Methamphetamine is a powerful, illicit stimulant. People who misuse meth can quickly become physically dependent or addicted. This often requires thorough treatment to stop using it effectively.

Individuals who misuse methamphetamine can experience various short-term and long-term consequences. One indicator of meth abuse is the presence of “meth mites.” Those who abuse meth often feel as if imaginary bugs are crawling beneath their skin, leading them to pick and scratch at their bodies. This behavior can create scabs or sores on the skin that struggle to heal properly.

This article will explain what meth mites are and what causes them.

Understanding Meth

Meth, short for methamphetamine, is a powerful and addictive stimulant. It also goes by various slang names, reflecting its widespread use.

Some commonly known names used for methamphetamine are:

• Crystal Meth
• Crank
• Speed
• Ice

Manufacturers of illegal drugs make methamphetamine in hidden labs. They mix common household chemicals with certain medications. This process creates a very dangerous and powerful substance.

Methamphetamine is commonly consumed through various methods, including inhalation, smoking, or ingestion. Once it enters the body, methamphetamine quickly travels into the bloodstream, leading to its immediate effects on the brain.

Side effects present quickly in someone who has ingested meth and can include:

• Heightened energy
• Increased heart rate
• Euphoria
• High blood pressure
• Loss of appetite

The use of meth can lead to harmful or unwanted side effects, such as

• Delusions
• Violent behavior
• Memory loss
• Confusion
• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Depression
• Hallucinations

Consistent use of meth can result in physical dependence and addiction. Prolonged abuse of meth can cause significant, lasting side effects and health issues.

What Causes Meth Mites?

Meth mites, also called meth bugs, ice mites, or crank bugs, refer to the false feelings that some methamphetamine users experience. They think that they have insects crawling on or under their skin.

This phenomenon is linked to a type of hallucination known as formication. It affects the sense of touch and, in some cases, sight.

The experience can be very distressing. This may lead users to scratch their skin and pick at it. They do this in hopes of finding relief from the feelings they are having.

How Does Meth Cause These Hallucinations?

Formication is a condition where a person feels like insects are crawling on or under their skin. This sensation can happen for different reasons. It may be linked to medical conditions, mental health issues, or drug use.

Stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine can cause people to feel things that aren’t real. For example, they might feel like insects are crawling on or under their skin.

These drugs change how the central nervous system functions. They affect brain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine. This can result in confused thoughts and a distorted sense of what is happening around them.

Other drugs that can cause the feeling of formication include LSD, PCP, heroin, and some prescription pain medications.

Using meth can make people feel very energetic and happy at first. However, it can also cause serious problems like agitation, restlessness, and paranoia. This intense state is known as “tweaking.”

When someone is tweaking, they may feel sensations like bugs crawling on their skin. This can lead to obsessive behavior, such as scratching or picking at their skin.

Common symptoms of tweaking include:

• Tremors
• Paranoia
• Extreme restlessness or agitation
• Increased heart rate
• Sweating
• Insomnia
• Impulsive behavior

Effects and Risks of Meth Mites

The sensation of meth mites can be troubling and unpleasant for those using meth. There are various impacts linked to meth mites and the feeling of formication.

Physical Symptoms of Meth Mites:

• Picking or scratching at their skin
• Open sores
• Paranoia and anxiety
• Sleep deprivation
• Sweating

The tactile hallucination of meth mites comes with health risks. These include skin infections due to open sores from picking and scratching at these sensations.

Treatment for meth mites, meth sores, and skin injuries from meth use usually requires medical help. This care focuses on managing the physical problems caused by meth use. A healthcare professional may suggest wound care, including antibiotics and topical treatments to alleviate infections and swelling.

In more serious cases, people with severe skin damage may need surgery. This can help remove damaged tissue or repair the affected areas.

Getting treatment for meth addiction is essential to prevent more harm. It often includes behavioral therapy, medication, and support groups. These resources help manage cravings withdrawal symptoms, and build coping skills for lasting sobriety.

Find Care Today

If you or someone you care about is facing the challenges of meth abuse or addiction, know that you’re not alone. At Solutions Healthcare, we are here to provide the support and treatment you need. Our dedicated intake specialists are ready to guide you through our programs and help you schedule an intake appointment. Your journey toward healing starts with reaching out, and we’re here to help every step of the way.