If you or someone you know is addicted to meth and seeking treatment, let me first congratulate you for making the decision to chose life over death. Finding the right treatment program is healthy for your recovery. It is "very important to ask questions" when talking to admissions of treatment centers. Do not go to the first treatment center that sounds good.

I would first attend a few support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, or a local church recovery group. You can just sit and listen, you do not need to talk or give anybody any information about you. But remember that closed mouths don't get fed.

Most places offer many forms of meth treatment such as inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment, detox facilities, halfway houses, and sober living homes.

Inpatient treatment is where you can reside at a facility under supervision and counseling from certified professionals.

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One of the most striking health effects of meth addiction is the change in the physical appearance of meth users.

An emaciated look and rampant dental disease manifesting as decayed, discolored and broken down teeth and inflamed gums are associated with methamphetamine use. In short stretches of time, sometimes just months, healthy teeth turn a grayish-brown, develop extensive decay, and reach a state of such decay that causes them to be unsalvageable and require extraction.

Many media reports have provided details about a distinctive pattern of unchecked tooth decay among methamphetamine users. Described variously as blackened, stained, rotting, or crumbling teeth, the association of this pattern of dental disease with methamphetamine addiction has earned it the media moniker meth mouth.

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Overview of methamphetamine

Methamphetamine is more commonly known as referred to as crystal, crystal meth, ice, or just meth. It is classified as a psychostimulant drug of the psychoactive amphetamine and phenethylamine class of substances. It is characterized by an increase in alertness, concentration, and energy. In higher doses, it can enhance the person’s self esteem, increase libido, and induce a euphoric state of consciousness. Meth exhibits a high potential for abuse and dependency.

Recognizing the effects of meth abuse

Long-term effects – meth displays a very high potential for addiction. Chronic abuse and dependency over a long period of time can lead to amphetamine psychosis, anxiety disorder and panic attacks, depression, heart disease, and violent behavior. A psychosis that resembles schizophrenia can develop after stopping meth use and can last up to 6 months or longer.

Physical effects – includes acne, anorexia, arrhythmias, blurred vision, dilated pupils, dizziness, dry and/or itchy skin, dry mouth, headaches, hypertension or hypotension, insomnia, numbness, tremors, and twitching. Chronic abuse and high doses can lead to convulsions, heart attack, strokes, and eventually death.

Psychological effects – there are numerous psychological effects including alertness, aggressiveness, anxiety and panic attacks, concentration, delusions of grandeur, excessive feelings of power and being invincible, hallucinations, increased energy, increased self-confidence and self esteem, increased sociability, irritability, obsessive and repetitive behavior patterns, and paranoia. Additionally, amphetamine psychosis oftentimes occurs with chronic abuse and increasingly high doses.

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