Signs of Meth Use
The effects caused by meth are some of the worst when compared to other addictions. Those who use the drug say that they are feeling very euphoric and full of energy after consumption. However, this comes with a cost: their central nervous system is affected and their overall health is endangered, potentially leading to some long-term effects.
It isn’t that easy to notice meth use signs, especially if you do not pay attention to details or you do not know how the drug can affect an individual. Still, knowing the signs of meth use can save someone’s life. Not getting help for an addict soon enough can lead to worse symptoms that can put their life in danger. Or, it may lead to an overdose that can, again, be fatal.
More Info on Meth
Meth or methamphetamine is a drug derived from amphetamine. The first development of this drug happened in the 20th century, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Before the bad side of this substance was discovered, it was used for medical purposes.
Unfortunately, it is a very potent drug so people ended up finding out just how much the central nervous system can be affected. Methamphetamine also acts much faster than amphetamine, mainly because it can reach the brain more quickly.
Most people consume methamphetamine in a white powder or crystallized form. The substance has no scent and it has a bitter taste. Some prefer to snort the drug, while others smoke it, eat it or inject it into their body.
Methamphetamine can lead to symptoms such as feelings of euphoria and energy. The positive effects are usually responsible for one’s willingness to keep abusing the drug. Therefore, it has an extremely high addiction potential.
Physical and Psychological Symptoms of Meth Use
Meth can cause both physical and psychological symptoms. Some people will deal with worse symptoms, while others will experience milder effects, at least until the addiction gets worse. Also, most people will go through a combination of multiple symptoms, and they will all vary from person to person.
In terms of physical signs, there will be some specific changes in behavior to look out for. The drug affects the brain – therefore, a meth addict will be full of energy and will feel very euphoric.
There is also a darker side, though. Some addicts deal with psychosis, which causes them to have different hallucinations, delusions and experience paranoia and irritability. Hallucinations can be auditory or visual, and they may lead to the individual scratching a lot in some cases. This happens because some meth users have the feeling that bugs are crawling on their bodies. If they scratch their skin and pick it a lot, they may do so in an attempt to relieve the itchiness and get rid of the bugs.
Dopamine levels are also increased by meth, and this doesn’t only have an effect on pleasure, but also on one’s memory. Meth addicts may end up having a harder time memorizing and remembering things due to a natural dopamine imbalance caused by the drug.
Other people experience tweaking, which is a state where addicts deal with paranoia, irritability, and confusion, as well as insomnia. These effects may last for 3-15 days.
Physical signs will also be present and they are usually easier to detect than psychological ones, although it may take a while to see these marks. The physical symptoms are not to be confused with meth withdrawal symptoms. Unfortunately, the addiction has already developed when physical symptoms become obvious.
Physical signs that one may show when dealing with a meth addiction involve:
- Acne or sores on their skin
- Stroke
- Convulsions
- Intense scratching
- Increased libido
- A thinning and frail body
- Rotting teeth
- Higher body temperature
- Liver damage
- Decreased immunity
Symptoms such as increased libido can pose a higher risk to the individual’s health because when their libido is increased, their inhibitions decrease. So, the meth user may be more willing to engage in sexual relations without protection, which can lead to sexually transmitted diseases.
Short and Long-Term Side Effects
Some meth use symptoms only last for a short period, while others are long-term symptoms. In the short term, you may notice these signs:
- Fast/irregular heartbeat
- Breathing faster
- Decreased appetite
- Increased physical activity
- Overheating
- Being unable to fall asleep
- Being confused, anxious, or irritable
- Being uninterested in the things they used to love
- The hygiene is getting worse
- There are syringes, surgical tubes, burnt spoons, or anything of the sort in the user’s house
Another effect of meth use might be exhaustion. Since the body is pushed too hard during the drug use, an addict will end up feeling drained.
Long-term signs of meth use will be more obvious, but they also show that the issue is much worse than you may have thought. After abusing the drug for a longer time, you may deal with symptoms such as:
- Weight loss
- Tooth decay or loss
- Sores
How To Get Help
When someone is struggling with a meth addiction that took over their life, the most important thing to do is ask for help. There are various rehab centers or professionals who would be willing to help someone get back on their feet.
The addict will have to undergo treatment in a facility. They will have no access to the drug and will be forced to live without the harmful substance. This can lead to meth withdrawal symptoms that an addict wouldn’t be able to handle on their own.
In rehab, the meth user can receive treatment for their withdrawal symptoms while treating the underlying issues that may have led to the drug use.
Why We Can Help
Real Deal Therapy & Wellness takes its patients very seriously, and if your meth addiction was caused by your mental health or it affected your mental health, we can help you treat this problem.
Not only do we treat the addiction directly and stop it, but we can also help individuals find healthier ways to cope with their emotions and avoid triggers. You can take control of your own life and treat the real issues!
Start your new life journey right now by quitting meth! All you have to do is reach out to professionals and you will get the help you need!