Concerned a Loved One Might be Using Meth?
We want the best for our loved ones and would do anything we can to make sure that our loved ones are safe and out of harm’s way. When you begin to suspect that a loved one may be battling a problem with substance abuse, it can be hard to know what signs to look for and the steps you should take to get them the help that they need to overcome the powerful grip of drug addiction.
The highly addictive substance of crystal methamphetamine has become one of the most frequently used substances and the destruction it can cause within a meth abusers’ life is deeply concerning. If you have noticed that your loved one is beginning to display signs of drug abuse and you are worried about the potential of dangerous consequences that can affect people who are using crystal meth, you want to know the resources available for substance abuse treatment. At TruPath, we offer meth users an addiction treatment center that will support in healing from the deep-rooted emotions associated with your drug abuse while supporting patients in overcoming addiction through evidence-based therapy methods.
What Does Meth Look Like?
Methamphetamine looks like a white crystalline powder and, sometimes, can be made into a pill form. Meth that is in a crystalline powder is often used to snort meth which is a popular method of use among meth abusers. When placed in water or alcohol, meth can dissolve which is often what individuals will do to inject meth or smoke meth. When you hear of crystal meth, it refers to a shiny, bluish or clear crystal that is often in a rock or glass shape.
Signs of Meth Addiction
Common signs of meth addiction are:
- Meth mouth (rotting or decaying teeth and gums)
- High blood pressure
- Dilated pupils
- Loss of appetite
- Dramatic, quick weight loss
- Paranoid behavior
- Hallucinations
- Premature aging
- Picking at skin causing meth sores
- Intense mood swings or emotional outbursts
- Grinding of teeth
- Lack of sleep or insomnia followed by sleeping for long periods of time when “crashing”
- Shortness of breath
- Increased heart rate and elevated body temperature
- Showing increase awareness or alertness
- High energy and activity levels
- “Tweaking” once an individual begins to come down from their high
Why Is Meth So Addictive?
Engaging in crystal meth abuse affects a person’s central nervous system stimulant. As individuals abuse meth, they will instantly feel a rush of euphoria and feel good emotions. Whether a person injected meth, smoke meth or snort meth, this highly toxic and addictive drug will impact the neurotransmitters in the brain that are responsible for feeling pleasure. This short acting initial high only lasts for approximately 30 minutes. Once a person abuses meth again, the high can last for up to 8-10 hours. The heightened state of awareness and physical alertness and activity can provide meth abusers with feelings of invincibility and confidence that they may not have felt before. These feelings and sensations often up the door for a cycle of drug addiction that requires the support of addiction treatments to start overcoming your meth addiction.
How to Help Someone with Meth Addiction
If you are concerned about someone who abuse meth and are wondering how to best support them, the best step you can take is to provide options and resources for addiction treatment centers. There are varying levels of care that can meet the individual needs of the patient and where they are at within their recovery process. Individuals can choose to attend an inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab, and drug detox program to support a person in their journey of overcoming addiction. Addiction treatment provides patients with the tools needed for relapse prevention and leading a healthy, balanced life in addiction recovery.
If you are concerned about a loved one’s drug abuse, contact our team at (251) 501-4357 to hear more about the addiction treatments available to help your loved one in gaining a life in sobriety and health.
