In essence, you may have a hard time determining if someone is using drugs or drinking alcohol. For example, if your friend is a habitual pot smoker, you may not begin to notice any symptoms apart from a strange minty smell or calm behavior (which isn’t always abnormal). On the other hand, alcohol abusers might also be skilled at hiding their destructive behavior by reserving their rampant drinking habits for bars on the weekends, leaving you clueless. However, in the case of crystal meth addiction, the telltale symptoms can be pretty easy to spot (if you know what to look for). Unlike pot and booze, meth triggers rapidly ages the body, meaning (soon or later) you will discover the truth about your friend. Still, what do you need to look for? How can you spot a crystal meth addict? Let’s take a closer look and find out.
The Demon in the Pot
Overall, crystal meth addiction is a dangerous and complex process. After people consume this drug, their brains release a nearly overwhelming flood of dopamine and norepinephrine. In fact, the landslide of dopamine experienced by a meth user induces pleasure that is 12 times stronger than the feeling of joy induced from eating food. Herein lies the complexity of meth. Once a person stops using the drug, their brain may be permanently altered (literally after the first try), triggering one of the most severe forms of substance addiction.
How to Spot a Meth User
Crystal meth transforms a person on a physical and emotional level. Dependent on the drug, users will start to rot from the inside out (literally and figuratively). If you can spot the signs of meth addiction in the earliest stages, you must try to get help for your friend, family member, or coworker as soon as possible. Here are some signs that someone is addicted to meth:
- Sudden onset of OCD or a worsening of existing OCD
- Tendency to talk or babble a lot
- Rapid eye movement and severely dilated pupils
- Frequent bouts of sweating
- Meth mouth (severe dental decay)
- Outbreaks of blisters and sores that don’t heal
- Social isolation or hermitlike behavior
- Feelings of bugs crawling under the skin
- Hair loss and rapid aging
Seeking Treatment for Crystal Meth Addiction
Crystal meth is easily one of the deadliest drugs on the planet, and its reputation as a death-dealer is just as infamous as its construction process. Explosions, rotting teeth, boils, and murder are just a few of the physical ailments and social crimes that are associated with this damaging, debilitating, and horrible drug. However, do not let the low rates of recovery get you down. If you work hard enough, you can find a way to clean up your act and break away from the poison called crystal meth.
If you are suffering from a severe case of crystal meth addiction or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process detox and withdrawal and guide you through each step of the rehabilitation process to help you break away from meth.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.
