You may have heard the term ‘tweaking out’ in relation to meth use and wondered what it actually means. As experts in addiction rehabilitation, Avenues Recovery explains what tweaking is and how a person can reach this stage in addiction.
What Does Tweaking Mean in Slang?
Tweaking is a slang word for the dangerous behavior that results from binging on large amounts of methamphetamine (meth) over a short period of time.
What 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. This slang phrase is used amongst people who abuse drugs. When individuals are exhibiting this dangerous behavior, they are said to be tweaking out.
What Is Tweaking vs. Substance Abuse?
As with any addictive substance, the body develops tolerance as a person misuses a drug. This means that larger quantities of a drug are needed in order for the person to feel the same pleasurable ‘high’ as was previously felt with lesser quantities.
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 on drugs, and tweaking on meth in particular, can result in severe, irreversible changes to the brain.
It starts with a person struggling with meth addiction ingesting a large quantity of meth. In order to prolong the ‘high’ or euphoric after-effects, the person consumes 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 symptoms of people who tweak on meth 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.
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 on Drugs?
Tweaking carries a significant risk of death. This is because as the person binges on meth, they can easily reach the stage of a meth 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.
How to Stand Up to Tweakers
Standing up to a loved one who is tweaking on meth can be tough, but it’s important to stay calm and set clear boundaries. While it's essential to protect yourself, remember that the person is likely going through a difficult time because of their addiction. Offer support if you can, but always prioritize your safety, and don't hesitate to call for professional help if needed.
Hope and Recovery From Tweaking on Meth
Now that you know what tweaking is, you will be able to identify if a loved one is struggling with this, and you can support them in getting the help they need.
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. Contact Avenues Recovery today to experience our professional, high-quality care and to start your journey to the drug-free future you deserve.