Symptoms that Someone is Using Meth
What are the Common Signs of Meth Use?
An illegal substance-abuse disorder is a condition that thrives under secrecy and isolation but can be overcome when it is brought into the light. One of the first steps in helping a loved one or yourself recover from meth addictionis to recognize substance abuse. Once meth use is addressed, you or your loved one can start seeking out the best treatment options. Crystal meth, also known as methamphetamine, is an illegal substance that can cause serious symptoms such as
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Rotten teeth
- Sores on the skin
- Risky sexual behaviors
- Liver damage
- Stroke
- HIV infections
- Death.
When you thoroughly understand the symptoms of meth addiction, you can recognize how meth affects the body and get help for either yourself or those that you love. While meth addiction is difficult to overcome, with the right treatment programs, it is possible to break free and live a healthy lifestyle free from illegal substance use disorder.
Physical Signs of Meth Use
Even if you are not able to spend a lot of time around an individual to observe their behavior, there are many physical symptoms that make it possible to spot meth use even from a distance. Some of the most common symptoms include the following:
- Facial sores that resemble acne
- Open wounds on the body that appear to have been picked
- Loss of weight
- A lack of skin elasticity
- Rotten teeth that provide the nickname “meth mouth”
- Obvious skin scratching
Other Symptoms of Meth Addiction
Meth can completely change the way that a person acts and thinks by increasing the amount of dopamine in their brains and giving them an adrenaline rush. When you encounter someone that is using meth, you will most likely be able to tell that there is a difference in their behavior. Many people seem more suspicious and sexually charged when they are under the influence of meth.
Some of the behavioral symptoms of meth use include:
- Lowered inhibitions that make one less cautious
- Increased sexual libido
- Memory loss
- Irritability
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
- Delusions and hallucinations
- Jerky movements
- Speech that is distorted from talking too fast and jumbling words
Since meth increases the user’s sexual drive while also lowering their inhibitions, users are likely to contract sexually transmitted diseases including HIV.
Meth users who try to chase the “high” and rush of dopamine that comes from using the substance often find themselves in a state called “tweaking”. Tweaking occurs when someone goes on a binge of meth use, leading to serious bouts of insomnia, paranoia, twitching, and confusion. Since those struggling with meth use are often dealing with a lack of clear thinking, they may end up involved in criminal activity or become violent.
Hope for Those Struggling with Meth Addiction
While the effects of meth use can seem overwhelming, there is hope for any individual that is willing to undergo treatment and put work into living a life free from substance abuse. If you love someone who is using meth, their strange behavior may make it feel like they’ve been replaced by someone evil. While it’s easy to feel this way and become discouraged, remember that recovery can restore the person they used to be and that many of their hurtful actions are a symptom of their disease rather than their own choice.
If you are the one battling an addiction with meth, it is important that you get help now. Talking to a professional rehabilitation center is the first step toward regaining your dignity, restoring relationships with those you love, and getting your struggle with substance abuse under control. You deserve a better life, and the professionals at Discovery Point Retreat are anxious to help you get started on the path that can lead you to success.
Whether you are struggling with meth addiction or if you notice your loved one showing signs of meth use, the caring team at Discovery Point Retreat wants to help you. Contact (855-306-8054 to talk to a certified professional member of our team that can help you. All calls are 100% anonymous.