What does meth addiction look like? Meth addiction changes the body and mind in a number of ways, which is why recognizing the signs of abuse is essential. Meth addiction treatment can help you or someone you love to get on the path to recovery. Contact us at Avedis Recovery today at 833.514.0579 to find out more about the signs of meth addiction.
What Is Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine, which is nicknamed meth, is a commonly abused, very potent stimulant drug. This drug is a Schedule II controlled substance, which means that it has the potential to lead to severe psychological and physical dependency. When taken improperly, the likelihood of dependency or addiction is higher.
Methamphetamine is also known by other names, such as:
- Meth
- Crystal meth
- Ice
- Speed
- Chalk
Interestingly, It does have a very specific legal, medical use for the treatment of ADHD or obesity but is rarely prescribed and often abused. When misused, methamphetamine is dangerous and can cause many serious changes in a person’s body and mind.
How Do People Abuse Meth?
There are different ways that methamphetamine may be abused. Meth might be smoked, snorted, swallowed, or injected. Most people smoke meth, so you can look for signs of meth addiction like discovering paraphernalia used to cook the substance or noticing unexplained physical or mental changes in a person.
The Signs of Meth Addiction
There are different signs that someone may be addicted to meth. One of the best ways to determine if someone is struggling with meth is simply to ask, with the goal of getting them help. If you can’t do that, you should look for paraphernalia and physical and behavioral signs.
Paraphernalia
What does meth addiction look like? Start with paraphernalia. Paraphernalia most commonly found among those who use meth includes syringes, needles, tinfoil, drinking straws, plastic pen casings, and razor blades. You may also find butane lighters, spoons with burn marks, and small metal or glass pipes.
These items are used to take or cook meth. If you believe that someone you know is cooking meth, you can look for signs of a meth lab, such as strange odors, lab equipment, or blackened windows.
Physical Meth Addiction Symptoms
The physical symptoms of meth can be shocking once they’re recognized. Some of the immediate signs of meth use include:
- A high, elevated blood pressure
- Reduced appetite
- Weight loss
- A high body temperature
- A high heart rate
- “Meth mouth,” which refers to serious tooth and gum decay
- Meth sores, which are caused by picking at the skin or hair
- Premature aging
Meth mouth and broken teeth are common among meth users, so dental hygiene may be one of the more obvious signs. Not having these signs doesn’t necessarily mean that someone isn’t using meth, though, as not all people who use meth develop these symptoms.
Behavioral Meth Addiction Symptoms
There are significant behavioral signs of meth addiction. These include symptoms such as:
- Grinding of the teeth
- Mood swings
- Emotional outbursts
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
These symptoms may worsen in those who use meth in multiple ways, such as smoking and also injecting meth.
Contact Avedis Recovery in California for Help
Methamphetamine is extremely habit-forming and can be difficult to stop using. The behavioral and physical effects can be devastating to the body and mind, so it’s essential that those in recovery have good nutrition and medical support.
At Avedis Recovery, we offer inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient programs to help people who are struggling with meth addiction. Getting the right help now could make a significant difference on the road to recovery. Call us today to find out more about meth addiction and recovery at 833.514.0579.
