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Methamphetamine is an illicit and dangerous stimulant drug. People who abuse methamphetamine face the risk of overdose and long-term complications, including meth mouth, chronic medical problems, and addiction.
Meth mites are another potential risk of meth abuse. Meth mites occur when the drug causes the sensation of bugs crawling on or under the skin. This side effect has the potential to cause significant health complications. It is a sign of an addiction that requires immediate treatment.
This article will explore meth mites. You will learn:
- What meth mites are
- The risks of meth bugs
- How to recognize and treat meth addiction
- Where to find addiction treatment and recovery support
If you or someone you love struggles with meth abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the intake team at Moving Mountains Recovery to learn more about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.Â
What is Meth?
Meth is a common name for methamphetamine. People make methamphetamine using a dangerous process that combines medications and household chemicals. People typically ingest meth by smoking or inhaling it. Some users may take it by mouth.
Meth quickly enters the bloodstream and increases activity in the central nervous system (CNS). The effects of meth include:
- Increased energy
- Euphoria
- Elevated heart rate
- Increased blood pressure
- Appetite loss
Some users may experience unwanted side effects, including:
- Aggression or violent behaviors
- Anxiety
- Hallucinations
- Delusional thinking
- Paranoia
- Memory problems
- Confusion
- Depression
- Poor coordination
- Poor concentration
Over time, long-term meth abuse may result in physical dependence and addiction. Other long-term effects of meth abuse include:
- Severe tooth decay and other dental problems (meth mouth)
- Severe damage to nasal passages and sinuses
- Lung damage
- Skin infections and scarring
- Extreme weight loss
- Malnutrition
Meth abuse can have serious, lifelong effects on a person’s mental and physical health. In 2021, research found that more than 32,500 people died as a result of a meth overdose. People who abuse meth must seek treatment as soon as they recognize a problem.Â
What are Meth Mites?
Meth mites (meth bugs) describe the sensation of bugs crawling under their skin that some meth users experience. This sensation can be distressing. People may experience physical discomfort and itching that interferes with sleep and other functioning.Â
Health experts have several theories about what causes meth mites. Here are some of the reasons people may experience this sensation when using meth.Â
Formication hallucinations
Formication hallucinations can cause a sensation of bugs crawling beneath the skin. Several conditions can cause formication hallucinations. These include:
- Meth abuse
- Depression
- Parkinson’s disease
- Certain prescription drug use
People may experience a crawling sensation or severe itching that disturbs daily functioning.Â
Impaired immune system
Meth abuse can suppress the immune system, preventing sores from healing. This increases the risk of infection and other significant health problems.Â
Restricted blood flow
Methamphetamine constricts blood vessels by increasing CNS activity. This can reduce blood flow to the skin, resulting in discomfort or itching.
Experiencing meth mites is a sign of a significant substance abuse issue that requires treatment. Crystal meth is highly addictive, and the side effects of meth addiction can be dangerous. People who use meth typically need treatment and support to stop using it and avoid relapse.Â
What are the Risks of Meth Bugs?
Meth abuse can cause meth bugs and other psychotic symptoms that impair functioning. Here are some of the dangers of meth mites.Â
Infections
People may create open sores by scratching or picking at their skin. It can be tough to get rid of meth sores on the skin because people continue to scratch them. Open sores increase the risk of infection.
Sleep problems
The stimulant symptoms of meth abuse and the discomfort of meth mites can disrupt a person’s sleep. Not getting adequate sleep can worsen mental and physical health conditions.Â
Scarring
People who experience meth mites may scratch or pick at their skin so much that it causes permanent scarring. Even those who recover from meth abuse may have lifelong scars on their bodies, hands, and face.Â
It is critical to seek treatment for meth abuse or addiction as quickly as possible. Getting treatment early can reduce the risk of severe complications.Â
Recognizing and Treating Meth Addiction
Meth abuse can change the way a person looks, behaves, and feels. Some common signs of meth addiction include:
- Rapid weight loss
- Insomnia
- Itching, scratching, or picking at the skin
- Open wounds on the face and body
- Confusion
- Irritability
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Aggression or violent behaviors
- Paranoia
- Memory problems
People with meth addiction may exhibit behavioral changes, including:
- Using larger doses of meth
- Spending a lot of time and energy getting, using, and recovering from using meth
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if they stop using meth
- Neglecting relationships, hobbies, and responsibilities
- New legal or financial trouble
- Being unable to stop using meth when they choose to
Methamphetamine addiction is a complex condition requiring comprehensive treatment and ongoing support.
Treatment for methamphetamine abuse may include:
- Behavioral therapies
- Mental health treatment
- Family, group, and individual therapy
- Nutrition support, exercise, mindfulness, and other holistic therapies
- Relapse prevention education
- Aftercare planning
People may attend inpatient or outpatient treatment programs, depending on their needs. The support of a comprehensive treatment program can help people address the complex roots of addiction and move forward.Â
Find Meth Addiction Treatment Now
If you or someone you love struggles with meth abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Find the holistic treatment and support you need to recover at Moving Mountains Recovery. Contact our intake team to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.Â
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Patterns and Characteristics of Methamphetamine Use Among Adults — United States, 2015–2018
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Crusted scabies in a patient with methamphetamine abuse
- NIH: Methamphetamine
- NIH: Neurologic manifestations of chronic methamphetamine abuse