It is unfortunate the amount of damage that crystal meth can cause when you let it. Crystal meth, also called methamphetamines, is an addictive psychostimulant drug that affects the nervous system; however, it leaves visible clues to you to find if you are meticulous enough. If you have been wondering if a loved one may be on meth, the obvious way to find out is through sores on the face, scabs, scars, and scratches. 

The injuries are self-inflicted and are mainly caused by the hallucinogenic effects of methamphetamines. The drug creates an effect that is often called meth bugs; it makes the user feel a sensation on their skin like it was covered with bugs. In the bid to get rid of these imaginary bugs, the addict inflicts injuries on their face and skin.

Meth skin sores often cause complications when they get infected. The sores multiply as the individual continues to use methamphetamines, so when you notice rapidly increasing skin sores on a loved one, there is a possibility that the person is addicted to meth. 

How does one identify a meth sore? You may have come across canker sore pictures at some point, and a meth sore is similar. They may look like cuts, red dots, acne, or rashes on the face. The meth face attributes may resemble cold sores, especially for those who smoke crystal meth. An infected sore may spread if it isn’t treated.  

Methamphetamines don’t just control the entire nervous system, and it also causes unhealthy skin, poor hygiene, loss of appetite, insomnia, and vasoconstriction- this limits blood flow to certain parts of the body making it difficult for self-inflicted injuries to heal.

What is meth mouth?

Meth mouth is another condition that is easy to detect in a person who is addicted to methamphetamines. The drug has significant effects on the dentition of the individual, which builds over time as proper hygiene is neglected until the condition completely deteriorates. What does meth do to your teeth? Excessive use of meth can cause a gum disease that is associated with rampant tooth decay and loss of teeth. Meth user’s teeth slowly depreciate, especially when they consume a lot of sugar content and do not take the time to practice good oral hygiene. 

The term meth smile is also used frequently for those meth addicts who are suffering from meth mouth. The condition causes the individual to lose their teeth due to decay, and in many cases, the teeth cracks. The manifestation of lip sores, receding gum tissues, and dry lips also contribute to the second phase of the addiction. People suffering from these conditions are usually unable to quit the drug and will do their best to conceal the visible signs by smiling less, wearing thick long-sleeved clothes to cover up their skin and to hide any physical sign as much as possible. 

What is the implication of a meth sore?

A Meth sore usually causes an open wound that is vulnerable to infection if left untreated. The problem with addiction to meth is that a person completely loses touch with reality and focuses more on getting more meth as soon as they run out of stock. In many cases, proper hygiene is not a priority, and the sore can get infected, leading to minor or severe health conditions that may include fatigue, pain, fever, diarrhea, irritability, and can be life-threatening at severe stages. Injuries take longer to heal in people who use meth as the drug drastically weakens the immune system. 

How does one get rid of meth sores?

Meth rash and sores are an unpleasant sight and continue to multiply as the person continues to abuse the drug. The easiest way to get rid of sores caused by meth is to try and focus on living a healthy lifestyle. This involves eating healthy, getting lots of rest, exercising daily, and keeping away from the drug. Over time the sores and rashes begin to fade if they are not infected. Generally, the only way to stop the recurrence of meth sores is to discontinue using the drug. This is easier said than done. However, crystal meth rehab centers can ensure quick healing from the effects of meth.

I will be sharing more on how my life changed in the realization that the signs I had carelessly ignored were one of the symptoms of an addiction to meth.