What are the Signs of Meth Abuse?

Meth is short for methamphetamines. Some of these drugs have medicinal uses such as for weight loss or the treatment of ADHD. Crystal meth is an illicit chemical substance that mimics the legal drug’s effects. It’s possible to form an addiction to either drug, but could you recognize the signs of meth abuse or the need for meth addiction rehab?

How Do People Get Addicted to Meth?

Meth addiction often starts with recreational use. People may experiment with meth and find it difficult to control their use, eventually leading to addiction. Other people begin using the drug because of peer pressure or to self-medicate mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Over time, users develop a tolerance for the drug which leads to increased use, leading to physical and mental dependence.

The cycle of addiction is difficult to break as users continue to seek out the drug in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal from meth can be a painful and dangerous experience, making it all the more difficult for someone to quit using on their own.

Physical Signs of Meth Abuse

Meth abuse can lead to serious physical health issues. It can cause your body temperature to drop, leading to potentially life-threatening hypothermia. Other problems may include cardiovascular damage, stroke, kidney and liver damage, dental problems, and more. In addition, meth can weaken the immune system making it easier for you to catch illnesses.

Meth increases the body’s temperature. You’ll notice someone sweating more than usual after taking a dose. Look for dilated pupils. Since meth diminishes the appetite, you don’t eat regular meals.

Over time, you lose weight. That’s one of the reasons why physicians prescribe methamphetamines for weight loss. Even though you’re not eating much, you seem to have boundless energy. Also though you’re not eating much, you have a sugar craving.

So, you drink plenty of sugary drinks or sodas. You’ll also suck on candies. The constant onslaught of the sugar combines with the dry mouth that’s one of the side effects of meth use. Since the drug also causes you to grind your teeth, you’re at risk for oral health problems. The lack of healthy nutrition and associated risk factors lead to the so-called meth mouth.

Psychological Symptoms

There are also mental signs of meth abuse. They include fatigue and anxiety. Depending on how long you go without sleep, you may experience episodes of violent thoughts or actions. Coming down from a meth high can result in substantial depressive episodes.

You may also have difficulty concentrating and suffer from paranoia, confusion, or hallucinations. Long-term meth abuse can even lead to psychotic episodes with delusions and visual and auditory hallucinations. Additionally, you may experience impaired memory abilities, making it difficult to remember recent events. All of these psychological symptoms show that meth use can lead to severe changes in the user’s mental state.

Getting Help for a Meth Abuse Problem

Do these signs of meth abuse remind you of a loved one’s behavior? Maybe you’re struggling with a meth addiction yourself. There’s hope. At a meth rehab for men or a meth rehab for women, you have the opportunity to end dependence on the substance.

When you discuss your case with an intake specialist, the professional will customize a treatment protocol for you. Examples of possible modalities include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy that helps you uncover dysfunction in patterns of thoughts, feelings, and actions
• Dialectical behavior therapy, which assists with emotional regulation in the face of significant stressors
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) as a means to overcome traumatic events in your past
• Family therapy, which enables you to conquer negative behaviors and re-establish trust and communication
• Anger management techniques that encourage you to find alternatives ways of conflict resolution

These therapies combine to create a therapeutic environment that helps you overcome an addiction to substances.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery

Right now, it may seem as though giving up meth is impossible. But when you work with the compassionate therapists at Beaches Recovery, you may just realize that it’s possible after all. Call 866.605.0532 today for immediate assistance.