Signs of Methamphetamine Addictionand psychoactive substances on the skin
Have you ever wondered how to detect drug use, such as methamphetamine (crystal meth) and cocaine, in those around you? Finding these signs can be as difficult as looking for a needle in a haystack because users often hide their addiction and try to keep it secret from others.
You probably have seen photos insocial mediathat circulate with the title “If your loved one’s body shows this sign, they might be a user!” These images and information serve as warning signals to help us stay alert. Recognizing common signs allows us to notice problems early and offer help to our loved ones.
Formication: The sensation of insects crawling on the skin caused by drug use
The feeling that something like ants is crawling on the skin is a physical symptom that can be caused by the side effects of psychoactive drugs. This sensation, especially in people who consume large amounts of methamphetamine, leads to “crawling skin” or feeling insects and creatures under the skin.
In addition to meth, hallucinations of insects can also occur from cocaine, crystal meth, and heroin. Such hallucinations may also appear during withdrawal from drugs or alcohol, indicating the body’s reaction to detoxification.
Crack bites or meth bites
On the skin of addicted individuals, due to the insect crawling illusion, wounds resembling bites may appear because they try to scratch or remove imaginary insects from under the skin. Hence, bite marks are important signs of drug use.Use of methamphetamineand cocaine.
Important note: The hallucination of insect crawling can also occur in cases such as:
- Menopause
- Fibromyalgia
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
- Lupus
- Parkinson’s disease
- Lewy body dementia
- Anemia
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hepatitis
- Vitamin B12 deficiency