Signs and Symptoms of Methamphetamine Abuse

Methamphetamine is a substance that has a high potential for addiction. While you may have begun your recovery journey from the use of this substance, you may not be fully aware of the signs and symptoms of methamphetamine abuse. 

If you have not had prior experience with this substance, being aware of these factors may help you from potentially acquiring this form of addiction in the future. You can also use this knowledge to help watch for signs and symptoms of methamphetamine abuse in others.

What Is Methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine is a form of amphetamine, which is a stimulant drug. It typically takes a glass-like appearance in a white color, sometimes obtaining a bluish tint. 

Amphetamines are commonly used in pharmaceutical settings to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, methamphetamine is a form of this that is stronger and more addictive. This substance can be used by snorting, smoking, or injecting the product. When taken, the dopamine system within your body is activated for a short period, inducing high feelings of pleasure.

The use of methamphetamines can lead to high levels of paranoia, psychosis, anxiety, fatigue, or other negative effects. This substance is highly addictive, as you may need continued use to keep your energy levels up to a normal level. 

There are many long-term effects to be cautious of with the use of this substance. However, acquiring healthy coping mechanisms and ways to refrain from the use of this substance early on in recovery can help set you up for success through your time at our sober living home. 

Signs and Symptoms

Abusing methamphetamines can have many physical and psychological effects. It can be easy to use this substance for a short period and dismiss the potential signs of abuse, but these signs may arise quickly. Reviewing these signs and symptoms can help improve your ability to recognize methamphetamine abuse within yourself or your loved ones.

Psychological Effects

The psychological effects of methamphetamine abuse include the following:

• Loss of concentration
• Inability to organize information
• Confusion
• Paranoia
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Mood Swings
• Irritability
• Feelings of anger
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Feelings of panic
• Reckless behaviors
• Tactile or auditory hallucinations
• Suicidal thoughts
• Violent behaviors
• Impulsivity
• Memory loss

Physical Effects

The physical effects of methamphetamine abuse include the following:

• Tremors
• Weakness
• Dry mouth
• Weight loss
• Malnutrition
• Oily skin
• Increased amount of sweating
• Skin sores
• Headaches
• Teeth grinding
• Decreased saliva
• Decreased blood flow to the mouth
• Decline in gum and teeth health
• Seizures
• Irregular heartbeat
• Cardiovascular problems
• Kidney failure
• Liver failure
• Uncontrollable movements, often known as “tweaking”
• Skin infections

Individuals who are dealing with methamphetamine abuse may not experience all of these symptoms. However, many are common. If you notice any of these signs within yourself or a loved one, they may be dealing with methamphetamine addiction. Prolonged abuse can increase the potential of encountering more of these side effects. Many of these symptoms can still occur after one use but may worsen over time.

Analyzing Symptoms

We have listed many of the symptoms that are present with methamphetamine abuse. However, by analyzing them, we can go into more detail on how some of these symptoms come into play. 

Understanding the depth of these symptoms can help you gain the skills to recognize the use of methamphetamines in others. You can also spread your self-awareness of the potential dangers involved with your personal use of the substance, encouraging you to stay on track with your sobriety in sober living.

Paranoia

Experiencing high levels of paranoia is extremely common with prolonged abuse of methamphetamine. This often occurs while an individual is high on the substance but can continue after the high is over. 

When paranoia occurs, individuals can feel an unreasonable sense of danger. They may begin to see things or hear people that are not there. Many individuals tend to engage in aggressive behavior out of a form of protection for themselves. However, this aggression is unnecessary.

Paranoia and forms of psychosis occur from an imbalance in brain activity. High amounts of dopamine are released, leading to alterations in mood and thought processes. This substance reacts with parts of the brain that identify fear and fight or flight responses, increasing the potential of experiencing paranoia and reacting aggressively. 

Paranoia often causes individuals to act irrationally and develop long-term psychosis if not treated properly. It can be difficult to differentiate reality from delusions when feelings of paranoia and psychosis become consistent, affecting overall abilities of proper cognitive functioning.

Loss of Concentration

With the use of methamphetamines, many parts of the central nervous system are damaged. The frontal and prefrontal cortex is highly affected by the use of this substance. Prolonged use can lead to permanent damage. 

These areas of the brain are in charge of impulse control, memory, awareness, concentration, and other aspects of cognitive control. When these are disrupted and damaged, the ability to control these aspects is greatly diminished.

The effects on the frontal and prefrontal cortex affect many of the psychological functions listed above, especially the ability to retain concentration. When these areas are damaged, it can be extremely difficult to focus on a specific task or concentrate on your responsibilities or current surroundings. 

These effects can lead to difficulty in developing coping mechanisms such as mindfulness or meditative practices. This is because the brain is not efficient at being aware of the present moment.

Tremors

When using methamphetamines, tremors typically begin to occur in the hands or fingers. Tremors are involuntary shaking or compulsion of different muscles. These often occur from high levels of stress. 

The mental effects of methamphetamine use often lead to tremors. With prolonged use, the tremors can begin to spread throughout the body, affecting more than just the finger and hands. Some individuals experience extreme tremors throughout their bodies, temporarily disabling their physical functioning.

A significant concern with the presence of tremors is the increased potential of developing Parkinson’s disease. According to the journal Parkinson’s Disease, those who use methamphetamine are at a 165% higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. 

The use of this substance does not always correlate with the onset of Parkinson’s. However, it does increase the potential of this disease coming into play at an early age. Tremors can also disrupt your cardiovascular system, leading to long-term heart damage and potential failure.

Teeth and Gum Health

The use of methamphetamines can cause a significant decline in the health of your teeth and gums. Many individuals refer to this as “meth mouth,” describing the deteriorating state of the teeth and gums after prolonged use. 

Dry mouth and teeth grinding are common side effects of methamphetamine use. Both of these effects, over time, will assist in tooth deterioration. When teeth are affected, it also affects the state of gum health. 

It is also common to experience lesions on the skin with methamphetamine use. This can be present on the lips, potentially spreading forms of infection into the mouth as well, affecting gum health.

During the onset of substance use, individuals tend to crave sugary food items. Without properly caring for the teeth afterward, it is common to experience tooth decay from sugar. Tied with the effects of memory loss or forgetfulness, many individuals go days without brushing their teeth or flossing. 

Continued use of methamphetamines can lead to a lack of care for the mouth and teeth, increasing the potential for gum disease over time. The substance itself is also highly acidic, affecting the health of the mouth as well.

Meth Sores

One of the most common side effects of methamphetamine use is sores commonly found on the chest, arms, face, or lips. Meth sores are open wounds that tend to take an acne-like appearance but with more scabbing present. 

These wounds occur from a weakened immune system, burns from usage, or picking at the skin. A lack of personal hygiene can also play a role in the development of these sores. Once these sores start to present themselves, they can be extremely difficult to get rid of.

Increased sweat development also contributes to these sores developing and worsening over time. Once these sores become infected, the immune system may have a difficult time healing them. The uncomfortable sensations from these sores encourage individuals to pick at them, worsening the infection. 

Some individuals also experience “meth mites.” These are imaginary bugs that present themselves through hallucinations on skin sores, enticing individuals to pick at the skin and get rid of the bugs. This can be extremely problematic as it accentuates the need to pick at the skin and worsen the conditions of these sores.

When methamphetamines are used, blood flow is restricted. With a lack of blood flow through the body, the skin can often become dry and obtain a scaly appearance. Dry skin often breaks and has a greater potential of opening up new wounds, worsening the severity of the sores. It is common to scratch or pick at dry skin, causing abrasion toward the sores that are beginning to form. With prolonged use, these sores can be long-lasting and spread over many parts of the body.

Effects of Methamphetamine on the Brain

When methamphetamines are used, it crosses the blood-brain barrier and is transported to the brain through nerve terminals. Dopamine and other neurotransmitters are released upon use to induce feelings of pleasure. 

This substance tends to disrupt the reuptake process, reducing feelings of pleasure when the substance is no longer present. The lack of neurotransmitters’ regular functioning can cause feelings of paranoia and psychosis with or without the further presence of the substance.

The use of methamphetamine can also trigger a flight or flight mode. Feelings of immediate danger may begin to occur over minor factors, increasing levels of paranoia. It is common to feel high levels of alertness when this substance is taken, but the awareness of potential dangers is often skewed. Long-term use can affect memory and rates of retention when learning new information. These side effects may be permanent. 

Being aware of the potential side effects that can occur from methamphetamine use is extremely important. Many of these symptoms are not regularly discussed and can be easily dismissed. Understanding the long-term health effects that may occur from prolonged use may encourage you to refrain from continuing use or starting the use of this substance initially.

Methamphetamine can be an extremely dangerous substance with prolonged use. Understanding the side effects that may occur can help encourage you to maintain your sobriety and recognize the onset of addiction so you can seek immediate help if needed. There are various psychological and physical side effects to be concerned with regarding the use of methamphetamine. Encountering high levels of paranoia, skin sores, a decline in teeth and gum health, tremors, and loss of cognitive functioning and concentration are some of the most common concerns involved with the use of this substance. To learn more about the signs and symptoms of methamphetamine abuse, reach out to Real Recovery Sober Living at (727) 290-9156.