Symptoms of Ice Users

Understanding Symptoms of Ice Users

Have you spotted the symptoms of ice users in someone you love? Methamphetamine stimulates the central nervous system and is made illegally in laboratories. Common slang-terms for methamphetamine include Chrissy, Tina, Crystal Meth, Meth, Crank, Glass, Crystal, Chalk, Ice, Speed, Crank. Methamphetamine comes in powder form and may be easily dissolved in water or alcohol. People may ingest meth orally, by syringe, it can be smoked, or snorted. Have you spotted the meth addiction signs in yourself or someone you love? Call White Sands Treatment Center at 877-855-3470 to learn how to turn your life around.

Symptoms of Ice Users

In the United States, ice, or meth, is classified as a Schedule II controlled narcotic. You can buy it off the streets (illegally) or with a prescription (legally). Becoming familiar with the first signs of ice use may help you save someone’s life – or at least understand what is happening with this person who is acting strangely. Symptoms of ice users include (but are not limited to):

  • Increased attention span
  • Increased physical activity and wakefulness
  • Erratic or violent behavior and talkativeness
  • A decrease in appetite that may result in significant weight loss
  • Feelings of euphoria produced by the release of high levels of dopamine in the brain of the user
  • Irregular or increased heart rate
  • Dangerous rise in body temperature to dangerous and life-threatening levels
  • Convulsions
  • Sleeping issues due to wakefulness
  • Suicidal thoughts

Ice users are being pushed beyond their normal (physical and mental) level of functioning. This person will be unable to get a good night’s sleep. The individual will exhibit hyperactivity – so much so, that it will be obvious. First signs of ice use include edginess, anxiety, violent or psychotic behavior and irritability.

Other common symptoms of ice users include:

  • Repetitive behavior
  • Delusions of power
  • Paranoia
  • Self-absorption

There is evidence suggesting that those who abuse ice were likely abused as children (physically or sexually). The odds are that this person may want to repeat the behavior on someone else. “Crank bugs” are common among those who abuse methamphetamine. These are painful sores on their body which they pick at.

“Meth mouth” is another problem some meth addicts will face. The individual clenches their mouth so intensely when they are high, that their teeth crack and fall out. The teeth that are left will, unfortunately, decay. Meth addicts are very thin, and experience seizures, convulsions, hallucinations, and psychosis.

There are long-term risks associated with meth abuse. These include:

  • Stroke
  • Permanent heart and brain damage
  • Damaged blood vessels in the brain
  • Malnutrition
  • Mental disorders including depression
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Tissue and respiratory damage
  • Epilepsy
  • Infectious disease
  • Parkinson’s Disease and/or Alzheimer’s

A telltale sign of meth use is track marks on the arms, feet, legs, or neck. The meth addict will most likely experience sinus and lung infections. Smoking meth will produce a hoarse sounding voice. Abscesses and skin infections on the body and the face of the abuser will also be apparent. Permanent physical damage (as well as psychological damage) will be apparent after long-term abuse of ice.

Anyone who abuses drugs is at a risk for overdose. A toxic reaction results when one ingests high amounts of ice and it can be fatal. Meth is extremely addictive. When one stops taking the drug after they have become addicted, they will experience a myriad of withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue, cravings for drugs, severe depression, and psychosis.

Do not suffer from meth addiction signs. Call White Sands Treatment Center to review your treatment options. Addiction does not have to ruin your life. Recovery is possible with help. Life-long sobriety takes work but it is well-worth it to live a healthy and sober lifestyle.

 

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.