The abuse of methamphetamine can lead to physical, mental, and emotional problems. Because of the intense high it provides, many people who experiment with the drug end up wanting to chase that high forever.
When someone is abusing meth continuously, their life starts to fall apart. You can prevent someone you love from becoming addicted to methamphetamine or even save their lives by knowing the signs and symptoms of meth addiction before their addiction takes hold. You might be able to get them into a treatment center before it’s too late.
Symptoms and Signs of Meth Use
Despite the speed at which methamphetamine can become addictive, there are many visible signs someone is addicted to it, such as changes in appearance and behavior.
If someone you care about is abusing meth, or you think that they may be, look at these 6 signs.
1. Noticeable Changes in Physical Appearance
A person’s physical appearance is the easiest way to determine whether or not they are using meth. Even after a short period of time, methylamphetamine can drastically alter someone’s appearance.
Some of the physical signs of meth use are:
- Tooth decay and inflamed gums (meth mouth)
- Meth sore or scratch on the skin
- Track marks from IV use
- Loss of weight dramatically
- Hair that is falling out or thinning
- Eyes that are red and swollen
- Lips or fingers with burn marks
Meth abuse is more severe if the physical signs of use are severe, so it is important to reach out for help as soon as possible.
2. Behavior Changes
When someone becomes dependent on a substance, drug abuse can drastically change their behavior.
Some of the behaviors exhibited by a meth addict include:
- Sleepless
- Eating nothing
- Lying frequently
- Theft
- Taking risks that are dangerous
- Withdrawal from friends and family
- Doing the things they love no longer
Meth abuse threatens to consume a person’s life. Their addiction will ultimately dominate everything they do.
3. Mood Changes
Abnormal changes in mood can be another sign someone is on methamphetamine. These changes are typically extreme and may shift quickly.
In particular, changes in mood from meth use can include:
- Hyperactive
- Irritation
- Outbursts of violence
- Feelings of depression
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
It may be a sign of meth addiction if someone you love seems emotionally sensitive or if their mood seems off. Addicts often get worse at their mood as their addiction worsens.
4. Tweaking
Meth addiction is characterized by a number of distinct symptoms, including tweaking. Tweaking is characterized by a sudden change in mood when insomnia and/or anxiety last for a long period of time – often three or more days. In case of tweaking, the person has just come down from a meth binge and cannot get the high they want any longer. It may take several days for the person to get enough sleep, and as a result, they become anxious, irritable, and paranoid.
5. Paraphernalia
The presence of meth paraphernalia in your loved one is a tell-tale sign of meth use. Among the three methods of obtaining eth, injection, snorting, or smoking are the most common.
Methamphetamine paraphernalia can include:
- A glass pipe
- A needle
- A rolled dollar bill, an empty pen, or a cut straw
- Foil, spoons, or cans made of aluminum
- Little plastic baggies
- A tourniquet
These items might be hidden or left in plain sight by someone abusing meth. It may be time to intervene if you see meth paraphernalia in their room, home, or car.
6. Problems with Several Areas of Their Life
In addition to paying attention to what is going on in a person’s life, you can also tell if they are on meth. People who become addicted to meth will start to prioritize it over everything else if they become dependent on it. Other aspects of their lives will suffer as a result.
Meth users may:
- Getting fired
- You drop out of school
- Financial difficulties
- Relationship issues
- Deal with legal issues
It may be possible for someone to save some of these aspects of their lives if they are able to enter inpatient treatment sooner rather than later.
What To Do Next
A person’s life can be rapidly consumed by a dangerous drug such as methamphetamine, which can cause numerous negative outcomes. It is possible to intervene sooner rather than later and possibly even save their lives if you are able to recognize the early signs of meth use.
There is something you can do if you know someone abusing drugs:
- Face them calmly
- Show your concern for their well-being
- Learn more about meth addiction
- Make sure you don’t enable their addiction
- See if they can be helped by a drug rehabilitation center
- Remember to take care of yourself
It can be overwhelming to learn that someone you love is abusing methamphetamine, but it could save their life.
Get Help Today
Seeing these signs in a loved one or even finding out your loved one is abusing meth can be a scary realization. There are things you can do and resources to help you get through this tough time. Lift Off Recovery is here to help.If you find yourself struggling with addiction, or you see a loved one showing signs of meth use. Lift Off Recovery is here to help you. Contact us for information about our program and how we’re equipped to help anyone that needs help.
