Tweaking is a slang word for the results of binging on large amounts of methamphetamine (meth) over a short period of time. Abusing meth over a short period of time leads to a severe lack of sleep which, together with the mind-altering properties of meth, causes severe, unusual behavior. People who use meth will experience all sorts of unpleasant side effects, but once they experience three days of no sleep as a result of meth use, new, terribly disturbing effects are felt, including paranoia, agitation, insomnia, anxiety, hallucinations, and extremely unpredictable, unsafe, erratic, violent, and obsessive behavior.
The longer the meth binge lasts, the more severe the symptoms at the end. It is usually dangerous for family and friends to be around someone in the tweaking stage, as they may harm others or themselves.
Who Is a Tweaker?
The term ‘tweaker’ is used to describe a person who has misused large amounts of meth in a short window of time, causing them to feel and display unusual psychotic and violent behavior. It’s a slang phrase used amongst people who abuse drugs.
Why do People Tweak Meth?
As with any addictive substance, the body develops tolerance as a person misuses the drug. This means that larger quantities of the drug are needed in order for the person to feel the same pleasurable ‘high’ as was previously felt with lesser quantities. Over time, as the body continues to develop tolerance to higher and higher dosages, the user may feel frustrated that they cannot feel the familiar euphoria when using the drug. Often, the user will suddenly binge on large quantities of the substance in a short window to prolong the pleasurable effects. This is known as ‘tweaking.’
What Does Tweaking Look Like?
Tweaking drugs, and tweaking meth in particular, can result in severe, irreversible changes to the brain. First, the person struggling with meth addiction will ingest a large quantity of meth. In order to prolong the ‘high’ or euphoric after-effects, the person will consume more and more meth in quick succession, otherwise known as binging. It’s important to note that the symptoms of tweaking are often not noticeable because meth abusers may also use depressants to counteract the unpleasant effects of meth.
Common tweaking symptoms include:
- Rapid eye movements
- Body tremors
- Nonsensical speech
- Psychotic, erratic behavior
- Obsessive behavior
- Violence
- Hallucinations
- Restlessness and anxiety
- Dangerous or criminal activity
Typically, a tweaking period ends with the addict crashing. Tweakers don’t sleep for several days and forget to eat or drink, so as they crash, they sleep for a very long time and wake up malnourished and dehydrated. If you or your loved one are suffering from tweaking, don't hesitate to reach out to Avenues Recovery so that we can guide you on your path to sobriety.
Physical Effects of Tweaking
As mentioned, tweaking can cause a person to become sleep-deprived, dehydrated, and malnourished, as the person will neglect basic bodily needs during this period. There is also a strain on the cardiovascular muscles, which can cause elevated blood pressure, increased heart rate, stroke, and heart attack. As with any drug that is misused, the lungs will also be negatively affected if the substance is inhaled, causing coughing, trouble breathing, and other respiratory issues.
Can You Die from Tweaking?
Tweaking carries a significant risk of death. This is because as the person binges on meth, they can easily overdose by taking too much, leading to death. There is also a risk of ‘chronic overdose,’ where a person misuses meth for a long time, which slowly causes the organs to malfunction and eventually slow down and stop completely. Another serious concern is burns or explosions that occur when dealing with illicit substances, which can cause significant damage or even death.
Treatment for Meth Addiction
Meth addiction is a devastating disease, like any physical, chronic disease such as heart disease or diabetes. It is, however, treatable, which means that you do not need to continue suffering. Tweaking is a serious threat to your life.
If you or someone you know is addicted to meth, has experience tweaking, or has been playing around with any illicit, addictive substance, know that you can find your way to sobriety with the correct support and therapies. Avenues Recovery has an established chain of rehab facilities with a range of therapies and supportive staff to help you attain a beautiful, drug-free life. Our addiction counselors are experts in their field, and have helped thousands of people reach sobriety. Reach out today to experience our professional, high quality care and to start your journey to the drug-free future you deserve.