As the New York Times stated in February of 2018, methamphetamine may have taken a brief halt after Congress passed the Combat Methamphetamine Act back in 2005, but cartels have found a way to create a “new” methamphetamine that is pure and very low-cost. Steven Bell, a spokesman for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), stated,
“…They have perfected the production and manufacturing of methamphetamine…They have figured out the chemical reactions to get the best bang for their bucks.”
Methamphetamine addiction can cause a lot of physical harm to the body. One of the most commonly mentioned consequences of meth use is the damage it can cause to a person’s oral health. A 2016 study published in the journal BMC Oral Health sought to explore just how prevalent oral health concerns are among those with methamphetamine addiction. After assessing 100 individuals with the addiction, researchers compared their oral health to 100 other individuals without addiction. This is what they found:
- 72% of individuals with meth addiction reported dry mouth
- 68% of these individuals reported jaw clenching
- 47% reported pain in the temporomandibular joint (two joints that connect the jawbone to the skull)
Dental erosions may also occur and many of these oral health concerns are what is called “meth mouth” by many. There are more concerns that oral health, however. As the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) states, chronic methamphetamine use can lead to significant weight loss as well as skin sores from itching – which often stem from the paranoia of meth that causes many people to think insects are “crawling” under the skin.
Some of the effects from methamphetamine addiction may become permanent, while others may have the ability to health and improve over time. Recovery is a lifelong process, but the sooner you or a loved one seeks help, the greater the chances of healing those physical, mental and spiritual wounds that addiction brings on.
Cumberland Heights is a nonprofit alcohol and drug-addiction treatment center located on the banks of the Cumberland river in Nashville, Tennessee. On a sprawling 177-acre campus, we are made up of 2 12-Step immersion campuses, 12 outpatient recovery centers and 4 sober living homes. We believe that each person has a unique story to tell – and that’s why we always put the patient first.
Call us today at 1-800-646-9998 to take the next step towards your happiness and health.
