Methamphetamine or meth is a Schedule II drug as per the classification of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This implies it has a huge potential for misuse and can bring serious psychological and physical dependence. Pharmaceutically, meth is still produced, as it is approved for medical use in the treatment of narcolepsy (sleep disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).
However, on most of the streets, meth is illegally produced. You can find it in the form of white crystalline rocks, popularly called crystal meth, or as glittering tiny fragments of glass. This type of meth can easily lead to meth addiction.
How does meth work on the brain?
Meth is known to increase the secretion of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is associated with feelings of happiness and pleasure. That’s the reason when people take meth; they feel euphoria or a “high.” It is this “high” that compels people to take meth repeatedly. However, increased levels of dopamine for a continuously long time can lead to alteration in brain chemistry.
According to experts attheMassachusetts drug rehab center, apart from making a person addicted to meth, it can lead to alarming changes in a person’s behavior and personality.
Common signs of meth use
- The person shows abnormal excitement.
- He/she displays hyperactivity, such as too much talking, too much moving here and there, and not being able to sleep or eat properly.
- He/she stays confused and is unable to make decisions or judgments.
- They display extreme mood swings.
- They show symptoms of psychosis, which include delusions, paranoia, and hallucinations.
- Meth users experience twitching or shakiness in their face or body parts.
- They sweat excessively.
- They may often feel nausea.
- A person on meth has a fast breathing rate.
- He/she may experience a high libido.
- A person high on meth frequently scratches his/her skin. This is because the drug’s influence gives them a sensation that bugs are crawling over or beneath their skin. This can lead to “meth scabs/sores.”
- People high on meth have increased body temperature.
- They may experience high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and/or increased heart rate.
- A meth user has the typical “meth eyes,” characterized by rapid eye movements.
- He/she has “meth pupils,” which are enlarged pupils.
- He/she has a “meth mouth” due to poor oral hygiene.
The above are clear signs that your loved one is into meth and needs drug addiction treatment.
In addition, you must be alert of the following signs that indicate that your loved one is addicted to meth:
Changes in physical appearance
Drastic loss of weight is a common change in a meth user. A person high on meth has little appetite but high energy.
Poor personal hygiene is another change you would see in a meth addict. They neglect basic hygiene tasks such as bathing, wearing fresh clothes, grooming, combing hair, and others. Their only focus is to get meth somehow and use it.
Many people reach the point of addiction wherein they are no longer interested in brushing their teeth. This can lead to “meth mouth.” It includes a host of dental problems that occur due to neglected oral care. The problems can be:
- Cavities
- Bad breath
- Bleeding and swollen/red gums
- Missing or broken teeth
- Rotting or stained teeth
Meth mouth can also happen due to grinding of the teeth, which is often observed in meth abusers. Plus, they usually have a dry mouth, which is one of the side effects of meth. High sugar cravings is also an alarming sign to watch out for.
If you suspect somebody abusing meth, check his/her skin for meth sores or scabs, dots, blisters, rash, or acne. These may happen due to neglected personal hygiene or from using hot meth pipes used for snorting. These sores or scabs take a long time to heal in addicts.
Changes in behavior
Don’t be surprised if your loved one starts losing interest in activities they once loved to do. They may begin to shirk responsibilities, not listen to you, miss school or work, and become secluded. They may even steal money or often borrow from friends.
If your loved one was never inclined towards doing such acts and has now started doing them (stealing, borrowing money, missing work, and others), then please sit up and take notice. Something is wrong. It could be an addiction.
You may want to search for “drug rehab near me” to find a suitable rehabilitation center for your loved one.
Tweaking
Some addicts consume a huge quantity of meth in a short period. This is meth binging, but this doesn’t give the desired “high.” Instead, it creates a condition known as tweaking, which lasts for 3-15 days. Signs of tweaking include:
- Violent outbursts
- Irritable nature
- Symptoms of psychosis
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Self-harm
As a friend or family member, you must be very careful when your loved one is tweaking. Please do not confront an addict during this time. You may call in rehab experts to intervene.
Crashing
Crashing is a period when the “high” of meth fades, and dopamine levels go down. During this time, the person may display:
- Irritated behavior
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Extreme tiredness
- Symptoms of psychosis
- Strong craving for meth
This, too, is a bad time to talk to an addict. If you notice periods of “high” and “crash” in your loved one from time to time, better to seek help than to confront the person. Experts at Massachusettsrehabilitation center are apt in dealing with addicts. They work not only towards detoxifying the addict’s body system but also in handling the symptoms of withdrawal, which can be intense at times.
Meth paraphernalia
You may come across items that an addict uses to consume meth, such as:
- Needles and syringes for injecting the drug
- Straws, rolled-up paper, or hollow pens for snorting meth
- Soda cans, aluminum foils, glass pipes, and others for smoking meth
- Spoons and lighters for heating the drug
Last but not the least, meth addicts are at a higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections, as they become uninhibited in choosing sex partners under the influence. Also, sharing needs can lead to infections like HIV and Hepatitis C.
Please visit www.daylightdetox.com for more information on rehab programs.
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