Meth Addiction & Abuse Facts

Meth is a very dangerous, addictive, and illegal substance. To learn more, view these meth addiction and abuse facts. Understanding more about this drug can help you protect yourself and your loved ones from harm.

If you or your loved one need a safe space to recover from addiction, contact Myrtle Beach Recovery to learn more about our short- and long-term recovery programs.

What is Meth?

“Meth” is a shortened term for methamphetamine, which is an extremely potent and highly addictive stimulant made from amphetamine. It comes in several forms, most commonly as a white powder. It can also be yellow, pink, or brown. The powder can be smoked, snorted, or injected. Crystal meth is another form of the drug that takes the shape of coarse crystals that are usually smoked. Meth can cause addiction in as little as one use.

Some common street names for meth include:

Crank
Crystal
Glass
Ice
Chalk
Tweak

Production of Meth

Meth is created in illegal labs, home labs, or an individual’s stovetop. The main ingredient in meth is often pseudoephedrine or ephedrine, which can be obtained from over-the-counter cough medicine. This makes the drug relatively easy to create and cheap to sell.

Signs Someone is High on Meth

When someone is high on meth, they may exhibit some of the following indicators:

Agitation
Irritability
Talkativeness
Hyperactivity
Elation
Alertness
Paranoia
Confusion
Aggression
Loss of appetite
Anxiety
Tremors
Irregular heartbeat

Long-Term Effects of Meth

There are several negative effects of long-term meth use:

Skin infections and skin sores from picking at skin
Severe tooth decay, also known as “meth mouth”
Increased risk of STDs
Collapsed veins
Increased risk of contracting hepatitis or HIV/AIDs from sharing needles
Damage to nasal passages and sinus cavities from snorting meth, leading to chronic nosebleeds
Increased risk for stroke, heart attack, and seizures
Damage to the brain, including cells that contain serotonin and produce dopamine

Statistics on Meth Abuse

Here are six shocking statistics regarding meth abuse:

In 2017, approximately 964,000 people ages 12 and older had a meth abuse disorder.
In 2017, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 1.6 million people reported using meth in the previous year.
In 2017, the methamphetamine drug category made up 15% of all drug overdose deaths.
Drug treatment for meth costs the United States approximately $550 million every year.
Between 2015 and 2018, the highest estimated rates of meth use were among those aged 26–34 (11.0%), 18–25 (9.3%), and 35–49 (8.3%).
Among people with past-year methamphetamine use disorder between 2015 and 2018, approximately 31.5% received professional treatment.

Consider Myrtle Beach Recovery

Knowing these meth addiction and abuse facts can help you recognize when it’s time to seek help. If you’re addicted to meth or struggling to maintain your sobriety, consider reaching out to Myrtle Beach Recovery. We offer short-term and long-term recovery programs, providing a safe place to work through the 12 Steps.

/by clickgiant