It may be devastating to suspect that your loved one uses crystal meth, or methamphetamine, one of the most dangerous drugs on the market due to its incredibly harsh effects on the user. Nevertheless, you must not let go of the suspicion. Instead, watch out for common visual signs of crystal meth use so you can seek timely help for your loved one if they are indeed using the substance.
Here are 10 indicators of crystal meth addiction.
1. Face and Mouth Sores
If your close family or friend consumes meth through injection, then you may observe sores specifically on their face. That’s because when meth becomes water soluble, it escapes the body in the form of sweat. Irritation is more noticeable in the face because its pores sweat and release oil the most.
Mouth sores, on the other hand, will become apparent when users smoke crystal meth through a pipe. The pipe will heat up and burn the lips and skin around their mouth, which usually develops into blisters.
2. Skin Sores and Lesions
Meth users may have discoloured skin or imperfections that look like rashes or acne. It’s because meth can cause users to pick at their skin, which can lead to lesions and open sores prone to infection. They may also experience tactile hallucinations in the form of crawling bugs. This gives them a sensation so overwhelming that they begin to scratch intensely and pick on their skins, causing sores and wounds.
Meth use can also restrict blood flow, resulting in very dry and scaly skin, which is another cause of constant scratching. Be on the lookout for skin sores and lesions in the hands, legs, arms, and chest area.
3. Sleep Deprivation and Staying Awake for Days at a Time
Taking crystal meth can disrupt your loved one’s sleep pattern. They may even end up developing sleep disorders like sleep apnoea. Sleep deprivation manifests in many ways, like prominent dark circles or bags under the eyes, a generally tired look, and bloodshot eyes.
Apart from the physical effects of lack of sleep, you might also notice a meth user staying awake for days. That’s due to meth being a strong stimulant. This will usually be followed by a crash, where the user sleeps for an extended period, even up to three days.
4. Severe Weight Loss
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One of the more obvious signs of crystal meth use is extreme weight loss. Meth can increase a person’s body metabolism and suppress their appetite. Meth users tend to go days without eating, which is why long-term meth users look emaciated. If your loved one suddenly loses body mass, pay more attention to them and watch out for other signs of meth use.
5. Dental Problems
Another tell-tale sign of meth use is dental issues so bad they are commonly referred to as “meth mouth.” Their teeth rot, turning black or discoloured. They may also have bleeding, swollen, or red gums in addition to sores inside their mouths. One study shows that 96% of people using meth have cavities, while 58% have tooth decay.
The extensive tooth damage is caused by the combination of crystal meth’s acidic nature, dry mouth, poor dental hygiene, and enforced bad habits like grinding teeth. This may ultimately lead to teeth breaking or falling out.
6. Unusual Skin Texture
Long-term crystal meth users are often left with disfigured and unhealthy-looking skin. This is due to the drug’s destructive effects on skin health coupled with the habits it brings, such as constant scratching and picking.
As a result, their skin may feel bumpy or gritty to the touch. You’ll also see increased scarring and pockmarks due to the repeated appearance and healing of sores and lesions. Compulsive scratching can cause skin discolouration, like dark spots or redness, and the skin might appear very dry and flaky. Also, because crystal meth causes constant irritation, patches of swelling and red markings will be frequently observed.
7. Poor Hygiene
Crystal meth users tend to neglect their hygiene. Personal care habits like bathing or washing will often decline because of the substance’s psychological effects and their preoccupation with obtaining and consuming more.
If your loved one is using meth, you might observe that their hair is regularly dishevelled and oily from lack of washing. Their odour might be overwhelmingly bad, a consequence excessive of sweating. Additionally, you could see skincare deficits like zits or rashes and poor oral cleanliness, resulting in halitosis and visible plaque.
8. Dilated Pupils
Methamphetamine increases the release of certain neurotransmitters and inhibits their reuptake, which causes pupils to dilate. Aside from obviously enlarged pupils, you may also notice that your loved ones become sensitive to light due to heightened photosensitivity. You may also observe rapid eye movements because of their difficulty focusing on one object.
9. Paranoia
People with a methamphetamine addiction may develop an obsession with their own ideas and environment. This may result in erratic, compulsive behaviours and paranoia. They may think someone is observing, following, or attempting to harm them. It’s also possible for them to hear or see things that are not there.
10. Track and Burn Marks
Methamphetamine comes in several forms, and understanding how they are ingested can help you find signs of consumption. For instance, injection scars may develop from repeated intravenous drug use. Watch for puncture marks on their veins, often formed in rows or clusters. You can also usually find scars or bruises on their arms since it’s an accessible injection area.
Burning is another common consumption method of crystal meth. If a loved one consistently has burn marks on their fingertips, try to be on the lookout. This may indicate severe addiction to the point that they don’t care about the pain of getting burned as long as they score one.
Help for Your Loved One Is Available
If your loved one shows symptoms of crystal meth use, get them compassionate, professional help. Your intervention can make all the difference in their life. Make sure to approach them with sympathy and understanding because crystal meth addiction is a complex and challenging issue.
If you are looking for a comprehensive treatment for your loved one’s addiction, try Hills & Ranges Private (HARP) rehabilitation centre. We provide a fully equipped but comfortable environment to make their recovery effective and enjoyable. Our client’s safety, well-being, and privacy are of the utmost importance.
Take our online Assessment to find out how far along is your loved one’s meth addiction. We can provide a personalised action plan suited to their needs.
