If you are concerned your friend may be abusing methamphetamine, it is important to seek help right away. Call 800-816-1059(Who Answers?) now to find rehab centers that can help your loved one, and look for the signs below that point to meth abuse.
1. Dental Problems
One of the clearest signs of meth abuse is cracked teeth and other severe dental problems. According to the Center for Substance Abuse Research, this can be traced to the “extreme jaw-clenching” that is common during a methamphetamine high, as well as the diet of sugary substances often consumed by meth users.
2. Weight Loss
Individuals abusing meth usually exhibit severe weight loss because they are not eating often or healthily. Many meth addicts actually become malnourished, which will require immediate treatment and nutrition help after or during rehab.
3. Psychosis
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens, psychotic symptoms are common among long-term meth abusers. These can be extremely dangerous, not only to the individual abusing the drug but to everyone around them. Psychotic symptoms may include:
- Mood swings
- Violent behavior
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Delusions
- Severe anxiety
- Repetitive motor activity
Severe anxiety is a sign of methamphetamine abuse.
If your friend begins to exhibit these signs––especially if they never have shown any issues with psychosis before––it is absolutely necessary that they receive treatment right away. Call 911 immediately in order to preserve your safety and theirs.
4. Skin Problems
Sores, acne, and skin infections are common among those who abuse methamphetamine regularly. This often occurs because individuals who take the drug experience severe hallucinations of bugs crawling under the skin, making them scratch their skin and create sores. The lack of nutrition can also lead to a weakened immune system and an increase in skin infections.
5. Problems Thinking
Your friend may begin to display extreme distractibility or problems thinking, which is another strong sign of methamphetamine abuse. People often have issues with their basic motor skills after abusing meth for a long period of time and experience memory loss. Unfortunately, according to the NIDA, these effects can sometimes be long-lasting, even continuing long after the individual has stopped abusing the drug. This is another reason to seek treatment for your loved one as soon as possible.
6. Fast Movements
Some people take large amounts of the drug over a certain period of time, as they are attempting to prolong their high. This behavior, called tweaking, can be hard to identify because the person will often appear normal, but you can recognize it by the fast, jerky movements of the individual’s eyes and limbs and the slight quiver in their voice.
7. Paraphernalia
The presence of certain drug paraphernalia in your friend’s room or home will also point toward meth abuse. These can include:
- Glass tubes or pipes
- Steel wool
- Needles
- Razors
- Straws
Seek Help Now
If you believe your friend is abusing methamphetamine, it is important to seek treatment for them as soon as possible before their situation becomes worse. Call 800-816-1059(Who Answers?) today to find rehab centers where your friend can recover from their substance abuse and begin to heal.
