Methamphetamine use produces an intense and pleasurable rush. However, some of the long-term effects of meth use are the severe and lasting changes to both physical appearance and bodily function that it causes. A person struggling with the drug will likely experience many physical changes and have a different appearance from meth.
At BlueCrest Recovery, we know how dangerous meth use can be, including the physical toll it can take on your body. Our rehab programs exist to help individuals overcome the devastating effects of substance use disorder. If you or a loved one struggle with meth use or any other substance, it’s time to find help. Learn more about our meth rehab center and how our 12-step focus promotes a lifetime of recovery by calling 888.292.9652 today.
What Makes up Meth?
Several highly toxic ingredients are used in meth manufacturing to provide the intense high that it offers. Each ingredient is toxic on its own, but when they’re combined, they have been found to cause the body’s cells to age and die at an abnormal rate. Some of the more common ingredients found in meth include:
- Toluene
- Hydrochloric acid
- Acetone
- Lye
- Lighter fluid
- Antifreeze
- Red phosphorous
The above products, and several others, are largely responsible for the severe physical changes seen in users.
Meth Causes Facial Changes
Meth’s corrosive properties cause users to have an aged and worn look. Common facial characteristics seen in meth users include dry and sagging skin, open sores, severe acne, and paleness. All of these can be seen in a campaign called “The Faces of Meth,” which shows the drastic and startling facial changes in users before and after becoming addicted to the drug.
The open sores so common in meth users are due to delusions of parasitosis, a condition in which the user experiences a crawling sensation under or on the surface of the skin and feels compelled to scratch and pick their skin to remove these “meth bugs,” causing open sores to form.
A changed appearance from meth isn’t the only thing to cause worry. Leaving open sores untreated can lead to infection and cause other secondary infections to develop.
Common Dental Changes Stemming from Meth
Meth use also causes extreme tooth decay because use causes the blood vessels to shrink, which reduces blood supply to the mouth. This causes salivary glands to stop working, and they can no longer serve their purpose of controlling acid content on the surface of teeth. Without saliva, acid is free to eat away at tooth enamel to cause cavities, and it also corrodes the gums. The changes in smile appearance from meth are progressive.
“Meth mouth” becomes even more severe when a user begins compulsively grinding their teeth, a common behavior when high on the drug. Continued neglect of the teeth by not brushing or flossing also worsens the condition and, in most cases, causes irreparable damage.
Meth Leads to Unhealthy Weight Loss
Weight loss is another visible effect of meth use, and it can be a reason why individuals begin using in the first place. However, continued meth use causes the body to use its fat reserves and muscles to stay alive. When this happens, a user can look several years older than they actually are after only a couple of years of use.
You Can Overcome Meth Addiction at BlueCrest Recovery
Trying to recover from meth addiction on your own is very stressful and dangerous for your body. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, meth addiction treatment from BlueCrest Recovery Center can help. Our New Jersey rehab program offers safe treatment for withdrawal symptoms and employs the holistic treatment of mind, body, and spirit. Start reclaiming your life today.
Don’t wait any longer to turn your life around. Recovery starts the moment you commit to a better future. Call 888.292.9652 or contact us online using our secure form now to get started in our NJ center.