Meth addiction is a serious disease that can take over a person’s life. If you discover that someone has an addiction, it’s important to look for meth treatment in San Antonio, Colorado Springs, or wherever they live. Meth addiction can easily lead to death, which is why it’s so important to pay attention and seek help.
It’s often difficult to tell if someone is addicted to meth, but there are some signs that can help you figure it out. Here are some of the most common signs of meth addiction:
1. They’re Not Sleeping
Methamphetamine is a stimulant, which means it keeps you awake. If someone you know has been using methamphetamine for some time, they may have trouble falling asleep at night because of this.
This can be especially problematic if they are also using methamphetamines to stay awake throughout the day—the result being that they’re both constantly exhausted yet unable to sleep.
Methamphetamine usage is popular in Texas, Colorado, and other states that run along the I-25 corridor to the border.
2. Their Teeth are Breaking, Rotting, or Falling Out
If you notice your loved one is suffering from tooth decay or gum disease, it could be a sign that they’re using meth.
Methamphetamine use has been linked to the destruction of tooth enamel and gums due to the addict’s tendency to grind their teeth, which can lead to further issues like cavities and bad breath.
In addition, meth users are more likely than non-users to have missing teeth because of this habit.
3. They Have Sores on Their Skin
Meth causes sores on the skin. Sores are usually found on the face, back and arms. They can also appear on other parts of your body, but these areas are more likely to be affected by meth use.
The sores are often caused by picking at your skin or scratching it until it bleeds — you may notice this behavior in yourself or someone else who uses meth frequently.
Meth users have even been known to intentionally injure themselves with razors or knives in an attempt to release endorphins. This behavior is not intentionally suicidal, but it is dangerous.
4. They Talk Fast and Don’t Make Sense
If you find that your loved one is talking fast and not making sense, this can be a sign of meth addiction. It’s also possible that they are suffering from another health issue.
Methamphetamine has been known to cause anxiety, psychosis, and hallucinations in some people. If you notice this symptom in your loved one—or any other symptoms on this list—it’s important that they get help immediately.
5. They Neglect Their Personal Hygiene
Another sign that someone you know is addicted to meth is that they neglect their personal hygiene. If a person you care about is not showering regularly and does not change their clothes often, this could be a sign of an addiction.
A person who is addicted to methamphetamine may also notice that the person has bad breath or body odor because they do not take care of themselves in other ways as well.
The smell from using meth can build up in the pores of your skin and cause unpleasant smells on top of any body odor that might be produced by lack of bathing or changing clothes often enough.
6. They Seem Paranoid and Can’t Sit Still
Paranoia is a common symptom of meth addiction. It can be difficult to tell the difference between paranoia and meth addiction, so it’s important to consider the individual’s life history.
Has the person been paranoid before? If so, what was going on in their life at that time? Were they being treated for a mental health condition, or had they just gone through something traumatic? Are they currently under a lot of stress or feeling anxious about something that isn’t related to their drug use?
These are all important questions to ask yourself when trying to determine whether someone is experiencing paranoia stemming from their drug use versus some other issue going on in their life.
7. Their Eyes are Bloodshot and Dilated
Meth users often report that their eyes become bloodshot, and this is a sure sign of methamphetamine use.
While it’s also possible to have red eyes from allergies or other causes, the way your loved one describes his or her eyes may indicate that they are dealing with a meth addiction.
If your loved one has been using for any length of time, he or she may also have conditions such as cataracts that affect his or her vision—in that case, dilated pupils can be a sign of eye damage related to drug use.
