Methamphetamine addiction can take over your life and lead to losses in finances, relationships, and more — including your physical appearance. Unlike many other substances, meth accelerates the breakdown of bodily cells and tissue, inhibiting your body’s ability to repair itself. Over time, most heavy and/or long-term meth users develop problems with their physical appearances that can take months or years to correct after quitting meth.
If you’re struggling with meth addiction, understand that you’re not alone in your fight and that help is available and nearby. Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 800-816-1059(Who Answers?) to speak with a drug abuse counselor about nearby drug rehab centers devoted to helping you overcome addiction to amphetamines.
Here are five ways meth addiction affects your physical appearance.
1. Accelerated Aging Process
Meth use affects the tissues and blood vessels in your skin, which restricts blood flow and circulation to produce a sallow-looking complexion. Meth also affects your body’s ability to produce collagen and elastin, which can lead to sagging, drooping skin. Many meth addicts look years older than they truly are due to the way this drug accelerates your skin’s aging process.
2. Acne
Meth abuse can lead to hormonal imbalances that cause acne.
Heavy or regular meth use upsets your body’s natural hormonal balance — increasing your risk for acne and blemishes. Additionally, many meth addicts tend to neglect their nutrition and eat unhealthy, high-fat foods that lead to acne. Poor hygiene habits, such as forgetting to shower daily, also increase the risk for acne.
3. Sores
Hallucinations and psychosis are common side effects of meth use. These mental conditions cause meth users to frequently scratch and pick at their skin — leading to large, open, red sores. Due to the way meth affects the body on a cellular level, these sores rarely heal, and may not heal until you quit using meth.
4. Tooth Decay or Loss
Meth addicts frequently grind and clench their teeth, which increases the risk for gum disease and tooth loss. Meth also destroys blood vessels and gum tissue, which loosens teeth and make them fall out. Tooth loss can also be caused by poor hygiene habits — such as not flossing or brushing your teeth — which contributes further to tooth loss.
5. Extreme Weight Loss
Many meth addicts are below normal healthy weight due to problems with nutrition, lack of sleep, and other factors associated with drug abuse. Weight loss caused by meth addiction is unhealthy, and can lead to loose, sagging skin and loss of muscle tone.
If you or someone you care about is addicted to meth, understand that seeking help immediately allows you to start repairing your physical appearance. Many drug rehab centers integrate healthy lifestyle practices with meth addiction treatment so you can learn more about nutrition, exercise, and sleep hygiene. These positive habits can put you on the right track to happiness, sobriety, and a more healthy-looking physical appearance.
Nobody should ever have to overcome addiction on their own without help, including you. If you’re addicted to meth and need help, call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 800-816-1059(Who Answers?). We’ll help you find nearby drug rehab centers devoted to helping you achieve sobriety from methamphetamines.
