Meth is one of the most dangerous and addictive drugs in circulation today. It is a stimulant that can be smoked, ingested, or injected to produce an intense, rapid high. Users often end up binging meth because of its powerful high, and fleeting impact. Recent years have seen some improvement regarding meth use in the United States. Yet its widespread presence remains a definite public health issue that cities and states continue to combat. One of the hallmarks of regular meth use is a set of physical side effects, one of which is meth cramps.
Contact La Fuente Hollywood at 888.903.9898 to learn more about meth addiction treatment options.
Does Meth Cause Muscle Cramps?
Does meth cause muscle cramps? Regular meth use does tend to produce a number of physical side effects. Meth muscle cramps happen to be one of these side effects. In fact, tremors, twitching, and cramps are all common outcomes of meth use. The biggest reason for meth cramps is dehydration.
It’s common to see athletes struggling with cramps at the end of a big game or prolonged periods of intense activity. Meth is essentially taxing the body in similar ways to a large amount of activity. That is not to indicate there’s any physical benefit to meth. There isn’t. It is only destructive. Yet the underlying principle of the body being dehydrated and overworked is the same.
Another muscle issue stemming from meth abuse is rhabdomyolysis. Medical professionals have yet to pin down exactly why meth causes this health issue. Factors such as dehydration, increased body temperature, and regular cramps all likely play a role. Rhabdomyolysis is a condition where the muscles rapidly deteriorate. As they decay, damaged muscle cells may leak into the bloodstream. This results in widespread muscle pain and even kidney failure in advanced cases.
Meth and Muscle Cramps: Common Signs
The biggest and most obvious sign of meth cramps is the actual cramps people experience. Bad cramps are unmistakable and extremely uncomfortable. Yet there are a number of other signs behind meth cramps that may not be as obvious. Paying attention to these can help you put measures into place to avoid full-blown meth cramps. It can also serve as a signal to seek formal treatment that is able to tackle the root problem of meth addiction and not just the side effects of it. A few of the biggest signs of meth cramps include:
- Muscle pain
- Repeated, uncontrollable contractions of your arms, legs, or eyelids
- Tight or bulging muscles
- Mood swings or anxiety
- Weakness and muscle fatigue
Treating Meth Muscle Cramps
As the previous section hinted, the best way to treat meth muscle cramps is by seeking professional help. Some measures can certainly be taken at home to alleviate meth cramps. Staying hydrated and eating healthy, balanced meals is one of the most important things you can do to avoid cramps. But that will not address the underlying issue: meth abuse.
To do that, it is necessary to attend addiction treatment. The best treatment structure for people struggling with meth abuse is inpatient treatment. Inpatient programs offer the highest level of care and help people navigate the detox stage effectively. Stopping meth use outside of formal treatment can be dangerous because of the major crash people experience during withdrawal.
Depression and anxiety are very common for people withdrawing from meth. In extreme cases, long-term meth users may even have developed a mental health disorder stemming from meth addiction. Meth addiction and mental health are treatable simultaneously. The complexity involved in treating both together is another reason to seek professional help in overcoming meth addiction.
Address Meth Addiction at La Fuente Hollywood
Meth addiction need not rule your life or the life of someone you love. Call 888.903.9898 or fill out our online form to learn how La Fuente Hollywood approaches meth addiction treatment in a comprehensive, compassionate way.
