What are Meth Mites?

Gain an Understanding of Meth Sores Due to Meth Bugs and Mites

Loved ones of those who struggle with meth addiction often witness the very troubling progression of the increasing meth use in a state of shock. Perhaps you see a person you care about developing meth mouth or neglecting personal hygiene.

But many loved ones find the skin damage that results from the constant picking of “meth mites” the most troubling of all. But what are meth mites?

Are there actual bugs crawling as their loved one claims, or is it another of the side effects of meth use?

Purpose Healing Center has worked with countless people who have sought treatment for methamphetamine use disorder, a serious mental health concern. Treating addiction and mental health problems, which can co-occur or present independently of each other, is our specialty.

With a location in Phoenix and our Scottsdale campus, we are one of Arizona’s top destinations for those seeking meth treatment.

Please join us to learn about meth mites and how your loved one can heal from meth addiction and have a healthy life again.

Meth Addiction and Meth Mites

Let’s start by answering the question: What are meth mites? Meth mites, also commonly referred to as crank bugs or meth bugs, are not a living organism at all. That said, they are very real in the mind of many long-term meth users.

They’re tactile hallucinations, feeling like imaginary bugs crawling on or underneath their skin. The sensation makes meth users start scratching or picking at the skin compulsively to get rid of meth bugs from the affected areas.

How Meth Abuse Causes the Brain to Perceive Bugs

You might be curious to know how imaginary bugs become associated with meth use. Meth is a stimulant drug. Over time, the meth user becomes tolerant and needs more meth…and more frequently.

That leads to an overstimulation of the central nervous system and results in the excessive release of dopamine.

One side effect of that change in brain chemistry is experiencing intense sensory distortions, like the illusion of meth mites. Continued use can dull the nerve endings and reduce the ability of the brain to process sensory information. That results in more intense itching, picking, and other obsessive behaviors.

Is Meth Hallucination the Same as Meth Psychosis?

Methamphetamine abuse can lead to both hallucinations and meth psychosis. They’re closely related to each other and come from the brain but have some differences. The sensory hallucinations can cause someone to inflict severe skin damage on themselves, but they stop there.

The psychosis that comes with meth abuse is a far more severe form of mental health distress. It encompasses bouts of paranoia, delusional behaviors, and hallucinations. Treatment options to stop the psychosis require professional help; it usually means the doctor will prescribe an antipsychotic medication.

How to Get Rid of Meth Sores

Treatment for meth sores, the skin sores that result from someone perceiving meth mites, can be challenging if the person is still actively using meth or other substances.

The sores come from the constant skin picking to remove the imagined meth bugs. If someone is still an active user, there less of a chance of these open sores healing. But if your loved one is ready to seek professional help, there’s hope to heal them.

If your loved one has open sores that are not infected from the excessive scratching, wash the affected area with a mild soap. Apply over-the-counter antibacterial topical ointments and apply bandages to protect the skin from further trauma.

The body’s ability to heal cuts and sores is remarkable. Without further skin picking, the healing process will start naturally.

Complications and Potential Skin Infections in Open Sores

While most meth sores can heal after drug abuse cessation, some complications may develop.

Skin infections are a frequent issue for meth users. It happens due to poor hygiene habits during active meth use, then picking at the sores. The open wound introduces bacteria under the skin.

Signs of skin infections include visible redness or swelling. A worsening infection can cause a fever. Unhealed meth sores can also weaken the immune system, worsening underlying medical conditions.

These situations should prompt a visit to a healthcare provider who may prescribe an antibiotic for the infection and perhaps a corticosteroid to aid reduce swelling and speed up healing.

How Long Do Meth Mites Last?

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), scratching and picking at open meth sores can persist for weeks after their last use of methamphetamines in some, even lasting for several weeks after detox for meth.

It took the brain quite some time to develop those hallucinations, and it will take some healing time for the brain’s chemistry to revert to typical function.

How Meth Users Participate in Substance Abuse

The good news here is that most people don’t experience meth mites for a prolonged period. Doctors can provide therapies and medication to help reduce the disruption of meth bugs and shorten that time of ongoing discomfort.

Meth has a highly addictive nature, and methamphetamine users will take their drug of choice almost any way they can. The drug comes in several forms:

Meth Powder (Commonly Used)

The powder is a favorite because it is fast-acting. Meth users snort, infect, or just swallow it so they can feel that increased energy in about five minutes.

Crystal Meth (Most Often Used)

This is a glass-like crystal form (hence the name crystal meth). Drug use involves putting the crystals into a glass pipe and heating it below with a lighter to release a vapor.

Meth Pills (Less Frequently Used)

Less commonly, dealers press methamphetamine into pills. This can be dangerous because it can contain other drugs, like fentanyl.

Most often this form of the drug is encountered in the form of counterfeit Adderall containing meth or Dexedrine, both are common ADHD medications.

Liquid Meth

Those injecting meth often prefer the liquid form, which gets them high rapidly.

Abusing meth can mean developing a severe addiction quickly, resulting in meth mites. Meth completely destroys lives. If you see these drugs or drug use paraphernalia around your loved one, encourage them to speak with a healthcare professional for help.

Time is of the essence – meth addictions will continue to escalate until they get the professional care they need to break the cycle of drug abuse.

Besides Meth Sores, What Are Other Signs of Meth Addiction?

Some signs your loved one is engaged in meth use are obvious – like the meth sores we’ve been discussing. Here are some additional signs that are helpful to know when trying to identify meth abuse (or abusing other stimulants):

• Rapid weight loss, poor nutrition (the stimulant is an appetite suppressant)
• Increased body temperature or sweating
• Poor hygiene habits
• Hair loss due to meth and related stress
• Sleep disturbances, insomnia, or sleep deprivation
• Meth mouth (tooth decay, gum disease, and eventual tooth loss)
• Hyperactivity or repetitive behavior
• Mood disturbances, violent or angry outbursts
• Excessive talking

These symptoms are frequent in meth users. However, some may also overlap with other substance abuse or mental health problems. For instance, insomnia can also be a sign of anxiety or panic disorders.

Call us for guidance if you have any questions. We are glad to help you put the pieces of the puzzle together and offer rehab for your loved one.

Withdrawal Symptoms When Ending Long-term Meth Use

Many know they need help and their lives are out of control. They may admit to being tired of meth sores, sleep deprivation, and constant scratching. But they have a deep fear of the meth withdrawal symptoms.

Some typical but uncomfortable symptoms during withdrawal are:

• Fatigue, sleepiness
• Depression or anxiety
• Increased appetite
• Moodiness
• Lack of focus
• Body aches or muscle spasms
• Nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting
• Psychotic symptoms
• Suicidal thoughts
• Vivid, unpleasant dreams.

Because of the nature of these withdrawal symptoms, a medical detox is the only safe place for your loved one.

How a Medical Detox Center Can Help

A specialized care team will watch their vital signs and mental state, dispensing medications that will keep them comfortable. For instance, the doctor may provide anti-tremor medications for someone experiencing involuntary spasms or an anti-depressant for someone feeling dangerously depressed.

Call Purpose Healing Center for Support to End Meth Abuse

Although meth mites are a hallucination, meth sores are a very real part of methamphetamine addiction. Your immune system will help the unsightly and uncomfortable meth sores heal over time after the skin-picking behaviors stop.

If you or a loved one needs help to heal meth sores and recover from methamphetamine use disorder, Purpose Healing Center can help. We have helped many others heal their meth addiction and break free of the sensation of meth bugs along with other damage done by this powerful drug.

We work with most major insurers and will even call your insurance company to help you get the pre-authorizations needed to get treatment for meth approved. Call us today; we can help you or a loved one in quitting meth safely and effectively.