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Healing, Strengthening, and Advancing the Lives of LGBTQ People Seeking Recovery

Why Does Meth Cause Sores on the Face?

close up of a persons face with an open sore who is wondering why does meth cause sores on the face

Meth is a powerful stimulant drug. Unfortunately, meth use disproportionately affects the LGBTQ community, and meth and overdose are on the rise across the United States. Since the 1990s rise of meth use in the gay club scene, the LGBTQ community has struggled with high levels of meth addiction and limited safe, effective recovery resources. An LGBTQ meth addiction treatment is the most effective way to stop using meth and manage side effects like face sores.

If you or someone you know in the LGBTQ community is struggling with meth, call La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center now. Our LGBTQ meth addiction treatment program in Hollywood, CA, provides inclusive residential and outpatient treatment programs. Call us now at 888.903.9898 to learn more about meth treatment at La Fuente.

What Is Meth and What Does It Do to the Body?

Meth is a cheap, easy-to-make stimulant. It works by speeding up messages from the brain to the body. This causes hyper sensation, increased sexual arousal, joy, elation, paranoia, and confusion. It also increases heart rate, breathing, and body temperature. These effects can lead to heart attacks and seizures. Meth works by releasing dopamine, a natural chemical that creates feelings of joy and euphoria. This release of dopamine makes meth highly addictive and leads the brain to produce less dopamine on its own.

Often made in kitchens or home labs, meth, and its concentrated form, crystal meth, are often laced with other drugs. Sometimes meth is also combined with opioids like fentanyl. This combination can be especially deadly. The effects of meth can last up to 12 hours, after which someone begins the painful experience of meth come down as the nervous system re-regulates.

Understanding Meth Sores on the Face and Body

Meth is often smoked or injected. Because meth is made in home labs, it’s made from many toxic ingredients like lighter fluid, brake cleaner, and other chemicals that are not safe to ingest.

These chemicals can cause sores on the face and body to appear. They can look similar to acne and are often around the mouth, chest, and arms. Sores come from sweating out the toxins in meth, neglected personal hygiene, and skin picking during hallucinations. Meth will weaken the immune system and make someone more prone to infection. It also causes a lower level of saliva production, making infections around the mouth common. Unfortunately, infection is common and, without treatment, can cause long-term health problems. For example, meth can worsen the effects of HIV/AIDS, which can also lead to sores during the later stages of AIDS.

Get Support Today From Hollywood’s LGBTQ Meth Rehab Center

With treatment, meth sores will improve and heal. Prolonged meth use can also cause gum disease, tooth loss, and other health problems. If you or someone in your life is struggling with meth, get help now. Meth overdose and meth-related deaths are on the rise. Let the team at La Fuente help you. Our LGBTQ meth addiction recovery programs help the greater Los Angeles area recover from methamphetamines and other substances. With cutting-edge approaches to addiction treatment, medically assisted detox, residential, outpatient, and sober living programs, La Fuente is here to help you and the greater community overcome meth addiction.

At La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center, our compassionate staff understands every phase of addiction recovery. Many of our staff members are in recovery themselves and provide clients with empathy, experience, and non-judgemental treatment designed to strengthen the LGBTQ community from the inside out.

Begin Meth Detox and Recovery at La Fuente Hollywood Now

Don’t let meth sores cause long-term health problems. Call us now 888.903.9898 to learn how La Fuente can support you during meth detox and recovery.