Methamphetamine use can cause serious changes in both behavior and appearance, making it hard to watch someone you care about go through it. Recognizing these signs early can make a difference in getting them the help they need. In this post, we’ll cover the most common signs of meth use and how it affects behavior. We’ll also discuss what to do if you’re living with someone struggling with meth addiction, so you can support them in the best way possible.
Signs of Meth Use
Methamphetamine use can have serious effects on a person’s body, behavior, and overall well-being. Here are the five most common signs of meth use to look out for.
1. Tooth Decay and Other Changes in Physical Appearance
Meth causes tooth decay and changes in physical appearance, including:
- Cracked, discolored, or missing teeth
- Dry mouth, leading to more rapid tooth decay
- Sores and lesions on the skin from excessive picking
- Dull or unhealthy skin tone
- Significant weight loss due to suppressed appetite
These physical changes can become more pronounced with prolonged meth use, dramatically altering a person’s appearance.
2. Changes in Daily Behavior
Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth, has a profound impact on various aspects of one’s well-being. Its detrimental effects extend to sleep patterns, appetite, and personal hygiene. While under the influence of meth, individuals often experience a significant reduction in both their sleep duration and appetite as the drug suppresses these basic physiological needs.
However, once the effects of meth wear off, the individual may struggle to stay awake and often develop intense cravings for carbohydrates, further exacerbating the challenges they face in regaining a healthy balance in their daily lives.
3. Mood Swings
One of the notable effects of meth use is its ability to induce significant changes in a person’s mood and behavior, resulting in a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Meth can potentially trigger intense feelings of anxiety, leading to a persistent sense of unease and worry.
Additionally, it can contribute to the development of depression, characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities. Moreover, meth use has been associated with heightened levels of anger and aggression, potentially leading to hostile and confrontational behavior.
4. Changes in Social Behavior
While meth may initially make socializing feel easier, over time, it often causes individuals to withdraw from family and friends. Meth users may start to prioritize meth-related activities over maintaining healthy relationships.
They may also shift toward spending more time with others who use drugs, leading to a complete change in their social circle and loss of meaningful connections.
5. Drug Cravings and Drug-Seeking Behavior
Meth alters brain chemistry, causing intense cravings that drive a person to seek out the drug compulsively. This often leads to risky and irrational decisions, such as neglecting responsibilities, lying to loved ones, or engaging in illegal activities to obtain meth. As the cravings intensify, a person may prioritize getting high over anything else in their life, leading to increasingly dangerous and reckless behavior.
How Do People Act On Meth?
Methamphetamine use leads to significant changes in behavior, making it easier to spot someone under its influence. Here are some common ways people act while on meth:
Hyperactivity and Restlessness
People on meth often have high energy levels, moving or talking constantly. They may appear jittery or unable to sit still, bouncing from one activity to another without finishing anything.
Aggression
Meth use can cause sudden bursts of anger or violent behavior. For example, someone might become easily irritated and lash out at others over minor disagreements or frustrations.
Paranoia
Meth can make a person feel extremely suspicious or fearful. They might believe someone is watching them or that they are in danger, even when there’s no real threat. In some cases, this paranoia can lead to aggressive or defensive actions.
Repetitive Actions
Some people on meth may fixate on tasks like cleaning or disassembling objects repeatedly. For example, they might take apart an appliance and put it back together several times without reason.
Decreased Need for Sleep
Meth users can stay awake for long periods, sometimes days, without feeling tired. They may skip sleep entirely, which can worsen their mental state and lead to poor decision-making.
What to Do When Living with a Meth Addict
Living with someone addicted to meth is extremely difficult, but there are ways to manage the situation while prioritizing both their recovery and your own well-being. Here are some steps to take:
Prioritize Your Safety
Meth addiction can lead to violent or erratic behavior, so your safety must come first. Create an emergency plan, including a safe place to go if things escalate. Keep a charged phone with you at all times, and don’t hesitate to call for help if you feel threatened.
If you have children, make sure they are also aware of the plan and have a safe place to stay if needed. Don’t engage in arguments when they are high or aggressive — leave the situation until it’s safe to return.
Set Clear Boundaries
Establishing and enforcing boundaries is crucial when living with a meth addict. Be specific about what behaviors are unacceptable, such as using drugs at home, bringing drug-using friends around, or neglecting responsibilities like paying bills.
Let them know what consequences will follow if these boundaries are broken, such as leaving the house or refusing financial help. Make sure to follow through on these consequences to show that your boundaries are firm and non-negotiable.
Avoid Enabling
It’s common to want to help a loved one in any way possible, but enabling behaviors like giving them money, lying for them, or bailing them out of legal trouble only prolong the addiction. Offer support in ways that encourage healthy choices, such as providing food instead of cash, but don’t do anything that allows them to continue their drug use. Hold them accountable for their actions, even if it’s difficult, because enabling can prevent them from realizing they need help.
Encourage Treatment
Suggest professional help, like rehab or counseling, and provide them with resources to make treatment more accessible. Offer to help them research treatment options or even drive them to appointments. Be patient, as they may not be ready to accept help immediately.
However, continue gently reminding them that recovery is possible and support is available when they are ready. Remind them of the positive changes that treatment can bring, such as improving relationships, physical health, and emotional well-being.
Seek Support for Yourself
Supporting a loved one through addiction can be emotionally draining, so it’s important to take care of your own mental health. Reach out to support groups like Nar-Anon, or seek individual therapy where you can talk through your experiences with a professional. Let trusted friends or family know what you’re going through so they can provide emotional support.
Remember, you cannot control their addiction, but you can protect your own well-being in the process.
Get Help for a Loved One Struggling with Meth Addiction
Watching someone you care about struggle with meth addiction is difficult, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Professional addiction treatment can help them overcome the physical and emotional challenges of meth use and begin their journey to recovery.
We can create a personalized treatment plan based on your loved one’s specific needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your loved one in starting a healthier, drug-free life.
