under your skin. This can cause the user to pick at the skin in order to try and get rid of these imaginary bugs. For someone who hasn’t used meth, this sounds like a living nightmare and it absolutely is.

What Does Meth Do To Your Mind?

When I would smoke crystal meth, I would stay awake for days on end. when you suffer from sleep deprivation, you actually begin to dream while you are awake. Consistent meth use can cause users to stay awake for weeks at a time.

This is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation. The body needs sleep to stay regular. Sleep deprivation can lead to a weakened immune system, minor infections, and poor blood flow.

Usually, when you are in the middle of a meth addiction, you aren’t going to seek medical treatment for these issues. Consistent meth abuse will only make the skin-picking and meth mites continue.

Other Forms Of Meth Sores

Meth mites aren’t the only way that one can develop meth sores. If you smoke crystal meth, the heat from the pipe can cause burns around your mouth. These types of meth sores typically don’t heal very quickly, particularly for meth users who smoke it on a regular basis.

When I was abusing meth, my lips were in a constant state of being cracked and burned. I also suffered from meth mouth, which is a result of the damage done to your teeth and gums caused by long-term meth use. Cold sores were another common form of meth sore for me.

Meth and Your Skin

Unhealthy skin is a common trait among meth users as well. Meth users tend to sweat at a higher rate, and because meth is water-soluble, it comes out through your pores. This irritates the skin and can be another cause of meth sores. Since meth causes poor blood flow, it makes the blood vessels contract, which can lead to dry, scaly patches on the skin.

When you abuse meth, your personal hygiene suffers as well. On top of al the other things that can lead to meth sores, having poor hygiene makes it even worse. The only thing I was concerned about was getting high, so I would never treat meth sores. I had poor hygiene on a consistent basis. It’s impossible to lead a healthy and satisfying life when you engage in this kind of drug abuse.

Health Problems Associated With Methamphetamine

Beyond meth sores and skin infections, meth can do a lot of unseen damage to the body. If you have open sores on your body, which many meth users do, it can be easier to develop infections. Some people who use meth use it intravenously, which can be another cause of meth sores. Sharing needles also increases the likelihood of contracting infections such as HIV.

I lost a lot of my teeth as a result of my meth mouth, and after several very painful surgeries, I was able to save some of them. Most of my teeth are fake now. Mouth sores and damaged gums can lead to oral infections. Such infections can be very damaging and lead to a multitude of other oral issues, and these infections can spread to other parts of the body.

For some, the withdrawal symptoms from meth can be very scary. In order for your body to heal and begin to go back to normal, you have to deal with these symptoms and do your best to push through the discomfort. Withdrawal symptoms from meth include chills, intense cravings, depression, anxiety, and fatigue to name a few.

Getting Treatment For Meth Addiction

After over a decade of dealing with paranoia, hallucinations, meth bugs, and constant meth sores, I finally reached a point where I needed to try and get help. I wanted to live a healthy lifestyle, but I had no idea what that looked like. People who use meth long enough start to lose their grip on reality. You can’t imagine not using the drug. The concept of sobriety is totally foreign.

Going through my initial meth detox was the most uncomfortable feeling I can remember. Even with all of the physical issues I had during my methamphetamine abuse, the detox felt worse. After several days going through detox, I was finally able to come out on the other end of my meth withdrawal. Because meth is such a highly addictive drug, your mental health takes a big hit as a result of your addiction.

When someone stops abusing meth, it takes the brain a long time to recover. You are wired to need the drug at all times, and you have to retrain your mind in a variety of different ways. Even though I have been clean for a few years, I still seek professional treatment and put a high priority on my mental health.

Recovering From Meth Abuse Through Support Groups

Your meth sores will eventually heal, but there is long-term healing to be done in order to completely overcome methamphetamine use. The best way to approach recovery is to go all in. Being addicted to meth not only hurts you, but it can tear your family apart as well. When a loved one would address their concerns regarding my methamphetamine use, I wouldn’t listen. I did a lot of damage to the people I love because of my addiction.

I have learned to forgive myself for the way that I became, but it took a lot of behavioral therapy and constant self-awareness. I know the health risks and what stimulant abuse can lead to. Even though I am aware of the dangers, I am still not above relapsing.

The Importance of Sober Support and Social Connections

The support group I am a part of gives me a lot of comfort and hope. I’ve met a lot of wonderful individuals through recovery, and I try to help them stay clean the same way they do it for me.

The risk of relapse is always there, but it’s not something that I allow to control me. My overall health is much better these days, and I will do whatever I have to do to not face the meth sores and the open wounds. My sobriety is the most important thing in my life, and I will do whatever I need to do to protect it. That’s what it takes.

Finding Your Path to Recovery from Meth

For anyone who is struggling to overcome meth, issues with meth sores may actually help you decide to get treatment. I know for me it became important to be able to look in the mirror and recognize myself once again. Best Rehabs In Arizona played a huge role in making this happen.

If you or a loved one also needs a change from a meth-fueled lifestyle, consider giving a call to Best Rehabs In Arizona for a confidential chat. I know it was one of the best calls I ever made, and it can be for you as well!

April 5, 2022September 19, 2022

Ice Cream Drug and Meth Slang Terms

The mindset of “my child would never use drugs” or “those types of drugs aren’t a problem in my town” are outdated assumptions that currently don’t even have a sliver of truth to them. There was a period in American culture when certain substances hadn’t permeated the fabric of tight-knit communities.

Currently, the opioid and methamphetamine epidemics have spread out to affect nearly every American family in some way. If any of your loved ones – specifically your kids – were struggling with substance abuse or even just dabbling, would you be able to identify the presence of drugs in their lives?

You’re vigilant enough to notice any physical indicators that could signal any drug use if you’re lucky. Unfortunately, physical signs may not manifest until later stages of abuse.

There may even be people you suspect your loved ones are using drugs with. Some family members will attempt to pick up on signals from conversations they have in person and on the phone.

However, it’s possible they could be speaking about drug use right in front of you, and you may not even know it.

Ice Cream and the Many Slang Terms for Meth

One way to tell if your loved ones could possibly be suffering from substance abuse issues is by listening to certain words in their dialogue. Meth has multiple slang terms individuals use to hide the fact that they’re actually talking about drugs.

One of the most commonly used phrases for meth is “crystal,” which is short for crystal meth. This name is used because of the distinct crystalline form the drug commonly comes in. Later, the drug community would adopt the nickname “crank” because of its effects on the user.

If you suspect meth use from someone you care about, the following terms should raise a red flag:

Tina
Christina
Christie
Go-Fast
Go-Go Juice
Chicken Feed
Poop
Trash
Glass
Ice

If you hear any of those terms used frequently, especially around characters you may already be suspicious of, it should be a huge red flag. Identifying the signs of meth use is vital for avoiding long-term abuse and the side effects that come with it. The rising purity of the ice cream drug in the US is causing the rapid deterioration of mental health in large populations across the country.

The Rising Purity of the Ice Cream Drug In the US

Before sometime around 2006 or 2007, most of the meth available on the market was produced using ephedrine, a common ingredient found in cough medications. However, after a crackdown on clandestine labs throughout the United States in the early 2000s, obtaining ephedrine in large quantities became all but impossible – even in Mexico.

Manufacturers of the drug began using a recipe known as the “P2P method.” This particular recipe uses phenyl-2-propanone, aluminum, methylamine, and mercuric chloride instead of the ephedrine.

Mostly used during the 1970s and early 80s by outlaw biker gangs, this method took a backseat to ephedrine-based production because of the latter’s use of fewer harmful chemicals. However, after the ephedrine crackdown, manufacturers realized the precursors needed to cook P2P meth were much easier to obtain – and in massive quantities.

The Spread of Super Meth in America

This method is what has led to the explosion in meth abuse we’re currently witnessing alongside the opioid epidemic. Mexican “super labs” are producing extremely large quantities of the drug – often tons at a time, in older, abandoned warehouses in cities near the United States border.

The surfacing of a high number of operations of this scale led to the price of meth bottoming out. Pounds are currently available for $1,000 in some states– a stark contrast to prices of the early 2000s when a pound of meth could fetch up to $10,000.

With super labs producing meth at record quantities and prices at rock bottom, competing cartels had only one choice to gain the upper hand – increase the purity. A great deal of the meth currently available on the United States black market is over 98% pure.

This is causing two huge issues. The first is the fact that meth produced using the P2P method causes more intense psychological side effects much faster than other variations. Drug-induced psychosis can set in in a matter of weeks instead of months or years and linger longer even after treatment.

The second challenge is relatively new territory for law enforcement and medical professionals. Overdose cases because of meth are also at an all-time high, presenting a fresh set of challenges for emergency workers.

Can You Overdose from the Ice Cream Drug?

It was rare to hear about overdoses related to meth in the past. Unfortunately, the tragic spike in deaths related to meth overdose has been overshadowed by the numbers associated with fentanyl.

In 2020, over 93,000 people died as a result of a fentanyl overdose. However, from 2015 to 2019, deaths associated with meth overdose quietly tripled in the background.

The numbers rose from 5,526 to a staggering 15,489 – a 180% increase. It’s worth noting that an uptick in overdose deaths would normally correlate with an increase in the number of users around the same percentage.

Surprisingly, the number of active meth users only rose 43% during the same amount of time. A situation resulting in a 180% increase in toxicity deaths and only a 43% increase in active users points only to one factor – a deadly spike in the purity of the drug or a change in the recipe that’s causing the wave of deaths.

While evidence points to the former being the culprit and not the latter, it still piques one’s curiosity. How is the ice cream drug made now compared to a decade ago?

How Is the Ice Cream Drug Made?

Overall, three primary methods exist for manufacturing methamphetamine. These three methods are known as the following:

Red Phosphorous Method. This was the primary method used throughout the 1990s and early 2000s before the current method took over.
Birch Method. The birch method, otherwise known as the Nazi method or Shake and Bake, is a cruder form commonly found in smaller, clandestine backyard labs across the United States.
The P2P Method. The P2P, or Amalgam Method, is the process most heavily used in Mexican super labs. Most of the batches that end up in the hands of users today are made using this method.

Let’s examine each method in greater detail.

Red Phosphorous Method

The red phosphorous method is known for using ephedrine as the primary ingredient. Meth created using this method is known for a high that produces euphoric, energetic effects as opposed to the paranoia-inducing P2P method. Ingredients used for this method include the following:

Hydriodic acid
Hydrochloric (muriatic) acid
Sulfuric acid
Sodium hydroxide (lye)
Sodium chloride (salt)
Red phosphorous
Iodine
Isopropyl alcohol
Ethyl alcohol (ethanol)
Methyl alcohol (methanol)
Ephedrine
Pseudoephedrine

The Birch Method

The birch method, better known among meth users as shake and bake, is a process that involves hardly any lab equipment. Normally, this method is produced using one container or pot instead of a series of glass tubes and beakers. Because of the simplicity of its production, this is the method most commonly found in clandestine labs for private use across the United States. Common ingredients for this process include:

Anhydrous ammonia
Lithium metal
Sodium metal
Isopropyl alcohol
Ethyl alcohol (ethanol)
Methyl alcohol (methanol)
Hydrogen chloride gas
Hydrochloric (muriatic) acid
Sulfuric acid
Sodium chloride (salt)
Toluene
Naptha (Coleman Fuel)
Methyl ethyl ketone
Ephedrine

P2P Method

The P2P method is currently the method being used in the Mexican super labs south of the border. The problem with this method is the fact that it contains d-methamphetamine and l-methamphetamine isomers. D-methamphetamine causes the intoxicating effects that users crave from abusing meth. However, l-methamphetamine causes the negative mental side effects so often seen in current meth users.

Phenyl-2-propanone (P2P)
Methylamine
Mercuric chloride
Aluminum, hydrochloric acid
Isopropyl alcohol
Methanol, ethanol
Acetone
Benzene
Chloroform

Because of the quickly deteriorating mental capacity of current meth users, it may be easier to identify the warning signs of abuse.

What Are the Warning Signs of Ice Cream Use?

In the past, it seemed that the warning signs of meth abuse were often physical as opposed to mental. While physical warning signs are still present, red flags may exist more in the form of mental symptoms. Some of the most common indicators present in users are listed below:

Paranoia, or a belief that someone is chasing them
Withdrawn from society, family, and friends
Violent changes in mood swings
Aggressive or violent tendencies or periods of rage
Enlarged pupils
Staying up for extended periods
Long periods of sleep
Engaging in ideas or beliefs that don’t make sense
Difficulty staying focused on one task
Becoming ultra-disorganized

Individuals who abuse meth engage in a behavior known as tweaking. They will remain hyper-focused on one activity, possibly participating in this activity for hours. However, when they get distracted, they’ll leave these projects, often unfinished, to move on to the next. This false belief that they’re accomplishing more leaves behind multiple unfinished tasks and projects.

Physical Side Effects of the Ice Cream Drug

Even though mental indicators may be more prevalent initially, this doesn’t exclude the possibility of physical side effects. Eventually, most everyone who suffers from meth abuse disorder will begin to manifest the physical signs of use. These signs include:

Rapid weight loss
Dark circles under the eyes
Dry mouth
Cracked, dry lips
Dehydration
Rapid heartbeat
Spikes in blood pressure

Most of these symptoms are associated with the effects of short-term use. However, most of these physical side effects of the ice cream drug will increase in severity with long-term use.

There isn’t one guaranteed set of effects that users that long-term users are guaranteed to experience. The intensity of most of these effects heavily depends on the amount used, frequency of use, and any pre-existing conditions or accompanying addictions the user has.

What Are the Long Term Side Effects of Ice Cream Abuse?

Many long-term effects exist for individuals who suffer from meth abuse disorder. Again, many of the worst side effects will be mental because of the current manufacturing process. However, extended use will eventually lead to potential life-threatening physical challenges.

Mental

Meth-induced psychosis
Difficulty concentrating
Memory loss
Loss of cognitive abilities
Difficulty maintaining relationships

Many of the long-term mental effects are repairable after extended periods of recovery. What are some of the long-term physical side effects?

Physical

Extreme weight loss
Loss of teeth
Long-term blood pressure and heart issues
High risk of heart attack and stroke
Heart disease

Again, it’s possible to overcome the physical side effects after long-term recovery.

Methods of Treatment for Meth or “Ice Cream” Dependence

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for individuals who suffer from meth abuse disorder. However, through assessments and one-on-one interviews with mental health professionals, clients can form a personalized treatment plan that includes the most effective forms of therapy.

Some of the most commonly used forms of treatment for meth abuse disorder include:

Talk therapy and one-on-one counseling with therapists
Cognitive-behavioral therapy. This form of treatment helps clients replace negative behaviors associated with meth abuse with more positive behavior habits.
Dual-diagnosis treatment aims to remedy underlying mental conditions that exist as a trigger for meth abuse disorder.
Group recovery meetings similar to 12-step programs are effective after inpatient or outpatient treatment.
Group therapy with family members and loved ones also significantly affects a positive recovery.

One of the most critical steps in the recovery process is actually finding help for a loved one using methamphetamines. With the right support system and the will to recover, individuals who suffer from meth abuse disorder have a good chance at lasting recovery.

Is Lasting Recovery from the ‘Ice Cream drug’ Possible?

At Best Rehabs In Arizonas in both Colorado and Arizona, we pride ourselves on having a staff who believes in long-term recovery and is experienced in helping clients achieve it. We start with a quality, accredited medically supervised detox process that segues into a top-notch inpatient treatment stay.

Clients have regular access to therapy sessions with top-rated mental health and substance abuse specialists. We even have five-star chefs preparing meals for clients – nutrition is a huge part of recovery as well!

If you’re ready for a robust treatment program that attacks abuse disorders from every angle, contact a member of our admissions team today!

July 18, 2021July 23, 2022

What is Meth Mouth?

Meth Mouth

Many people are surprised to find that bad breath is a common consequence of drug abuse. We talk extensively about the physical and mental health impairments related to drug abuse. But these are not the only impairments that we have to worry about.

Oral problems, including bad breath, are particularly common among meth users. Users call this meth mouth. Meth mouth is characterized by damage in and around the mouth, to the teeth and gums, and the lips.

What Causes Meth Mouth?

Meth mouth occurs for several different reasons. Neglected oral hygiene is one of the most common. Drugs as powerful as meth can make you forgetful, sleepy, and distracted. It is unlikely that someone on meth will remember to properly take care of themselves.

In addition to a poor diet and a lack of exercise and proper hydration, the oral hygiene habits of drug users often suffer. It is easy to forget to regularly floss and brush your teeth when you are under the influence of an overwhelming substance.

Meth also causes dry mouth, a significant contributor to developing cavities and eroding gums. It is acidic, which damages the teeth more directly. And it can make you crave sugar and grind or clench your teeth.

These are the primary drivers of meth mouth: poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, acidic erosion, sugar cravings, grinding and clenching your teeth. The symptoms of meth mouth can be a source of insecurity, discomfort, or even pain.

Meth and Bad Breath

Bad breath in meth users is caused by dry mouth and poor oral hygiene. But bad breath is only the start of meth mouth. What’s more concerning are the side effects that come next. These side effects can be mild to severe, depending on the level of use and other individual factors.

They can also occur both inside and outside of the mouth. Damage to the lips, tongue, cheeks, and gums is common. It is not just your breath or your teeth that suffer when you use meth. There is no safe way to use meth. Using meth will always put your oral, mental, and physical health at risk.

Other Symptoms of Meth Mouth

Dry or cracked lips, damaged gums, tooth decay, cavities, and missing teeth are all common among meth users. In one study, medical professionals examined the mouths of 571 meth users. They found that nearly everyone in the study had poor oral health.

Among them, the three most common oral health impairments were cavities (present in 96% of participants), untreated tooth decay (58%), and at least six missing teeth (31%). Meth mouth is often one of the most apparent physical changes that occur when a person uses meth.

Dentists often characterize meth mouth by the presence of severe tooth decay and gum disease. This combination often causes teeth to break, blacken, rot, crumble, or fall out. Lesions are also typical among meth users.

These side effects are often apparent from the outside. Meth users often experience alterations to their facial features, as well as skin damage. The sunken look that accompanies meth use is one of the most obvious signs of trouble.

How Common is Meth Use?

Methamphetamine is a Schedule II drug. This means that it is too dangerous for medical use and has a high potential for abuse and severe dependence. But this classification has done little to curb meth use over the years.

In 2017, roughly 1.6 million people reported using meth in the past year. Most users tried meth after becoming addicted to prescription opioids. One study confirmed that this connection was present in 80% of participants.

Other Side Effects of Meth Use

Learning about the effects of meth is an important step in keeping ourselves and each other safe. Meth mouth is a common and concerning condition among users. But there are other side effects that you should also be aware of.

Aside from meth mouth, some of the most common side effects of meth use include:

Weight loss
Body tremors
Increased or irregular heartbeats
Confusion
Paranoia
Hyperactivity
Insomnia
Anger
Anxiety

These side effects can vary depending on many individual factors. The method of use, frequency, mental health, and medical history of the user are some of the most impactful. Some side effects are specific to certain methods of drug abuse.

For example, injecting meth comes with the additional risks of collapsed veins, infections at the injection site, and HIV from shared needles. Snorting meth can damage the nasal cavity and sinuses, causing issues like loss of smell and painful nosebleeds.

Over time, more troubling side effects become more likely. These include potentially fatal health problems, like central nervous system damage, seizures, strokes, heart attacks, and overdoses. But you do not have to live in constant fear of the impacts of your meth use. Help is available.

How to Prevent Meth Mouth

Preventing meth mouth comes down to altering your habits. There is no foolproof way to prevent meth mouth while you continue to use meth. These oral health impairments will always be linked to meth use, and they will only get worse the longer the abuse goes on.

If you have already stopped using meth and want to prevent further damage, there are a few changes you can make. Building a healthier oral hygiene routine, staying properly hydrated, eating nutritious meals, avoiding excessive amounts of sugar, and checking in with your dentist are all good ideas.

Treatment for Meth Mouth

Treatment for meth mouth can help reverse or improve the damage done. But meth addiction treatments should come first. After all, there is no point in improving your oral health without improving your habits.

Once you have stopped using meth and developed a healthier routine, your dentist can help you determine which treatments will make the biggest difference. Depending on the level of damage, it may be as simple as brushing with a certain toothpaste, using a prescription mouthwash, avoiding sugar, drinking more water, and eating healthier meals.

But for long-term users or users ingesting high volumes of meth, there may be more damage than can be undone with such simple changes. Our medical staff can help you analyze your options and find the right dental care provider. They will guide you from there.

Getting Help for Meth Addiction

Recognizing that you need help is the first step in addiction recovery. Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant. No one expects you to overcome it on your own. At Best Rehabs In Arizona, we understand how difficult it is to break the chains of addiction, and we are here to show you the way.

At each step in your recovery journey, you will have access to the expert-level care, support, and guidance that you need. We will help you break down the barriers between this life and a healthy, happy, sober one. We will help you find a way to live that doesn’t involve meth or its many potential consequences.

If you or someone you love needs help overcoming meth addiction, you have come to the right place. At Best Rehabs In Arizona, we believe in high-level, holistic, and personalized treatment programs. Call our addiction counselors at 866-576-4892 to get started building yours.