If you suspect that someone you know is struggling with a crystal meth addiction, there are some unique signs of addiction to look for. This drug is known for being sneaky in its ability to creep up on people, and also for the devastating consequences that it can have once it takes hold. If someone you know struggles with this drug or any other kind of substance abuse, your support and advice could be critical in helping them get back on track. Unfortunately, crystal meth has become more prevalent in recent years. It’s one of the most dangerous drugs out there because of how addictive it can be and how fast it results in changes to your physical appearance. The sooner you recognize the signs of crystal meth addiction, the sooner you can get help for that person and prevent further damage from occurring as a result of their continued use of this drug.
Physical Signs of Crystal Meth Addiction
Physical signs of crystal meth addiction include all of the usual signs of addiction, such as changes in eating and sleeping patterns, mood swings, and a decline in physical health and hygiene. But this particular drug has a few additional signs that are unique.
- Burning and Itching Skin – Chronic meth use causes itching and burning on the skin that is so intense that it cannot be controlled by the user or by others around them. This can lead to scratching and damage to the skin.
- Weight Loss – Crystal meth is known for causing rapid weight loss. The skin is often described as being “skeletal.” It is common for chronic users to lose a great deal of weight in a short period of time.
- Dry Mouth – Chronic use of crystal meth can cause you to salivate less, which means that you don’t produce much saliva. This can lead to having a dry mouth that never gets wet. Chronic users often have a persistent feeling of dryness in their mouths.
- Changes in Skin Texture – Chronic use of crystal meth can cause the skin to become dry, wrinkled and scaly. Chronic users typically don’t care if they have sores on their skin and they don’t clean themselves appropriately.
- Seizures – Although it is rare, it’s possible that someone who is addicted to crystal meth could experience seizures as a result of their use.
Psychological Signs of Crystal Meth Addiction
Crystal meth addiction also comes with some unique psychological signs. The drug causes a number of psychological effects that make it even more difficult for the person to get help and stay clean.
- Confused Thoughts – Chronic use of crystal meth can result in rapid and extreme changes to the way that your brain functions. This can lead to confused thoughts and the inability to come to any kind of conclusion or make any kind of decision.
- Anxiety and Paranoia – Chronic use of this drug can lead to feelings of anxiety and paranoia, and these feelings can often get worse as the user increases their dose and/or duration of use.
- Hallucinations – Chronic use of crystal meth can cause hallucinations, and these hallucinations can be auditory, visual, or tactile. This can make it very difficult for the user to find help, as they may not be able to tell the difference between what is real and what is not.
- Inability to Focus – Chronic use of crystal meth can cause a decline in the ability to focus, as well as a decline in the ability to process information. This can make it difficult for the user to do things that require focus and/or the ability to process information, such as holding down a job, getting an education, or taking care of themselves.
Long-Term Consequences of Crystal Meth Addiction
The long-term consequences of crystal meth addiction can be catastrophic, both for the person who is addicted and for their loved ones. This drug can destroy a person’s physical appearance and ruin their chances of ever being able to hold down a job again.
- Speech Problems – Chronic use of crystal meth can cause problems with the way that your tongue moves, and this can make it difficult or impossible to pronounce certain words and/or sounds. This can also lead to “mumbling” as the user tries to find the words that they want to say, as well as slurred speech as the drug wears off.
- Poor Hygiene – Chronic use of crystal meth can cause the person who is addicted to forget to bathe, brush their teeth, cut their nails, and/or wash their hair. This can lead to infections and diseases, including hepatitis and HIV.
- Vision Loss – Chronic use of crystal meth can cause vision loss, especially in the short term. This can occur because of damage to the capillaries in your eyes, which can mean that you bleed into your eyes.
- Skin Infections – Chronic use of this drug can cause the skin to become scaly, dry, and damaged. This can lead to infections, including bacterial infections.
- Tooth Loss – Chronic use of crystal meth can cause the teeth to decay and fall out. The drug also interferes with the natural cleaning process of the teeth, which can make this happen more quickly. Over time, they may develop what is commonly known as “meth mouth.”
- Weight Loss – Chronic use of crystal meth can cause weight loss, as the user may forget to eat during the periods when they are high on meth. Crystal meth reduces appetite and makes people feel like they have infinite energy. As a result, they may become very malnourished. This can lead to organ damage and even death.
What to Do if You Think Someone is Addicted to Crystal Meth
If you think that someone you love is addicted to crystal meth, it’s important to get help for them as soon as possible. The longer that you wait, the more likely it is that the person will become dependent on the drug and that the damage from their use will be irreversible.
- Get them help – If you suspect that a loved one is addicted to crystal meth, the first step is to find help for them. This can be a difficult and scary process, but it is critical for helping the person end their addiction and stay clean.
- Interventions – When you suspect that someone is addicted to crystal meth, you can help them by staging an intervention. An intervention is a meeting in which loved ones confront the user about their drug use and encourage them to get help.
- Avoid enabling – It is important that you don’t enable a loved one who is addicted to crystal meth. This means that you don’t give them money, help them hide their drug use, or otherwise enable them in their continued use of the drug.
Recover from Meth Addiction at Sober Living West
If someone you love is struggling with a crystal meth addiction, you can help them get the help they need. The first step is to recognize the signs of addiction and get help for the person as soon as possible. After that, recovery from crystal meth addiction is possible, but it requires a lot of work. Sober Living West can help your loved one get clean and stay clean.
Located in beautiful Southern California, this luxury sober living home offers state-of-the-art facilities and support group experiences for people who are addicted to crystal meth and other drugs. Their staff of experienced and passionate individuals can help your loved one get back on track and stay there, so that they can get their life back. For more information about crystal meth addiction and how Sober Living West can help, reach out to us today!