Classic Signs of Meth Addiction

Signs Of Meth Addiction

Methamphetamine (meth) is a highly addictive and destructive drug. The physical devastation it causes to the body is just one of the signs of meth addiction. If someone you care about is using meth, it’s important to know all the signs of meth addiction and get them help. If you or a loved one needs help, you are just a phone call away from caring people who will assist you in finding a treatment center near your home. Call White Sands now at (877) 855-3470.

Knowing how meth looks can be helpful if someone in your home is using it. Meth may appear as chunky crystals that look like pieces of ice or glass, a white or tan powder, or a liquid. The powder form is most common. In addition to small bags of whitish powder or crystals, signs of meth addiction include the “tools of the trade” such as syringes (for injecting), pieces of crumpled aluminum foil, aluminum beverage cans with a hole in the side, straws, or the shafts of cheap ball point pens that can be used for “snorting” the powdered form. The meth addict may swallow, inject, snort, or smoke the drug, and some use all four methods.

Another classic sign of meth addiction is the appearance of the user. They get only a little sleep at a time and soon their eyes look sunken with dark circles under them. Addicts lose a lot of weight and appear haggard and gaunt because they have no appetite. When someone is addicted to meth they are hyper, anxious, and nervous and can’t seem to settle down and relax. Meth addicts feel the sensation of bugs crawling under their skin, and it itches incessantly. Ugly sores may cover the arms and face of the user due to his or her scratching and picking at their skin. Infection can set in and even further compromise the health of the meth addict.

The Effects Of Meth Addiction

Depending on how the addict administers the meth, he or she can have a fast “rush” of euphoria, which lessens to a milder state that can last for several hours. If ingested, the euphoria comes without a rush and can last up to ten hours. The addict may go a few days without eating or sleeping and appear nervous, hyper, and sweaty. Blood pressure increases, pupils are dilated, and he or she may want to have sex. Unfortunately, the addict often makes poor sexual choices that can result in STDs, HIV, or pregnancy. Adverse physical effects of meth addiction take their toll on the user. Some of the physical effects include:

Irregular or rapid heartbeat

  • Mood swings
  • High blood pressure
  • Paranoia
  • Aggression
  • Confusion
  • Agitation
  • Insomnia
  • Violent behavior

Meth addiction continues to escalate and heavy users experience hallucinations and delusions. Oral health problems result from the caustic nature of the drug, which dries up the flow of saliva. The addict develops “meth mouth,” which is evidenced by rotten and brown teeth. Nothing matters to the addict more than getting meth and using it. The home, children, family, and friends are ignored. Children may not get fed or taken care of. Often times drug paraphernalia is left within the reach of children. If you have a family meth addiction situation involving children, take immediate action for their protection. Without intervention, lives will be ruined.

Meth Withdrawal Symptoms

The only hope of recovery a meth addict has is to go through a supervised withdrawal that includes therapy and ongoing counseling. Meth withdrawal symptoms can be very unpleasant, and detox should take place in a drug treatment center. Meth withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Deep depression
  • Lack of energy
  • Long periods of sleeping
  • Grinding of teeth
  • Night sweats
  • Labiality of emotions
  • Anxiousness
  • Irritability
  • Restored appetite and weight gain
  • Drug craving
  • Anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure)
  • Suicidal ideations
  • Suicide

Get help immediately if you suspect someone you love is addicted to meth. Call White Sands today to speak with one of our addiction specialist waiting to help you. You can change your life with a simple phone call. Do it today. Call (877) 855-3470 now.

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.