Not all drug abuse looks the same. We often associate an addict with a specific type of person. We think of a certain look and behavior. The truth is, substance abuse and addiction can look like just about anything. Withdrawal symptoms can be confused with something as common as the flu, and you would never second guess your assumption without a viable reason.
Methamphetamine or meth is a man-made chemical substance. It is most often a white to light brown crystalline powder, and the signs of meth abuse and addiction can manifest in not so stereotypical ways. Let’s consider three indications of a meth problem.
#1: Little Bags
Meth is most often bought in small bags. A religious user will likely keep filled bags well hidden, but once those bags are empty, they won’t care about what happens to the container. Finding small bags in surplus may be an indication that someone you love is using methamphetamine.
#2: Changes in Behavior
Meth acts as a stimulant. People who abuse or develop an addiction to it suffer noticeable changes in behavior. These can include:
- Not sleeping for long periods.
- Loss of appetite and large amounts of weight.
- An unusual increase in activity that includes anxiousness, nervousness, or twitchiness.
#3: Changes in Appearance
Methamphetamine contributes to rapid aging. It can quickly change a user’s appearance, often within as little as a few months of frequent use. Methproject.org provides a realistic look at this change. Check out their Look of Meth images to get an idea of how a person changes in appearance over time when they use.
Recognizing Signs of Heavy Meth Use
Some people binge on meth. They use the drug over and over in what is referred to as a “run.” They will inject or consume the drug every few hours until they either become incapable of continuing or run out of supplies.
Heavy meth use often causes hallucinations and delusions. The harsh chemicals that compose methamphetamine also promote the development of scores on the face and body which are agitated by hallucinations of bugs crawling under the skin.
A period of heavy meth use is commonly followed by a crash. During the crash, the user cannot control their sleepiness and may sleep for a long period or continually fall into an uncontrollable sleep. After the crash, increasing and heavy cravings for the drug will manifest, and withdrawal symptoms will ensure.
Methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms can include shaking and tremors, fevers and chills, profuse sweating, hypertension, nausea and vomiting, heart palpitations, and even respiratory failure. The chemical process that creates meth, known as “cooking,” involves the use of poisonous chemicals. Prolonged meth use introduces the body to these poisons and literally works to systematically destroy the body.
Meth addiction is a very serious condition. If left untreated, it can result in rapid health deterioration and death due to an overdose, accident, or the body giving out under the strain of substance abuse. If you or someone you know is abusing or addicted to methamphetamine, seek professional help quickly.