Meth is short for methamphetamine, which is a powerful stimulant drug. For those abusing meth, there are pronounced physical signs that manifest. Meth directly affects the central nervous system and is highly addictive. Meth sores are one of the serious physical effects of the drug, but what are meth sores? Understanding what meth addiction looks like and how to get help when addiction has set in is something a professional treatment center can help you with. The treatment team at The Arbor understands the challenges of dealing with addiction and how hard it can be for someone to admit they have a problem and that they need help.
Reach out to learn more about meth addiction treatment at 844.413.2690.
What Are Meth Sores?
Meth sores are lesions that are red, inflamed patches apparent on the skin of someone who has been using meth. The face is where they most often appear, around the mouth and cheek area. The three main ways that these sores develop are:
- The chemical irritation from the acidic substances in meth. These substances can greatly irritate the skin when meth is smoked or injected into the skin.
- The lack of personal hygiene among meth users. Dirty skin and a general lack of skin care lead to deterioration, as does scratching and picking at the skin.
- Paranoia and anxiety associated with meth use. A sensation known as formication—the feeling that insects are crawling on or under the skin—is common among meth users. This leads to compulsive scratching and picking at the skin.
In addition to meth sores, other physical signs of meth use include sudden and drastic weight loss and deteriorating teeth called “meth mouth.”
Meth Addiction Treatment
A meth addiction treatment program should be a holistic experience, encompassing a wide variety of therapeutic approaches. It’s a personalized approach where a custom treatment plan can be designed for each person receiving treatment. Therapies can include behavioral, experiential, and more traditional talk therapies.
Therapies that can be utilized as part of meth addiction treatment include:
Cognitive-behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a psychological approach centered around redirecting one’s thinking and behaviors. It encourages focusing on the positive and developing healthy and productive habits versus relying on the unhealthy habits that may have led to addiction.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
This approach involves focusing on a traumatic memory or trigger while undergoing what is called bilateral stimulation at the same time. This stimulation usually consists of a therapist moving their finger back and forth as the client tracks the finger’s movement. This all takes place in a space that the client feels safe and comfortable in.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Being able to treat a co-occurring mental health condition alongside a substance use disorder can better prepare you to live a newly sober life once you leave treatment. In some cases, an addiction leads to mental health strain. In other cases, an existing mental health condition can cause someone to take drugs as a form of self-medication for the mental health symptoms.
The key to effective treatment is finding a comfortable environment with programs that work for your needs.
The Arbor – Start Your Recovery Today with Meth Addiction Treatment
Going through meth addiction treatment at a program like the one at The Arbor will set you up for a successful experience with less risk of relapse. Many people think they can go through the process on their own at home, but the reality is that the risk of relapse is very high without professional help.
A strong support network is critical to staying on the road to recovery. Sober support can come from family, friends, therapists, and peers. Structured aftercare programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can also be a great resource for staying on the right path.
Call The Arbor today at 844.413.2690 or reach out online for more information about meth addiction treatment.