Intervene as soon as you confirm someone you care about is using methamphetamines, also called ice or glass. Meth is a highly addictive drug; its usage can easily spiral out of control. Once addicted, a person will suffer a range of dental, physical, and psychological issues.
A healthy person who started abusing meth can quickly transform into someone unrecognisable – thin or malnourished with damaged teeth and skin lesions and sores. This drastic change can happen in just a matter of months. Despite the adverse effects of meth on a person’s health and well-being, they may still struggle to see that there’s an issue. It means they’re less likely to get help to break the addiction because they won’t see the need for it.
But you can help your loved one using meth by intervening before it’s too late. Talk to them about starting a journey to recovery or connect them with a dependable and compassionate addiction professional. Here are signs that someone using meth needs help.
- Decline of Physical Appearance
The decline in physical appearance is one of the most obvious effects of using methamphetamines. One of the ways meth destroys the body is by causing the blood vessels to constrict, thereby cutting off the steady flow of blood throughout different parts of the user’s body. As a result, the body’s ability to provide nourishment and repair damage declines, causing the skin to lose its lustre. Imperfections like acne begin to appear.
Scabs or open sores may also be prominent due to excessive and compulsive scratching because of “meth mites,” a hallucinatory feeling of insects crawling on the skin. Meth mouth is another infamous meth-related physical sign of using methamphetamines. It’s an extreme dental problem characterised by gum diseases, severe tooth decay, and loss of teeth.
In addition, meth use also often leads to a significant drop in weight, where the user may appear gaunt or emaciated. This is due to the drug’s effect of reducing appetite and increasing metabolism. Poor hygiene and grooming linked to meth consumption also lead to a dishevelled appearance, such as messy hair, unbrushed teeth, stained clothing, etc.
- Extreme Changes in Behaviour
Methamphetamines often cause drastic changes in behaviour due to their effect on the brain and body. Increased aggression and irritability are the most common examples, which usually manifest as sudden outbursts, mood swings, and violent behaviour. In this state, even minor issues cause excessive reactions, and depending on the severity of addiction, users may even threaten the safety of others in their surroundings.
They also develop paranoia, believing that others are always plotting against them or that they’re in some form of danger despite the lack of evidence. In addition, users can also develop severe delusions that can lead to erratic and sometimes risky behaviour. For instance, they’ll believe they have superpowers, such as the ability to fly, and be unafraid to leap from tall places.
Some studies also show that frequent meth users exhibit clinical levels of OCD behaviour. They might engage in repetitive actions like excessive cleaning and organising, constantly counting objects, and overly talking or monologuing.
- Severe Sleep Disruption
Another common but worrying sign that someone using methamphetamines needs help is meth-related sleep disruption. Many users experience a significant decline in sleep quality through extended wakefulness, erratic sleep patterns, and sudden sleep disruptions.
Methamphetamines are closely linked to severe insomnia, where users find it difficult to fall asleep. Even if they do, they can barely stay knocked out for long. These symptoms are due to the drug’s stimulating effect, keeping the brain alert and hyperactive. This sign is also usually accompanied by restlessness at night, which is evident when users pace the floor and are unable to settle down or relax. Their sleep patterns also become highly irregular, making their sleep schedule inconsistent.
Not getting enough restorative amounts of sleep can cause exhaustion, which then snowballs into other issues like disorientation, unkempt appearance, and reduced cognitive functions. It also increases the risk of other severe symptoms like meth-induced psychosis.
- Unusual Physiological Symptoms
Methamphetamines also cause various physiological symptoms due to their impact on the different systems in the body. Some are hard to observe from a third-person point of view, while some have alarming manifestations.
The body’s inability to regulate temperature due to meth can go both ways. Some users may experience excessive sweating and low heat intolerance at one time, then shiver due to cold at another. Frequent meth use can also cause abnormally high heart rate. This may lead to palpitations accompanied by chest discomfort or more severe cardiovascular implications like cardiac arrhythmias.
Moreover, methamphetamines can heighten one’s senses, particularly touch and sound. These can be so amplified to the point of discomfort. Visual or auditory hallucinations may follow, causing users to react to non-existent stimuli. Other physiological signs of meth use disorder include involuntary muscle spasms, digestive problems, and persistent dry mouth.
- Financial and Relationship Problems
As meth addiction intensifies, the drug progressively becomes the centre of the user’s life. It consumes other aspects of life, making activities outside feeding their addiction harder to maintain. It then causes a profound impact on the users’ financial and social affairs.
The ice drug is an expensive habit to keep; 1g of meth can cost up to $400. It’s easy to see how users quickly drain financial resources to keep up with their addiction. They’ll prioritise spending on meth over necessities like food and bills. Moreover, meth use disorder can negatively impact the user’s professional life and result in their income stream getting cut off. It can lead to the accumulation of debt and resorting to illegal means to acquire more funds.
Addiction to methamphetamines strains various relationships in the user’s life. Family and friends, for instance, might distance themselves from the user due to the unpleasant effects of the drug. The increased aggression makes them argumentative, causing conflicts and isolation. Meth users also tend to be socially withdrawn, not participating in gatherings and activities that they once enjoyed.
Get Help Today
The earlier meth abuse is treated, the better. If you’re looking for a safe place where you or your loved one can start your journey to long-term meth recovery, consider Hills & Ranges Private rehabilitation centre. We provide innovative treatment, no matter the stage of methamphetamine addiction.
