Meth is a highly addictive drug. Not only does its use put people in danger of overdose, but it also causes a host of dangerous and uncomfortable side effects. Chief among these is meth mouth and meth sores. Meth mouth is advanced tooth and gum decay because of repeatedly using meth. Meth sores are sometimes referred to as acne as they tend to appear on the face and neck. They are essentially open wounds that can be prone to infection.
The side effects of meth are not a reason to look down on people or judge them for their use. Connection and compassion are key. It is important to connect people with meth addiction help so that, through comprehensive recovery services, they can regain a high quality of life. Contact Oceanfront Recovery at 877.296.7477 to learn about our meth addiction treatment center in California. We are located just blocks from the healing waves of the Pacific Ocean.
What Is Meth Addiction?
Meth is such an addictive substance because of the fleeting euphoria it produces when it is taken. The pleasure evaporates quickly, leaving the body and brain wanting more meth to experience the same high. This can lead people down the road to meth abuse and addiction quite quickly since meth is much stronger than most other drugs.
Repeatedly using meth usually leads to dependence and psychological addiction. Over time, the brain becomes accustomed to only feeling good after taking meth. In between uses, withdrawal sets in. Feelings of apathy, depression, and anxiety can become common. The brain believes the only way to feel better is to take more meth and the cycle continues, deepening over time until meth use becomes compulsive.
When someone gets into this kind of situation, getting out may feel impossible. That is why the loved ones of those who struggle with addiction have a major role to play.
How to Help Someone with Meth Addiction
Getting your loved one connected to meth addiction help is possible. Here are four steps to take for figuring out how to help someone with meth addiction.
Learn About Meth Addiction
The first thing you can do to support your loved one is to learn about meth addiction. Take time to understand how drug use affects them physically and psychologically. Learn to recognize the warning signs of meth addiction. Some of the biggest ones are:
- Mood swings
- Sleep issues
- Lying or secretive behavior
- Neglecting work or family responsibilities
- Withdrawing from social activity
Let your loved one know that you are there for them. Reassure them that they can trust you with their feelings and thoughts without judgment.
Start a Conversation
Clear, direct communication is crucial when helping your loved one with meth addiction. Avoid blaming, judgment, or pessimism. Instead, be curious and concerned about your loved one. Offer help. It is best to plan the conversation, even scheduling it for a set day and time. Plan out what you want to say to them and listen to where they are coming from and what they say they need.
Offer Help
You are not responsible for fixing your loved one’s meth addiction. At the same time, you can offer help, which may be the difference between them charting a path to recovery or dwindling deeper into addiction. Find out what treatment options they can take advantage of locally and help them get connected. You can even offer to attend their first appointment with them to act as a source of support and accountability as they begin treatment.
Take Care of Yourself
It is easy to feel like you must solve your loved one’s issue. But trying to be their savior is a recipe for burning yourself out. Remember to take care of your needs even as you support and provide meth addiction help.
Get Meth Addiction Help at Oceanfront Recovery
The time to connect your loved one to meth addiction help is now. Find out how Oceanfront Recovery approaches meth addiction treatment by contacting us at 877.296.7477. A better life is available, and our team can help them find it. The journey starts with a single step, and that first step should be getting in touch with us.
