Methamphetamine, more commonly known as meth, is a powerfully addictive stimulant that users take in powder, pill, or crystal “rock” form. This drug is typically eaten, snorted, or injected.
Addiction specialists have asserted that meth is one of the most destructive illicit drugs abused today. It is associated with high relapse rates and addiction to it can be incredibly challenging to manage, but with intensive treatment, people can move away from the grip of this drug. If you’re concerned that a friend or loved one is abusing meth, the following information can help.
Signs and Symptoms of Meth Use
Spotting traces of meth powder or crystals or paraphernalia like syringes is an obvious sign that a friend or family member is using meth. Absent these more tangible proofs, it’s still possible to determine if someone is abusing a dangerous drug like methamphetamine.
People who abuse meth often appear highly energized but also nervous and anxious. Meth abusers will often go days without sleeping and will suffer excessive weight loss. A person who chronically abuses this drug can appear gaunt and undernourished as a result of their loss of appetite.
Other Signs of Meth Abuse
Meth contains caustic chemicals that can wreak havoc on multiple aspects of the body. It’s not uncommon for a person addicted to meth to have rotting teeth or other major dental problems. Users can develop painful sores on their face because the drug makes them itch and causes them to pick at scabs or other blemishes. Meth abuse can lead to the development of serious mental disorders like anxiety, depression, and paranoia. Psychotic symptoms are not uncommon among meth abusers.
Other signs of meth use are behavioral in nature. It isn’t uncommon for a person addicted to meth to experience serious financial and legal problems. Meth cravings are so powerful that many abusers have committed crimes in order to obtain the drug. People addicted to meth may also engage in extremely risky behaviors like having unprotected sex or sharing needles.
Finally, a person addicted to this drug can quickly reach a point where they are incapable of maintaining a job or their studies. Addiction takes over their life to a point where even basic hygiene and other aspects of personal responsibility are beyond that individual’s capabilities.
Importance of Treatment
If you suspect that a friend or family member is abusing meth, it’s important to convince them to seek out treatment at an addiction treatment center. Addiction to powerful drugs like meth are associated with significant rates of overdose, but meth can also quickly take a toll on a person’s physical and mental health, causing lasting damage. It may be necessary to stage an intervention in order to help this individual get into rehab.
Meth has one of the highest rates of relapse because it is so incredibly addictive. The sooner a person gets into the treatment, the sooner they can manage the mental, physical, and behavioral dependencies on this drug. If you want to learn more about treatment or how to stage an intervention for a friend or loved one, be sure to contact Recovery In Tune for more information.