Content medically reviewed by Vicky Magobet, PMHNP-BC, on November 12, 2021.
Methamphetamine, also called meth, is an addiction-causing stimulant that puts significant strain on the inside and outside of the body. Meth boosts dopamine levels in the brain, creating a temporary high that is extremely addictive. To achieve the same euphoric state, users often risk their health and safety to get more drugs.
All forms of meth, including crystal, powdered and liquid, cause life-threatening side effects. One of the most stigmatizing signs of meth use is intense itching that leads to skin sores and scabs. Addiction is a draining disease on your health, money, relationships and even your physical appearance.
But there is hope for a better future.
With the support of a meth rehabilitation center, you can start healing from the inside out. This guide will explain how meth sores occur and how to treat them with the help of Diamond House Detox.
Meth users experience a powerful rush of positive emotions. They feel energetic and confident, which masks the stress and pain that they're trying to escape. They become so fixated on reaching the same high that they are willing to accept the devastating consequences of using methamphetamines.
One negative side effect of using meth is skin lesions. Over time, people who frequently use meth will develop open wounds all over their bodies. They'll get scabs on their face and sores on their arms from drugs. Skin wounds are so common amongst people who use meth that they are called meth sores. They rarely heal until after the user has received treatment to resolve their addiction.
Meth sores can cause severe skin infections and discomfort. While they're not life-threatening themselves, meth use is high-risk and often fatal.
The severity of meth sores will vary from one person to another, depending on their health and duration of addiction. The round drug lesions appear swollen and red, similar to irritated acne or a rash. Meth sores are an obvious sign that you or a loved one is struggling with substance use problems. They can appear across the entire body, including the arms, legs, face, neck and mouth.
A combination of mental and physical side effects from using meth cause sores to appear. People who use meth may develop drug sores for one or more of the following reasons:
Meth is highly toxic and has a significant impact on your physical appearance. Meth addiction can lead to skin sores and many other side effects, such as:
While doctors can treat your wounds temporarily, overcoming meth addiction will allow your skin to heal completely. Eliminating meth will end the harmful side effects that cause meth sores in the first place. Flushing out the toxic drugs will give your meth scabs a chance to recover. Joining a meth rehab will provide you with the medical support to heal your body and mind.
The first step toward recovery is to remove the drug from your system. A meth rehabilitation center will provide a safe environment for detoxification. A team of medical professionals will help manage your withdrawal symptoms, making the process as comfortable as possible. Once the detox is complete, your skin can finally start to heal.
Additionally, your blood vessels will open up and supply your skin with the necessary cells to recover. Any symptoms of meth mites will disappear and eliminate the urge to scratch at your skin. You can help your body recover by:
At Diamond House Detox, our team of compassionate clinicians and counselors will provide the support you need to overcome meth addiction. With in-house medical providers, we provide individualized treatment to meet your needs throughout recovery. Our treatment plans also address any underlying mental health symptoms to give you the best chance for success.
We provide a relaxed environment with private rooms so you can focus on healing. Receiving treatment for your addiction will help you look and feel healthier. Contacts us today to start your journey toward a drug-free life.
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