Methamphetamine, or meth, is an illegal substance that is used by more than 2 million people in America. It is incredibly dangerous, with significant effects on a person’s body. One such effect is the possibility that meth will make you lose weight.
Losing weight while using meth can be distressing. While many people hope to lose weight in general, weight loss on meth can leave a person looking older and unwell, and cause long-term health issues.
To understand why a person using meth may lose weight, and to ensure you recognize this effect in yourself or a loved one, here is what you need to know.
Understanding Meth: What Is It and How Does It Work?
Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth, is a highly addictive stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system. It is chemically similar to amphetamine, a drug used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. However, meth is far more potent, and its effects on the brain and body are much more intense and harmful. Meth is typically found in crystal form (“crystal meth”) and is usually smoked, injected, or snorted, leading to a fast and powerful high.
How Meth Affects the Body
How does meth work? Meth floods the brain with dopamine which is responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward. This leads to a euphoric high. Because it is an artificial boost, it is followed by a sharp depletion leading to a crash. This leaves the body craving more meth in an attempt to regain that feeling.
The physical effects of meth include increasing heart rate, rising body temperature, and accelerated breathing. Its stimulant effects lead to heightened energy levels, an intense focus, and a reduced need for sleep. Any perceived benefits, however, gradually cause severe physical and mental health consequences. Weight loss is one of the most noticeable.
Why Does Meth Cause Weight Loss?
Meth causes wieght loss due to a combination of the following things:
Appetite Suppression
Meth suppresses a person’s appetite by reducing the brain’s hunger signals. Users often go for extended periods without feeling the need to eat, sometimes skipping meals for days.
Increased Energy and Activity Levels
Since meth also causes the person to become hyperactive, they engage in excessive movement, fidgeting, and restlessness. This leads the body to burn more calories than it’s taking in. Even simple movements like pacing or cleaning can consume significant amounts of energy, which the body can’t replenish because of the lack of nutrition.
Metabolism Changes
The person’s metabolic rate rises, and the calories the body is receiving are burnt faster than usual. Over time, the body begins to break down fat and muscle tissue to provide the energy it needs to function.
Neglecting Nutrition
When meth users remember to eat, they often neglect to ensure they eat nutritious meals with all the food types they require. This results in severe malnutrition. Without essential nutrients, the body weakens and becomes more susceptible to illness and physical deterioration.
Muscle Wasting
Muscle wasting is common among meth users. As mentioned, the lack of caloric intake can lead the body to break down fat and muscle for energy. This is why meth addicts often look thin in a drastic, unhealthy way.
Signs and Symptoms of Meth-Induced Weight Loss
How do you recognize that wieght loss is due to meth addiction and not dieting or exercising? Look out for weight loss that:
- is sudden and rapid: Meth users may lose a significant amount of weight within a few weeks, which surprises and alarms their loved ones.
- leads to a major change in appearance: Users often develop a gaunt appearance, with hollowed-out cheeks and a pale, unhealthy skin tone. Their bodies may look frail, and they can experience hair loss, brittle nails, and skin problems like sores or acne. These physical changes are often compounded by “meth mouth,” severe dental decay caused by the drug’s acidic content and poor oral hygiene habits.
- causes health problems: The body’s organs, particularly the liver and kidneys, also begin to deteriorate under the strain of malnutrition, drug toxicity, and lack of proper care. If left unchecked, these physical effects can lead to life-threatening health complications.
- comes with behavioral changes: The person appears hyperactive, irritable, or restless. They may become paranoid or unusiually aggressive, as well as remaining awake for days at a time.
Getting Treatment for Meth Addiction
If you or a loved one are experiencing rapid weight loss due to meth addiction, it is crucial to get help as soon as possible. The good news is that, like all addictions, meth addiction can be treated.
The first phase of meth addiction is detox, as the person’s body needs to withdraw from the substance in order to start healing. Medical detox is offered by the best rehab facilities. Since it can be a dangerous process, choosing to do it on your own comes with significant risks. During medical detox, medical professionals supervise the person throughout.
Once the person is no longer physically dependent on meth, the inpatient rehab program can begin. In this phase of recovery, the person attends therapy and group sessions, along with holistic activities, in order to heal.
During recovery, the person’s weight should start returning to normal. However, it is a good idea to see a nutritionist so as to deal with any lingering health issues caused by weight loss and malnutrition.
Conclusion
Meth can make a person lose weight in a damaging, unhealthy way. If you are using meth, get help now from Seasons in Malibu recovery center. Alternatively, if your loved one may be using meth and is rapidly losing weight, speak to a recovery professional to discuss how to bring up the potential to get treatment.
