Meth Addiction: Learn the Signs

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive substance that can have lasting physical and psychological ramifications if continued use occurs over an extended period of time. Permanent brain damage has devastating effects, so if you or someone you know is addicted to meth, you need help now. Recognizing the signs of addiction in yourself and in others is the first step toward getting sober. Kicking the habit is no easy task, but it is possible with the support of loved ones and proper addiction treatment.


Signs of Meth Addiction

Meth Paraphernalia

Meth can be used in various forms. People smoke, inject, and swallow it, and it can be found in powder, liquid, or crystallized form.

Signs of smoking: Aluminum cans with holes punched in them, burned aluminum foil, ballpoint pens fashioned into pipes, literal glass pipes, and lighters are all tools used to smoke meth.

Signs of injecting: syringes, lighters (torch lighters especially), spoons. This is the method that involves mixing meth with water to create a yellowish liquid substance.


Behavioral Signs

People addicted to meth neglect sleeping due to their hyped up brain activity. They may go days without sleep during a binge and may have dark circles under their eyes as a result. Meth can also cause paranoia and disorganized speech patterns and behavior. Meth users are known to engage in erratic behavior, meaning that they don’t assess risks the same way most people do. They may have unprotected sex or participate in other dangerous activities.


Bodily Signs

Someone using meth will have dilated pupils, a suppressed appetite, and may be fidgety and unable to remain in one place for very long. Weight loss is common, and severe malnutrition can be a result of prolonged use. People addicted to meth often have red scaly marks on their skin, including their faces, from continued “picking”. Nose bleeding is a sign that someone is snorting. “Meth mouth” is a notorious symptom of meth addiction. People will have rotting teeth, or teeth that have fallen out due to chemicals in the drug that erode tooth enamel.


Florida Recovery Group is a JCAHO accredited addiction treatment center in Delray Beach, Florida. Learn more about our services and how we can help you or a loved one overcome meth addiction by giving us a call at (561) 330-4688.