How to Identify The Signs of Meth Use

Meth addiction is notorious for its extremely damaging consequences. Fortunately, the signs and symptoms of meth use become evident quite quickly and are readily identifiable.

If you or a loved one are struggling with signs of meth addiction, it’s important to find the proper addiction treatment. Early intervention can save a life, and is often covered by insurance. It’s essential to seek help from an addiction therapist or accredited recovery program.

Continue reading to learn about:

• Signs of meth use
• Symptoms of meth use
• How to tell if someone is on meth
• How to get treatment for symptoms of meth use

Signs of Someone Using Meth

Meth (methamphetamine) is a powerful illicit stimulant with a range of physical and mental effects. Recognizing when someone is on meth can help inform timely intervention and appropriate support. Signs of methamphetamine abuse may be physical or mental in presentation. Learn how to tell if someone is on meth in our guide below.

Physical Signs of Meth Use

Physical signs that someone is using meth can include:

• Dilated pupils: Meth use often causes pupils to become extremely dilated, making them appear significantly larger than usual. This is one of the early signs of meth use.
• Skin sores: People who abuse meth may develop skin sores, also known as meth sores, due to intense itching and compulsive scratching. These sores can become infected and result in scarring.
• Meth mouth: A condition characterized by severe tooth decay, gum disease, dry mouth, and tooth grinding, commonly resulting in discoloration, tooth loss, and chronic bad breath.
• Facial twitching: Methamphetamine use can lead to involuntary facial twitching or repetitive movements.
• Increased sweating: Meth use often causes profuse sweating and a feeling of overheating.
• High body temperature: Meth use symptoms can include a dangerously high body temperature, leading to hyperthermia.

Mental Signs of Meth Use

Mental health-related meth signs may include:

• Agitation and irritability: Agitation, irritability, and mood swings can be mental signs of meth abuse.
• Confusion: Symptoms of meth use include people becoming confused and disoriented, with demonstrable difficulty focusing or maintaining coherent conversations.
• Paranoia: Meth often induces intense paranoia, causing some people to believe that they are being watched or persecuted.
• Hallucinations: Some people using meth experience auditory or visual hallucinations—seeing or hearing things that aren’t real.
• Repetitive behaviors: Meth use can lead to repetitive, compulsive behaviors, such as picking at the skin. This is associated with a range of skin complaints.
• Extreme euphoria: Symptoms of meth use often include extreme euphoria and heightened energy levels, followed by periods of severe depression as the drug wears off.
• Worsening mental health disorders: Meth use can exacerbate existing mental health disorders or trigger new ones, including anxiety, depression, and psychosis.

If you’re looking to identify meth use symptoms and believe someone you know is struggling with addiction, it’s important to respect them and only confront them with the intention of helping them recover from using meth. Approach individuals displaying these signs with compassion and encourage them to seek professional help for addiction treatment and support.

Signs of Meth Addiction

What are the signs of meth use and addiction for diagnostic purposes? Meth addiction is characterized by a range of physical and behavioral signs. These signs are indicative of a stimulant use disorder [1], as outlined in DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision)[2]. Meth addiction signs include:

1. Taking more meth than planned or using the substance for longer than intended.
2. Unsuccessful attempts to moderate or discontinue substance use.
3. Spending a lot of time obtaining and using meth, as well as recovering from its effects.
4. Cravings for methamphetamine.
5. Failing to fulfill major personal or professional obligations due to meth use.
6. Ongoing meth use despite having recurrent interpersonal problems triggered or inflamed by the effects of the substance.
7. Giving up important social activities due to the use of stimulants.
8. Using meth in potentially dangerous situations.
9. Continuing use of stimulants even though the substance has likely caused or exacerbated physical or mental health conditions.
10. Tolerance develops when more stimulants are required to achieve the initial effects.
11. Withdrawal symptoms manifesting upon discontinuation.

If someone exhibits two or more of these methamphetamine symptoms, they may be diagnosed with a stimulant use disorder (meth addiction). Recognizing this form of drug abuse early can help direct individuals toward the professional help they need. Addiction is a complex condition, and a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional should conduct a comprehensive diagnosis. If you or someone that you care about is fighting meth addiction, engaging with professional help will streamline treatment and recovery.

What to Do If You Notice Signs Someone is On Meth

If you suspect that someone you know is using meth or you have observed signs of meth use, take action to help them. Here are steps you can consider:

• Educate yourself: Before approaching the person, educate yourself about the signs and symptoms of meth use and addiction. Understanding the drug’s effects can help you approach the situation more knowledgeably.
• Choose the right time and place: Find a suitable time and place to talk to the person privately. Ensure that you won’t be interrupted, and choose a moment when they appear calm and receptive to conversation.
• Express concern and empathy: Approach the person with empathy and express your genuine concern for their well-being. Avoid blaming or shaming them, as addiction is a nuanced issue that often involves underlying emotional distress.
• Listen actively: Give the person an opportunity to talk about their experiences and feelings. Active listening can help them open up about their struggles and reasons for using meth.
• Offer support: Let the person know that you are there to support them and that they don’t have to face addiction alone. Encourage them to seek professional help, such as addiction treatment or counseling.
• Avoid enabling: While offering support, avoid enabling their addiction [3]. This means not providing them with money or resources that could be used to obtain drugs. Encourage healthy choices instead.
• Seek professional help: If the person is unwilling to seek help or if their addiction poses a severe threat, consider involving a professional interventionist or addiction specialist. These experts can guide the intervention process and connect the person with appropriate treatment resources.

Remember that confronting someone about their meth use can be challenging and emotional. Always approach the situation with care, compassion, and a focus on their well-being.

Get Meth Addiction Treatment for Your Loved One

We offer a comprehensive range of meth detox and addiction treatment services at Gratitude Lodge in Newport Beach or Long Beach, California.

Although there are no medications approved by the FDA to treat meth withdrawal, our supervised detox program offers the structure and support you need to withdraw from meth safely and comfortably over the course of about one week.

Having tackled the issue of physical dependence on meth, you can transition into ongoing residential treatment at one of our pet-friendly facilities. All Gratitude Lodge treatment programs provide an array of treatments that may include:

• Psychotherapies
• Family therapy
• Group therapy
• Individual counseling
• Holistic therapy
• MAT (medication-assisted treatment)
• Aftercare and support

If you’re ready to stop dealing with meth symptoms and tackle substance abuse, call 844-576-0144 to start living meth-free.

Sources

[1] https://www.fda.gov/media/143403/download

[2] https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm

[3] https://psychcentral.com/health/are-you-an-enabler