Meth is a powerful drug that leaves lasting damage on the body and mind. Not everyone who tries meth experiences extreme physical changes, but the damage goes far beyond appearance. The drug takes a toll on mental health, decision-making, and overall well-being.
Faces of meth: before and after
Long-term meth use leads to dramatic physical changes, often seen in before-and-after images of those struggling with addiction. These transformations include:
- Meth mouth: Severe tooth decay, blackened teeth, and gum disease.
- Meth skin: Chronic sores, scabs, and scars from excessive scratching.
- Facial aging: Sunken cheeks, sagging skin, and premature wrinkles.
- Extreme weight loss: Users often experience rapid and unhealthy weight loss, making them appear frail.
While meth takes a visible toll, its damage extends beyond appearance. Many users struggle with severe mental and emotional challenges, making recovery difficult—but not impossible.
Methamphetamine: what it is and what it looks like
Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth, is an addictive central nervous system (CNS) stimulant.
It is classified as a Schedule II drug due to its high potential for abuse, which can lead to severe psychological and physical dependence.
Meth appears in different forms, including powder, pills, and crystalized rocks:
- White powder or pill form: A fine white powder that can be swallowed, snorted, or mixed with liquid for injection. It is sometimes pressed into pill form.
- Colored variations: While commonly white, meth can also appear in brown, gray-yellow, orange, or pink shades, depending on its purity and production process.
- Crystal meth: Clear chunks or shiny blue-white rocks that resemble ice or glass, commonly called “ice” or “glass” on the streets.
Online Meth Rehab
At Modern, we’ve helped hundreds of people to get off meth. You don’t have to face addiction on your own. We have flexible online telehealth options to help you or your loved one get their life back.
Long-term effects of meth on the body
Beyond the visible signs of meth addiction, the drug causes serious internal harm, affecting major organs and overall health. These effects include:
- Respiratory issues: Smoking meth can scar lung tissue, making breathing difficult over time.
- Cardiovascular damage: Meth increases heart rate and blood pressure, raising the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Liver and kidney failure: Toxic chemicals in meth stress these vital organs, leading to long-term damage.
- Weakened immune system: Chronic meth use depletes the body’s ability to fight infections and heal wounds.
- Gastrointestinal complications: Chronic meth use can lead to ulcers, severe abdominal pain, and digestive tract damage.
- Hormonal imbalances: Meth disrupts the body’s endocrine system, affecting metabolism, stress response, and reproductive health.
Meth effects on the brain
Methamphetamine is highly neurotoxic, meaning it damages brain cells and alters how the brain functions over time. This damage affects both mental health and cognitive ability, leading to:
- Memory loss and poor decision-making: Chronic meth use impairs learning, focus, and problem-solving skills.
- Emotional instability: Increased aggression, anxiety, and paranoia result from altered brain chemistry.
- Reduced impulse control: Users struggle to regulate their actions, leading to risky and compulsive behavior.
- Increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases: Meth weakens blood vessels in the brain, increasing the likelihood of strokes and conditions like Parkinson’s disease.
Meth mouth: How does meth ruin teeth?
Meth use causes severe tooth decay, gum disease, and dental deterioration, commonly known as meth mouth. This condition leads to:
- Rotten and crumbling teeth: Meth is acidic and erodes enamel, causing teeth to become stained, blackened, and brittle. In many cases, they break apart or fall out completely.
- Dry mouth and cavities: Meth reduces saliva production, creating a dry environment where bacteria thrive, leading to rapid cavity formation.
- Poor hygiene habits: Many users neglect oral care due to drug-induced cravings and anxiety, worsening dental damage.
- Jaw clenching and teeth grinding: Chronic meth use triggers bruxism (constant grinding and clenching), further wearing down fragile teeth.
The severity of meth mouth
Meth mouth is extremely common among long-term users. Studies show:
- 40% of meth users report feeling embarrassed or self-conscious about their dental health.
- 96% of users develop cavities due to enamel erosion and poor oral hygiene.
- 58% suffer from untreated tooth decay, leading to severe pain and infections.
- Only 23% retain all their natural teeth, compared to 48% of the general U.S. population.
Meth skin damage: How meth affects the skin
Meth damages the skin by weakening blood vessels, breaking down muscle tissue, and triggering compulsive skin picking. Over time, this leads to:
- Severe acne and sores: Meth users often develop deep acne and open sores that take longer to heal.
- Premature aging: Damage to blood vessels and skin elasticity makes users appear older than their actual age.
- Persistent itching and scars: Meth creates the sensation of bugs crawling under the skin (meth bugs), leading users to scratch excessively, resulting in deep wounds and permanent scarring. This compulsive skin-picking is known as dermatillomania (skin-picking disorder).
These effects often leave users with permanent scarring and an aged appearance within just a few years of meth use.
Meth addiction treatment
Meth addiction is one of the most challenging substance use disorders to overcome, but with the right treatment, recovery is possible. A combination of medical care, therapy, and long-term support helps individuals regain control of their lives.
- Detox and withdrawal management: The first step is clearing meth from the body. Medical supervision helps manage withdrawal symptoms like fatigue, depression, and intense cravings.
- Therapy and counseling: Behavioral therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Contingency Management (CM) help individuals change negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping strategies.
- Support groups and peer support: Programs like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and other recovery communities provide encouragement and accountability.
- Relapse prevention planning: Learning to identify triggers and build strong coping mechanisms reduces the risk of relapse.
- Long-term care and lifestyle changes: Ongoing therapy, structured routines, and healthy habits support continued recovery.
Meth addiction recovery with Modern’s Virtual Rehab
At Modern Recovery, we understand that recovery from meth addiction isn’t just about quitting—it’s about reclaiming your life. We know how hard this journey can be; that’s why we provide personalized, online support tailored to your needs.
Virtual one-on-one therapy
- Our licensed therapists provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help you change harmful thought patterns and develop healthier coping skills.
Online peer support
- We connect clients with support groups and personal recovery coaches who understand the challenges of meth addiction and can offer encouragement and accountability.
Flexible treatment plans
- Our customizable programs fit into your daily routine, allowing you to recover while maintaining work, school, or family commitments.
We’re in-network and accept insurance
Online therapy covered by insurance does exist. Modern Recovery works with leading insurance providers across the United States to bring you quality mental health treatment that’s both accessible and affordable.
Real life meth addiction recovery stories
Jason’s Story of Recovery from Meth Addiction
“Getting clean and sober didn’t promise me that I would be perfect every day, it just promised me that I would have a chance” – Jason Wickline.
Today, Jason Wickline is a healthy, strong, and happily married father. But not long ago, meth addiction nearly destroyed his life. At his lowest, he described himself as nothing more than “an empty shell”—5’8” and only 120 pounds, a self-described dead man walking.
This is Jason Wickline’s story:
In 2015, Jason was arrested for meth manufacturing and child neglect. He had spent 15 years in and out of jail, but this time, he lost more than his freedom—he lost his son, Kystian.
As they were walking Krystian to the car, he turned around to look at his father and said, ‘Daddy, I love you, and I’ll never forget you.’
At just four years old, he believed he would never see his father again. Jason broke down in tears, overwhelmed with fear and uncertainty about what would happen to his son.
That moment shattered him. He knew if he didn’t change, he would never see his son again.
At sentencing, Jason had a choice: prison or rehab. He chose rehab and spent 13 months rebuilding his life.
He then faced 30 months of probation with strict conditions—stay sober and secure stable housing. If he wanted his son back, he had to prove he had changed.
He did just that.
Today, Jason is a testament to hope and change. He is happily married to his wife, Shanna, and has full custody of Krystian, now nine. His mission is simple—be a great father and help others on their recovery journey.
Jason regularly attends recovery meetings, volunteers at addiction treatment programs, and uses his story to inspire others. He and his wife also promote the recovery website www.morethanaddiction.org, offering resources and encouragement to those still struggling.
Jason lost everything before realizing what truly mattered. His story is a testament to the fact that no matter how far addiction takes you, recovery is possible.
Source: Reproduced with the kind permission of Jason Wickline
Dejah’s story of recovery from meth & heroin addiction
Dejah’s addiction began at 17 when she took a prescription pill at a party. Stress and problems at home fueled her drug use, and by 20, she was taking up to six pills a day. When she tried to stop, the withdrawal was unbearable.
She sought treatment at a methadone clinic, but missing three days got her removed from the program. Desperate for relief, she turned to heroin. After just her second hit, she was hooked. Soon after, she started using meth, injecting both drugs by 2012.
One day, visiting her grandfather, he told her how much her addiction was hurting him. That conversation broke her. She went into the bathroom, knelt, and prayed for help.
Hours later, her prayer was answered unexpectedly—she was arrested on multiple felony warrants. She spent two weeks in county jail, suffering through withdrawal with no medication. “It was hell, but I am still alive,” she later recalled.
Today, Dejah is a devoted mother and passionate advocate for sobriety. She encourages others battling addiction to seek help: “Get to NA or AA, get a sponsor, and work your Steps. They are stronger than any substance.”
Every day, she thanks God that she is no longer where she once was.
Her story proves that no matter how deep addiction takes you, recovery is always possible.
We offer our deepest gratitude to Dejah and Jason for sharing their stories. Modern Recovery is thankful they let us use their pictures on our page.
They willingly shared for you, our readers. They want you to know that you should never give up hope. Recovery from meth addiction is more than possible-it is achievable.
Get started on your journey to recovery today
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Sources:
- Drug Enforcement Agency. Drug Scheduling. August 2022. Available at: dea.gov.
- Drug Enforcement Agency. Methamphetamine. August 2022. Available at: dea.gov.
- Drug Free World. The Truth About Crystal Meth and Methamphetamine. August 2022. Available at: drugfreeworld.org.
- Medline Plus. Substance Use Disorder. May 5, 2020. Available at: medlineplus.gov.
- Mouth Healthy. Meth Mouth: How Methamphetamine Use Affects Dental Health. August 2022. Available at: mouthhealthy.org.
- National Drug Intelligence Center. Methamphetamine Laboratory Identification Hazards and Fast Facts. January 1, 2006. Available at: justice.gov.
- Drug Enforcement Agency. Drug Fact Sheet: Methamphetamine. April 2022. Available at: dea.gov.
- History. History of Meth. June 7, 2017. Available at: history.com.
- Drug Enforcement Agency. Amphetamines. August 2022. Available at: dea.gov.
- Facebook. Jason Wickline. August 2022. Available at: facebook.com.
- Facebook. Dejah Marie. August 2022. Available at: facebook.com.