Methamphetamine, commonly called meth, is a highly dangerous and addictive drug. When a person you love is battling a methamphetamine addiction, it can take a toll on your family, relationships, and emotions. What does meth addiction look like? It is important to know the signs of meth use. It can help you guide a person you love to the meth abuse treatment that may save their life. Reach out to the friendly team at Aftermath Addiction Treatment Center at 781.587.3636 today. Our personal experience with addiction helps us treat patients with compassion and understanding.
What Does Meth Addiction Look Like?
What does meth addiction look like? When people have meth addiction, they tend to show the same physical, behavioral, and environmental signs of drug abuse. Meth can have a damaging impact on the body, mind, and a person’s lifestyle. Most commonly, you will be able to observe:
- Aggressive or violent behavior
- Severe dental problems
- Deficits in thinking and motor skills
- Changes in brain function
- Psychosis
Not visible to the naked eye, your loved one may also be suffering from heart or brain damage. Meth also can cause neurobiological effects, some of which may be only partially reversible. It’s critical to address meth abuse as soon as possible. It can reduce the drug’s harmful long-term effects and increase the chances of successful meth abuse treatment.
Common Signs of Meth Addiction
Between the physical and behavioral changes a person using and abusing meth will demonstrate, you will also find physical evidence of their meth addiction on their person, in their clothes, and around their room and home. Here are the common signs of meth addiction.
Paraphernalia
Meth paraphernalia includes the physical accessories that people use when they are taking the drug. Some types of meth paraphernalia are used for multiple types of drugs, but the most common paraphernalia involved with using meth include:
- Needles and syringes
- Spoons (usually with burn marks on the bottom)
- Butane lighters and tinfoil
- Small glass or metal pipes
- Plastic pen casings or straws
- Small mirrors, cotton balls, and razor blades
- Rolled papers (used to snort the powdered substance)
Behavioral Signs of Meth Abuse
If a family member or close friend is struggling with meth addiction, you may notice some of the ways the drug changes their everyday behavior, including:
- Grinding of teeth
- Reduced appetite and weight loss
- High blood pressure, body temperature, and heart rate
- Shortness of breath
- Being very alert or physically active
- Outbursts or mood swings
- Paranoia or hallucinations
Physical Signs of Meth Addiction
Meth is a highly addictive drug, and its signs of use are among the most recognizable of all substances, especially when it comes to the physical side effects of meth addiction. A person’s appearance will begin to change when abusing the drug, giving them certain characteristics you may be able to spot. These physical signs of meth addiction may point to the need for professional treatment.
Some of the most common and most visible signs of meth addiction include:
- Premature aging
- Tooth decay
- Dilated pupils
- Picking at skin or hair (resulting in meth sores)
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Intense cravings
- Outbursts or mood swings
- Paranoia or hallucinations
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Just because someone isn’t exhibiting these signs does not mean that they aren’t suffering from meth addiction. Only a third of meth users report being impacted by skin sores or tooth decay. A combination of visible signs, changes in behavior, and the presence of drug paraphernalia is what meth addiction looks like.
Learn More at Aftermath Addiction Treatment Center
If meth has your loved one in its grasp, our compassionate team can help. They have personal experience with the recovery journey. Contact us using our secure online form or call us confidentially at 781.587.3636 today. Aftermath Addiction Treatment Center can provide you with the education, information, and support your loved one needs to take the first step toward recovery.
