Crystal Meth Addiction Signs and Symptoms

Learn About Crystal Meth Addiction Signs Before It’s Too Late

Crystal Methamphetamine, Meth, Ice, Glass, the list of street names goes on. This is one the most dangerous and powerful drugs available, and with an equally high fatality rate. This comes as no surprise, as crystal meth addiction signs have been plaguing the American population in the last few years, causing a high-state of alarm amongst health officials.

Crystal Meth is a stimulant drug, commonly inhaled, snorted or injected, to cause an almost instant reaction in the central nervous system. It travels rapidly into the bloodstream and reaches the brain, producing an intense feeling of euphoria that can last for a few minutes at a time. It has the particularity of being one of the “bing and crash” types of drug; meaning that the abuser will experience the quick rush, but just as fast will go into a deep and severe down.

For this reason, signs someone is on ice are not that hard to identify. The mood swings and immediate changes in behavior are all telling that something is definitely off with the person.

Tell tale signs of ice use appear rather quickly after consumption, and can include:

  • Severe rise in body temperature
  • Anxiety and/or confusion
  • Restlessness and insomnia
  • Dilated pupils, excessive alertness
  • Faster breathing
  • Irregular heartbeat and blood pressure

In addition to these common signs someone is on ice, there are other crystal meth addiction signs and symptoms that point to a long-term abuse problem.

This means, that there specifics tell tale signs of ice use that appear or manifest once a person has been abusing the substance for a considerable amount of time. These include:

  • Extreme weight loss
  • Changes in sleeping patters; a person may be able to stay up for days or even weeks at a time
  • Erratic movements and behavior
  • Obsessive picking at hair or skin; which leads to the appearance of skin sores
  • Confusion and paranoia
  • Hallucinations
  • Severe dental problems; tooth decay, bad breath, tongue sores, etc.
  • Psychotic episodes
  • Suicidal and/or homicidal thoughts

While these crystal meth addiction signs show up after a longer period of abuse, sometimes a person may overdose on the drug. When it comes to meth, just one time can be too many. When you are able to identify telling signs someone is on ice, the best way to approach the situation is by reaching out to addiction professionals that can help.

Suffering from a crystal meth addiction is not only one of the hardest health issues someone can have, but it brings with it a number of behavioral changes, than can lead to erratic and violent behavior. For this reason, it is of extreme importance to find access to a treatment center than can provide guidance and even handle an intervention to help a loved one that is showing the tell tale signs of ice use.

Moreover, health professionals have been able to prove that there are severe alterations to the abuser’s brain after using meth for a long period of time. These crystal meth addiction signs show that people often suffer from reduced motor speed, develop verbal impairment, suffer from memory loss and impaired judgement. These factors make reaching out to someone on your own, all the more difficult for them to comprehend you just want to help.

An accredited rehabilitation center such as White Sands Treatment Center can provide the right tools and treatment program for your loved one to recover. They will be able to evaluate and guide the recovering addict through a comprehensive detoxification process, that will be followed with a therapeutic rehab.

These programs are aimed at helping a recovering addict learn new coping skills and mechanisms, that they will be able to implement in the long run, to maintain sobriety and live a substance-free life.

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.

About the Author

is a proud alumni member of WhiteSands Treatment. After living a life of chaos, destruction and constant let downs, Mark was able to make a complete turnaround that sparked a new way of life. He is serious about his recovery along with helping others. At WhiteSands Treatment, we offer support to you in your homes or when you are out living in your daily lives.