Signs and Symptoms of Methamphetamine Addiction

Clinically Reviewed by Matt Hawk ICAADC, CACII, Written by Karen Hadley

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Methamphetamine is one of the most addictive drugs on the illicit market. For some people, it may take only one or two uses of meth to be hit by intense cravings for more of the drug. In addition to being one of the most addictive drugs, it is also one of the most damaging.

The addictive and damaging nature of meth addiction seriously threatens anyone that tries this substance. Once someone is addicted to methamphetamine, they are typically consumed by their need for more of the drug. This stimulant creates intensely irresistible cravings that, for many people, simply take over their thinking and decision-making.

It is important for families of a person who is using or addicted to methamphetamine to know that the vast majority of people who are addicted to meth are going to hide their drug use. They will lie to hide their addiction, usually out of shame or guilt. They will do their best to conceal any signs of their drug use when other people are around. For this reason, it is vital to know the signs and symptoms of methamphetamine use and, most especially, addiction. You need to know when the moment arrives to take action to end the addiction.

Physical Signs of Methamphetamine Addiction

Methamphetamine takes such a toll on a person’s physical health that some signs will be obvious, even if the person tries to hide them. Watch carefully for these signs if you suspect methamphetamine use.

• Dramatic weight loss: Because methamphetamine kills the appetite, meth users typically lose lots of weight. They may continue to lose weight until they look gaunt and unhealthy.
• Meth related dental problems: The chemicals in methamphetamine are highly corrosive and toxic. They also dry up the user’s mouth. Over time, these factors combine to cause severe tooth decay and loss.
• Skin sores: Meth users often believe that bugs are crawling under their skin. They pick at the skin on their faces and other parts of their bodies until they suffer multiple sores that don’t heal.
• Tremors and twitching: Meth’s overstimulating intense effects on the nervous system can cause fast, jerky movements, facial twitching, and an agitated way of moving the body.

These signs can be present whether a person is high on methamphetamine at the moment or not. During those times that they are high, these further signs will also be seen: Excessive sweating, high body temperature and heart rate, fast breathing and dilated pupils.

Mental and Emotional Signs of Methamphetamine Addiction

The mental and emotional changes in a methamphetamine-addicted person can be profound and disturbing. A person who was once trustworthy and honest may change into a dishonest person who commits crimes. A good dad or mom may no longer be able to meet the needs of their kids. A good worker may no longer be able to maintain their previous performance. This is how methamphetamine-addicted individuals lose their marriages, kids, homes, careers and productive lives.

It is incredibly difficult for a spouse or close friend to believe this change in their loved one. They are so accustomed to trusting this person that they may continue to believe the lies this person is now telling. The sooner the reality of this person’s addiction can be grasped, the sooner recovery can begin.

The typical mental and emotional changes that result from methamphetamine addiction drive this self-destruction.

• Paranoia: The use of methamphetamine and the lack of sleep that accompanies it can cause a profound sense of paranoia. Users believe someone is out to get them and they can suspect those around them of plotting against them. They may also believe in grand conspiracies that can seem very convincing.
• Hallucinations: The tendency of a person using meth to hallucinate is highly dangerous. A user may think evil people are hiding in the walls. Or they may think that a beloved spouse or other family member is actually someone else who wants to harm them.
• Anxiety and confusion: When a person uses this powerful stimulant, they don’t think clearly. Their actions may not make any sense. This lack of clarity also makes it difficult or impossible for them to ask for help.
• Mood swings and irritability: Don’t expect a person using methamphetamine to be the friendly, helpful person you once knew. They may be falsely euphoric one moment and start a violent argument the next. If you’re a friend or family member of someone using meth, remember to protect your own safety.
• Aggression: There are times that a meth user will simply be dangerous to be around. Direct confrontation can trigger an aggressive response. It's important to de-escalate the situation quickly in order to avoid harm to the user or others. If you feel like you're in danger, you should call the authorities.
• Depression and psychosis: These are other factors that make it difficult or impossible for an addicted person to ask for help. If they are depressed, they will probably feel like there is no hope, so why even try. If they are psychotic, they need specialized medical care until they are no longer psychotic. This will have to happen before there is any chance of entering rehab.

Behavioral Signs of Methamphetamine Use

If mental or physical signs of methamphetamine abuse are not visible to you, you might be able to identify behavioral signs. Once a person becomes addicted, their life changes. Their decisions change. They have to arrange their lives so they can acquire and use meth. They are going to have to start telling lies to spouses, family, employers and others. They will spend thousands of dollars on drugs, pawning valuables, possibly stealing money from friends, family or work. They will be secretive and isolated.

If you see these signs in someone you care about, you should not discount them. The change you are seeing has a cause. Of course, they may be struggling with a problem you don’t know about, but in millions of cases across the country, the real source of the change is drug addiction. Trust your perceptions. Rally friends and family to support you and get this person help.

Three Patterns of Methamphetamine Use

Methamphetamine use has three patterns: low intensity, high intensity and binge use. Low intensity describes a user who is not yet psychologically addicted to the drug but uses methamphetamine on a casual basis by swallowing or snorting it. They may only use the drug to pep them up when they need it. They are normally functional in their day-to-day lives. Unfortunately, low-intensity use can change to high-intensity use if the cravings become intense.

High-intensity users are the addicts. Their whole existence is focused on preventing the crash that occurs after a high. Their delusional thinking pattern convinces them that whatever they have to do to prevent a crash is justified.

With high-intensity users, higher doses of meth are taken in an attempt to achieve the same effect. Meth is such a powerful stimulant, tolerance can take weeks or months to require the user to increase the dosage. High-intensity users may learn to eat and sleep while on the drug.

Binge abusers maintain a high as long as possible, smoking or injecting more of the drug, hour after hour and day after day. Eventually, they simply suffer a physical collapse and sleep for days. Or they may run out of meth. This binge may last a week or even longer.

Turning the Tide to Restore Sobriety

Methamphetamine addiction is such an intense situation that you could feel hopeless. But recovery through drug rehab is possible for an addicted person. The Narconon program has helped tens of thousands of people leave methamphetamine, alcohol, heroin, cocaine and other drugs behind. The therapeutic effect of the Narconon program steps makes it possible to overcome the cravings and restore the individual’s own values and honesty.

We're here. We're ready to help you.
Call us at 1-800-737-5250 to get help now. or learn more about the Narconon Drug Rehabilitation Program

It doesn’t happen overnight. Typically, a person finishes the Narconon program in ten to 12 weeks. They need time to learn new life skills, to learn how integrity is lost and how it can be recovered. And to alleviate the intense cravings that threaten to drive them back to meth.

Talk to a Narconon representative today and learn how this drug-free rehab program can turn the tide of your loved one’s life. It is possible to have them back in your life, honest and healthy, like they were before addiction stole them away. Call today.