Unmistakable Signs of Meth Addiction and the Need for Treatment

When a loved one is addicted to methamphetamine the most important thing to do is get them into treatment immediately. Crystal meth, also known as glass or methamphetamine, is a dangerous drug and a meth addiction is a widely growing problem throughout the United States. Methamphetamine addiction is a very dangerous condition that requires immediate treatment because long term addiction to meth can result in irreversible damage to the body.

Meth, sometimes called a bathtub drug, is produced using household cleaning products and other dangerous chemicals that are highly damaging to the body. Although the drug causes stimulation at first, over time the addict will crash, may sleep for days at a time and the vicious cycle of meth addiction begins to take a harmful and tough toll on the body quite quickly. Here’s a look at how you can tell that your or a loved one is addicted to crystal meth.

Loss of Self Worth and Hygiene

Meth addiction can cause serious problems for the user.

Meth addicts often feel like nothing matters except getting high. They may lack self hygiene and because of the methamphetamine use they sweat a lot which makes them smell. Many people attribute the smell of someone who uses meth to the smell of cat urine. Meth addiction also causes acne and breakouts. Some meth addicts will get large boils on the body as a result of the toxins in the body trying to “come out” through the skin. If you or a loved one is showing any of these signs of meth addiction it’s important to seek help.

Loss of Productivity

Just like any addiction, meth addiction can result in a loss of production which results in poor grades, trouble at work or various other problems. Most meth addicts are unable to hold down a job because they are too busy getting high. Additionally, they may work for a while but then when they crash they are likely to miss many days or work which can quickly result in termination.

Meth Mouth

The chemicals and toxins that are found in crystal meth are very damaging to the teeth and the mouth. Meth addicts suffer from tooth decay that is unmistakable. If you have noticed that your loved one who once had very nice white teeth has suffered rapid decay, has red swollen or bleeding gums or is missing teeth there is a possibility that they are addicted to crystal meth. While treatment centers are not able to help with tooth loss or decay, they can help the addict to stop using and refer them to a dentist who can help with the meth mouth once treatment is completed.

Staying Awake for Days or Weeks at a Time

It is NOT NORMAL to stay awake for days or weeks at a time. This is a sure sign of meth addiction. Meth addicts typically stay awake for many days or sometimes even weeks at a time. Think of the toll that this can take on the human body which is accustomed to sleep and rest periods every 24 hours. Unfortunately, there are many side effects that come with staying awake for such prolonged periods of time such as moodiness, memory lapse, hallucinations, as well as a range of problems that we can’t physically see.

Paraphernalia

Finally, if you have noticed various pieces of paraphernalia around the house that can be associated with smoking methamphetamine then there’s a sure sign that you are living with a meth addict. Some of the most common meth paraphernalia items include broken light bulbs, pieces of rolled burnt aluminum foil and empty lighters. Meth addicts tend to go through many lighters so if you notice that lighters come up missing or that a loved one goes through 2 or 3 or more lighters in a week then there’s a chance of addiction.

If you or someone you know is addicted to methamphetamine it’s never too late to seek help. Treatment centers can help an individual overcome the physical dependence on crystal meth and they provide long term counseling and therapy to help an addict heal psychologically. Methamphetamine addiction is a very dangerous condition that should not be left untreated. Long term addiction can lead to irreversible damage to the brain.