Signs of Meth Addiction

Learn about the signs of Meth addiction and how rehab can help

Meth, or Methamphetamine, is a potent stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system. It is classified as a Schedule II controlled narcotic in the U.S. and has a high potential for abuse and addiction. Street names for the drug include blade, crystal, ice, quartz and glass. You may be using Meth and wondering if you might be addicted to the drug. There are many signs of Meth addiction that can act as a guide to help you determine if you are addicted to the drug or not. Some of the signs of Crystal Meth addiction include:

• Headaches
• Euphoria
• Increased energy
• Elevated body temperature
• Sleeplessness
• Extreme sweating
• Increased blood pressure
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Irritability
• Paranoia or bizarre behavior
• Depression
• Anxiety
• And cardiac arrhythmias

The long-term Crystal Meth abuse signs include mood disorders, sleep problems, micro-vascular hemorrhage, dental problems, impaired libido and performance, eye damage and reproductive health problems.

Men are more likely to be abusing Meth or are addicted to it as compared to women, and there were about 1.7 million Americans using the drug in 2015. Meth is approved by the FDA to treat patients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy and also serious obesity. These medications are available in pill form, and they are also illicitly manufactured and sold on the street where they are commonly known as speed, brown, tweak, crank, redneck cocaine, beanies, chalk and Mexican crack. If you have a Crystal Meth addiction you should know that most illicitly produced Meth has dangerous and toxic ingredients mixed in with the drug. Some of these harmful additives include:

• Iodine
• Drain cleaner
• Rubbing alcohol
• Lighter fluid
• Paint thinner
• Lye
• Red phosphorous
• Battery acid
• Ammonia
• Ether
• Automotive brake and engine cleaners

Meth is a cheap way for people to get high, and many students like it because it keeps them awake when they have to cram for exams. Meth causes a surge of dopamine and serotonin to flood the brain creating an intense euphoric high. The potent effects of the drug can last up to twelve hours, and after the drug’s effects have worn off, the addict will experience intense cravings to use the drug again. This creates behavior that is known as “crash and binge” and the continuous use of Meth will keep the addict from sleeping or eating for days at a time. Eventually a Crystal Meth addiction will cause the addict to become malnourished, anemic and the immune system may become too weak to fight against infection and disease. Meth addiction may also leave the addict at a high risk for all types of health problems.

Meth addiction is usually partnered with co-occurring mental disorders such as:

• Benzodiazepine abuse
• Chronic depression
• Alcoholism
• Bi-polar disorder
• Opioid addiction
• Schizophrenia
• Anxiety disorders
• Stimulant and other substance abuse

The signs of Meth addiction can become frightening and overwhelming for the addict. They will have no control to stop or reduce their intake of the drug and will need the help of medical addiction specialists. If you suspect someone of having an addiction problem, you may be able to determine it by the behavioral signs of Meth addiction such as:

• Risky behavior
• Increased talkativeness and physical activity
• Lying about their drug use and whereabouts
• A decline in school or work attendance and performance
• Neglecting their duties and responsibilities
• Having drug paraphernalia
• Increased libido and risky sexual encounters
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• A loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed
• Borrowing or stealing money
• And neglecting personal hygiene

Crystal Meth addiction can be successfully treated at a drug rehab center where the patient will receive a supervised medical detox. Individual, family and group counseling plus other psychological therapies will help the patient heal and prepare him for a life free from Meth addiction.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.