What Drug Causes You to Pick at Your Skin?

Get Answers on Drugs that Cause Skin Picking Now

When exploring the lesser-known side effects of drug use, one particularly distressing issue stands out: drug-induced skin picking. This compulsive behavior, scientifically known as dermatillomania, affects numerous individuals struggling with substance use disorders.

You may have seen such ‘before and after’ images of addicts who have caused great damage to their skin, or perhaps you or a loved one is battling this issue and need to know where to turn. In either case you have arrived at the right resource!

It is vital to know that skin picking is not just a habit but a serious psychological condition that can lead to significant physical and emotional distress.

In our latest blog resource related to behavioral healthcare from BeforeItsNews.com, we delve into the common culprits behind this behavior, the psychological mechanisms at play, and the available treatment options, providing a comprehensive guide for those affected and their loved ones.

The Common Culprits: 3 Drug Types That Most Often Lead to Skin Picking

1) Methamphetamines and Cocaine

Both methamphetamines and cocaine are stimulants that significantly impact the central nervous system. Users often experience intense itching and sensations of bugs crawling under their skin, a condition known as formication.

These hallucinations can compel users to scratch or pick at their skin, leading to sores and infections. Meth, in particular, is notorious for this effect, often resulting in severe and visible skin damage known as “meth sores,” or when near the mouth, as “meth mouth.”

2) Heroin and Opioid Drugs

Heroin, an opioid, triggers the release of histamines in the body, which leads to intense itching. This itching is not just uncomfortable but can become a gateway to habitual skin picking, as users try to relieve the sensation.

This behavior can exacerbate into a full-blown skin picking disorder, especially in chronic users who may scratch to the point of causing wounds and scars​. This is an increased risk among longer term opioid users, and the second most frequently encountered among drugs that cause skin picking.

3) Assorted Prescription Medications

Certain prescription medications, particularly those for ADHD and depression, can also lead to skin picking. Stimulants used to treat ADHD, as well as other prescription drugs, may cause hypersensitivity reactions, including hives, rashes, and fluid-filled bumps, which can become targets for skin picking.

Although not technically methamphetamines, the use of similar stimulant drugs can cause the same issues as when meth sores occur, despite the drugs being prescription medications.

Similarly, some antidepressants, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), have been linked to increased compulsive behaviors, including skin picking.

Additionally, the abuse of certain prescription medications can lead to skin lesions and further exacerbate skin-picking behavior.

Psychological Underpinnings and Behavioral Aspects of Compulsive Skin Picking Behavior

Compulsive skin picking extends beyond a physical response to drug use; it has deep psychological roots often connected with anxiety, stress, and other mental health disorders. It is classified under obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, highlighting its complex nature and its classification as a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder due to the compulsive nature of the picking.

Treating underlying dermatological issues, such as existing acne, can significantly reduce compulsive skin picking behavior by alleviating the distress associated with an imperfect appearance, thus addressing both the physical and psychological components of the disorder.

Looking at the Motivations Behind Skin Picking Disorders

Some individuals may use skin picking as a coping mechanism to handle emotional distress, a pattern that can persist and worsen without appropriate psychological intervention.

Chronic skin-picking disorders often coexist with other mental health issues, including anxiety disorders or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), underscoring the importance of a comprehensive treatment approach.

This foundational understanding sets the stage for discussing the prevalence of this condition among those with substance use disorders and the critical steps for treatment and support.

Now let’s continue to explore how those affected can find help and what therapeutic approaches are most effective in managing this challenging condition.

Treatment and Support for Drug-Induced Skin Picking

If you or someone you care about is struggling with skin picking, it is essential to know that effective treatment for skin picking behaviors involves a multifaceted approach, integrating both psychological and medical strategies.

Addressing drug and alcohol addiction in treatment programs is often the initial component of such approaches.

This is crucial as drug abuse and drug addiction are closely linked to skin picking, with drug use often worsening symptoms for those predisposed to it. Comprehensive addiction treatment is necessary to address these issues effectively.

Are Therapeutic Interventions for a Skin Picking Disorder Effective?

In short, yes, therapeutic methods for helping those with skin-picking disorders are effective, as long as they are evidence-based and conducted in the right setting. The following are a trio of approaches shown to be effective:

183. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is often the first line of treatment for dermatillomania. It helps individuals recognize their triggers, which can include drug abuse as a coping mechanism for emotional distress, and develop healthier coping mechanisms instead of skin picking. Techniques such as habit reversal training, which involves learning alternative behaviors when the urge to pick arises, have shown significant success.
184. Medications: In some cases, medications that are used to treat underlying mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety, and co-occurring mental illnesses like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and drug addiction, can also help alleviate compulsive skin picking.

Antidepressants, particularly SSRIs, are commonly prescribed to help control the urges associated with this behavior. (though not if they are associated with its presence)

183. Support Groups: Participating in support groups can provide individuals with a sense of community and understanding, which is crucial for those feeling isolated by their condition. Sharing experiences and strategies can foster a supportive environment conducive to recovery​. The impact of substance abuse, including substance use disorder, on skin-picking behavior underscores the importance of integrated treatment approaches that address both the psychological aspects and the physical side effects of substance use.

How to Start Adopting Better Dermatological Care Practices

In addition to psychological treatments, consulting a dermatologist can be crucial, especially for individuals who have inflicted severe damage to their skin due to compulsive behaviors that may lead to skin infections, cellulitis, abscesses, and necrotizing skin lesions.

Dermatologists play a vital role in treating these skin infections, ensuring medical intervention is provided to address infections, scars, and other skin damage effectively. They can offer treatments to heal and possibly reverse some of the physical effects of skin picking, such as infections or scars.

Seeking Help: Steps to Take if You or Someone You Know is Struggling

Recognizing the need for help is the first step towards recovery. Here are practical steps to consider if you or someone you know is battling with drug-induced skin picking:

1. Consult a Healthcare Provider: A professional can offer a diagnosis and tailor a treatment plan that addresses both the skin picking and any underlying drug use disorders.
2. Engage in Treatment Programs: Accredited and reputable substance abuse rehabilitation programs that address both the psychological and physical aspects of addiction can be beneficial. These programs provide structured treatment, including detox, therapy, and aftercare planning.
3. Practice Self-Care: Engaging in regular self-care activities can reduce stress and decrease the likelihood of relapse. Simple actions like maintaining a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and engaging in physical activity can have a profound impact on recovery.

Get the Support Needed at an Accredited Treatment Center

Drug-induced skin picking is a serious issue that often accompanies substance abuse disorders. Understanding the drugs involved, the psychological background of the disorder, and the available treatments can empower individuals and their families to seek the necessary help.

With the right support and treatment, recovery is not just possible; it’s within reach. Awareness and education are key in encouraging those affected to step forward and embrace the path to a healthier future.

By addressing both the psychological and physical aspects of skin picking (and the underlying substance abuse if this plays a role), individuals can work towards a return to health and improve their quality of life. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and a vital stride toward lasting recovery!

We hope that our comprehensive resource on skin picking and its related concerns has offered support and guidance, and please be sure to bookmark BeforeItsNews.com for the latest insights and healthcare news that matters to you and yours!