Symptoms of Meth Addiction in Someone You Love

When methamphetamine is consumed, it can cause physical, mental, and emotional implications. Many people who begin experimenting with the substance end up chasing the initial high and becoming hooked because of the powerful euphoric rush it gives. With sustained usage, a person’s life will begin to unravel.

Even if you’re unfamiliar with crystal meth, you’re probably aware that it has serious health consequences, including addiction. It’s normal to be concerned about a loved one and want to help them immediately.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of meth addiction can help you get someone you care about into treatment before their addiction spirals out of control. We’ve gathered some essential information regarding meth addiction to help you.

What Does Meth Look Like?

Methamphetamine, usually known as meth, is a stimulant substance with street names such as crystal meth, chalk, ice, or speed. It is often a white crystalline powder that is odorless, bitter-tasting, and quickly dissolves in water or alcohol. Meth is a Schedule II restricted narcotic that is frequently illegally traded in the United States. A doctor can, however, lawfully prescribe it to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Meth occurs in several forms and may be used in various methods, including inhaling, injecting, taking orally, or smoking. Approximately half of all meth users utilize several techniques, and 7% use all four methods during their lifetime. The most frequent type of crystal meth is smoked.

Signs of Meth Use

Methamphetamine usage may quickly lead to addiction. If you’ve ever wondered about how to know if someone is on meth, don’t worry since there are many visible symptoms, such as changes in physical appearance, behavior, and mood. If you believe someone you care about is misusing meth, check for the following signs:

1. Noticeable Physical Changes

Changes in physical appearance are usually the easiest to tell whether someone is addicted to meth. Methamphetamine is well-known for its significant effect on someone’s appearance, even after only a short period. Physical manifestations of meth usage may include:

• Decayed Teeth and Irritated Gums
• Sores or Scrapes on the Skin
• Track Markings
• Significant Weight Reduction
• Thinning Hair
• Swelling, Red Eyes
• Burnt Scars on Fingers or Lips

The more severe the physical symptoms of meth addiction, the more serious the usage; thus, it is critical to seek assistance as soon as possible.

2. Behavioral Changes

Drug usage may significantly impact a person’s conduct, primarily if they rely on the substance. The following are examples of meth addict behavior:

• Inability to Sleep
• Absence of Eating
• Frequent Deception
• Stealing
• Taking Perilous Chances
• Isolation From Friends and Relatives
• Social Withdrawal

As a person’s use of meth continues, it begins to take over their life. Everything they do will eventually revolve around their addiction.

3. Emotional Changes

Abnormal mood swings are another symptom that someone is using methamphetamine. These alterations are usually dramatic and can occur fast. Changes in mood caused by meth usage can include:

• Hyperactivity
• Irritability
• Outbursts of Rage
• Fluctuations in Mood
• Paranoia
• Anxiety

If you notice that someone you care about is too emotional or that something about their mood is odd, it might indicate meth addiction. Their mood frequently worsens as the intensity of their addiction worsens.

4. Tweaking

Tweaking is a severe shift in mood when someone feels sleeplessness and anxiety for a lengthy period—sometimes three days or longer—and is one of the more noticeable meth addiction symptoms. This happens when a person comes down after a meth binge and cannot attain the desired high. As a result of not sleeping for several days, the individual gets paranoid, agitated, and irritable.

5. Methamphetamine Paraphernalia

The presence of meth paraphernalia in your loved one is a tell-tale symptom of methamphetamine usage. Meth may be injected, snorted, or smoked, and all of these techniques need the use of some equipment. Methamphetamine paraphernalia may include the following:

• Glass Tubes
• Needles
• Dollar Notes Curled Up, Ink Pens Emptied, or Straws Sliced
• Cans, Spoons, or Aluminum Foil
• Little Baggies
• Tourniquets

A meth addict may try to conceal these goods or leave them in plain sight. If you discover any meth paraphernalia in their room, house, or automobile, it’s time to step in.

6. Constant Struggles in Life

Another way to know whether someone is high is to observe what is happening in their lives. Clear symptoms of a meth addict include the individual prioritizing the drug above everything else. Other aspects of their life will suffer as a result. Someone high on meth might:

• lose their job;
• drop out of high school;
• experience severe financial struggles;
• have relationship issues; or
• deal with legal difficulties.

Getting someone into inpatient treatment sooner rather than later may allow them to rescue some of these parts of their life before they suffer irreparable harm.

The Risks of Meth

Even though the substantial health hazards of meth use are generally acknowledged, many people continue to experiment with the substance. Meth is more harmful than other stimulants because a higher percentage of the substance remains unaltered in the bloodstream and lingers in the brain for an extended time. The release of the neurotransmitter dopamine creates the euphoric rush that drives many people to use methamphetamine. It can be harmful to nerve terminals in your brain and can cause mood swings and drug dependence, which are among the many symptoms of meth addiction, by destroying brain cell synapses that produce dopamine.

Meth Withdrawal

Experiencing the symptoms of meth addiction withdrawal can be a challenging journey. Though it might be hard, given the repercussions of meth usage on the body and mind, it’s well worth the effort.

The first two weeks of meth withdrawal can cause various short-term symptoms, such as:

• Dehydration
• Headaches
• Muscular Spasms
• Alterations in Appetite
• Strong Urges
• Psychosis
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Insomnia

Long-term meth withdrawal can result in:

• Depression
• Sleep Disturbances
• Cravings
• Anxiety
• Cognitive Problems

The Bottom Line

Methamphetamine is a narcotic that may swiftly overtake a person’s life. The symptoms of meth addiction are truly devastating and worryingly fatal for a considerable number of users.

If you suspect a loved one is using crystal meth, it’s critical to approach them with empathy and refrain from making assumptions. You cannot make someone open up to you. What you can do is always let them know you’ll be there for them when they’re prepared to chat and give any assistance you can. Reassuring your loved ones of their qualities and the people in their life who care about them can help them feel better and more inspired to continue working toward recovery, especially if they suffer difficulties or believe they lack the necessary skills to overcome meth addiction.

Don’t Wait and Get Help Now

While we understand how painful it is to witness someone you care about suffer from methamphetamine addiction, numerous options are accessible, including a center for addiction recovery in Clarksville. In fact, Haven House Recovery Center understands the hardships of addiction firsthand. We provide a 12-step Christian-based program to help you overcome the struggle of addiction.

Our genuine desire is to assist people in recovering so that they can live entire, meaningful, and healthy lives. Visit our recovery center in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, or contact us immediately for more information on available treatment options.