Meth is a massively destructive drug, both to the body and mind. With prolonged enough use, meth can alter a person’s physique and behavior. Because of how vital stopping crystal meth abuse early can be, knowing the signs of use can be invaluable to friends or family of a meth user.

At Footprints Beachside Recovery, we can help stop the progression of meth-induced health complications before they become any worse. Combatting a meth addiction takes the combined determination and commitment of clients and our specialists. We implement therapy strategies proven to work and rooted firmly in evidence. Call us at 727-954-3908 to learn more about us and how our meth addiction treatment program in Florida can help. You can rescue yourself or a loved one from the long-term effects of crystal meth abuse. You can even save a life.

The Dangers of Meth Addiction

Methamphetamine is a stimulant. Stimulants are designed to excite the brain and elevate mood or energy. Meth increases the amount of dopamine, a brain chemical that helps regulate mood and reward-seeking behavior. The body quickly becomes accustomed to increased dopamine levels. As the brain adjusts to this influx of pleasure, it produces less dopamine naturally. This can lead to a decrease in natural pleasure-seeking behavior and an overall decrease in motivation.

Additionally, long-term meth use can lead to severe physical and cognitive issues. Meth usage can result in apparent behavioral or physical differences or other problems that can go undetected for years. Examples of these include:

• Changes to the brain resulting in memory loss or confusion
• Poor coordination
• Mood changes, volatility
• Violent outbursts
• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations

Any of these can have a significant impact on the user’s life and, in some cases, their environment as well. Long-term meth use has also been linked to organ damage, including heart, kidney, and lung problems. If you have a loved one struggling with meth addiction, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible.

Spotting the Signs of Meth Abuse

There are several ways to tell if meth is being used. The first and most apparent is the possession of meth—methamphetamines do have rare medicinal uses, but clients will never walk home with a meth prescription. If someone owns meth in any capacity, they either plan on using it or distributing it.

The most infamous indicator of meth use, though, is the appearance of physical deformations that are a result of its use. Most meth users who have been using for months to a year will start to show some signs almost exclusive to meth use:

• Skin will have an aged appearance
• Dental health will plummet as a result of diminished saliva production
• Sores may form all over the body

In isolation, any of these can be caused by other factors, including genetic ones. The point is crystal meth abuse will often result in a pattern of these signs rather than just one. It’s this pattern that people should be seeking to identify in those they suspect may be using meth in secret.

Begin Crystal Meth Abuse Treatment at Footprints Beachside Recovery

Crystal meth abuse is leagues easier to start than it is to stop. Additionally, putting an end to addictive behavior only gets more complex with time. It’s crucial to quickly get the people you care most about treatment for substance use disorder before its effects become irreversible.

At Footprints Beachside Recovery, our commitment is to help those in need of help in overcoming meth addiction with different therapeutic approaches and resources. Contact us today at 727-954-3908 for questions about admissions and how to begin recovery at our treatment center in Treasure Island, Florida.