Meth: Facial and Mental Damage

The most visible effect of meth use is physical ones. Those who are long-term users of meth can experience a variety of uncomfortable physical changes. These changes can affect the skin, mouth, and body. 

Skin 

Changes to the skin are just one of the physical changes that occur. The texture of the skin may become leathery and gray. Acne can show up or worsen. Additionally, an increase in sweating may occur. 

Meth can cause intense itching. As a result, compulsive skin picking can occur. Itching and picking can cause sores, ulcers, and scarring. Skin picking can also be a result of a hallucination of bugs crawling underneath the skin. These are sometimes known as “meth bugs.” 

How Can I Heal My Skin from Meth Use? 

The best step that someone can to heal the skin is to seek addiction treatment. Seeking help will not only prevent the condition of the skin from getting worse, but it will help individuals to be in control of their life. Also, they start a life free from addiction. Furthermore, if the skin is not infected, steps can be taken to heal the wound. Cleaning and protecting the wound with a bandage is the first step. Then, care must be taken to prevent the wound from exposure to picking, scratching, or rubbing. However, if a sore is not healing or an infection occurs, medical attention may be necessary. Most importantly, not using meth is critical in the healing process of the skin. 

Mouth 

Also, users may experience severe tooth decay and gum disease. This decay often results in teeth breaking or falling out. It is often known as “Meth Mouth.” These dental problems can be from poor dental hygiene and diet and the chemicals in meth. Likewise, it can also be from teeth grinding and dry mouth. The teeth of those with an addiction to meth look stained, blackened, rotten, and falling apart. In most cases, teeth cannot be saved and end up needing removal altogether. Fortunately, you can restore a smile with damage from methamphetamine use.

How Can I Fix My Teeth from Meth Addiction? 

Once again, the first step a person experiencing meth-related dental damage should take to get healthier is finding help for their addiction. Getting treatment improves their life as well as stop further dental damage. After an individual is pursuing recovery, a dentist can help decide how to fix their smile. Luckily, any smile can be restored no matter how much damage the teeth have currently sustain. For instance, there are many options to fix stained or missing teeth, such as veneers, implants, and dentures. Finding a dentist and discussing goals with them will help immensely in restoring confidence in your smile. 

Body 

Methamphetamine causes a decreased appetite which allows users to go long periods without eating anything. Due to this, significant weight loss can occur in long-term users. Malnutrition cause individuals to look extremely thin and almost skeletal. Unfortunately, the combination of these physical effects may cause users to look much older than they are. 

In addition, as individuals increase the use of meth, these physical consequences become more obvious to the user and others. The results can further damage how the meth user feels about themselves. Thankfully, methamphetamine users can halt these physical effects when they decide to discontinue the use of methamphetamine. Those who pursue treatment and recovery from their meth will have the ability to stop these physical issues from getting worse.

Finally, do not let someone you care for suffer the effects themselves. Call us today, and we will help you get them the help they deserve. Let’s start a new journey to a happier and healthier life together.