Knowing
how to spot signs and symptoms of meth abuse and addiction and taking
action to
intervene as soon as these symptoms show up can save the live of a
person and
the sanity of the person’s loved ones.
Meth
is not a new Drug. Invented more than one hundred years ago, it has enjoyed an
interesting history. But few drugs have caused as much misery, world-wide, as
has Methamphetamine.
When
someone begins to abuse methamphetamine, the first signs will probably be mood
changes. Laughing at nothing, extreme talkativeness, sudden absence of some
trait such as moodiness or shyness.
Then,
the direct opposite at other times, increased introversion and shyness, with morose
or sullen and even depressed behavior.
After
a while with repeated use, changes in sleeping habits and in eating habits
will appear. The person may begin to look drawn from poor rest and poor nutritional
habits.
Nervous
and fidgety behavior will come next. These will increase as the drug Addiction
progresses until full-blown paranoia emerges in the addict.
Somewhere
around this point, the addict may begin to hallucinate or have delusions. These
can be pretty bizarre, such as people living under the house or neighbors
spying with high tech cameras mounted on a cat or something equally
far-fetched. These delusions will seem totally plausible to the addict. Mood
swings from euphoria through fear and high aggression might occur with
rapidity.
Obvious
physical signs of meth abuse include:
·Needle marks on arms and legs or anyplace a vein can
be found
·Redness around nostrils and mouth from sniffing
caustic meth powder
·Open sores from scratching on face, arms and throat
·Sunken eyes from long term insomnia and increased
physical activity
Tremors
and convulsions can result with long term use or with short term use in heavy
doses. The user can collapse and death can result from seizures and Overdose.
If
your loved one is exhibiting these signs and symptoms of meth abuse or
addiction, they need help. Although the addict may not believe there is any
danger, the worst thing to do is nothing. Death or permanent injury can occur
at any time with crystal meth addiction.
For help with Meth Dependence and Addiction, call:
Call Toll Free: 888-9NO-DRUGS or
888-966-3784
Tony Bylsma CCDC
Definitions of Terms Used
Term
Description
Addiction
Strong physiological, emotional and/or psychological dependence on a substance such as alcohol or drugs that has progressed beyond voluntary control. For more on addiction see the section Addiction Information in this website.
Drug
Any substance, other than food, that changes the function or structure of the body or mind when ingested. Drugs essentially are poisons. The degree they are taken determines the effect. A small amount acts as a stimulant. A greater amount acts as a sedative. A larger amount acts as a poison and can kill one dead. This is true of any drug. Each has a different amount at which it gives those results.
Methamphetamine
A commonly abused, potent stimulant drug that is part of a larger family of amphetamines.
Overdose
The condition that results when too much of a drug is taken, making a person sick or unconscious and sometimes resulting in death.
Drug Info 
