You are here: Home » Research » What are the Symptoms of Meth Use?
Music Over Meth July 003

Music Over Meth July 003Methamphetamine goes by at least three popular names — meth, speed, and chalk; sometimes people will also refer to it as ice or crystal, crank or glass. No matter what the name, you should be able to recognize the various symptoms of meth use.

For those involved in early meth use, the signs of meth use will be noticeable from the start; however, no one person may have all these symptoms, and other drugs or explanations may be responsible for the change in a person’s behavior. That said, the symptoms of meth use include a state of euphoria, paranoia, a decrease in appetite, an increase in physical activity, as well as anxiety, shaking hands, or nervousness. Also, you may find the user talking incessantly, moving eyes rapidly. The person may have dilated pupils. The person might also be sweating; this is a sign especially if there’s been no physical activity. The person’s body temperature might increase, too (at some points, the temperature can rise to 108 degrees and cause death).

If a person has been using meth continuously, take into consideration the above symptoms but also look for some of these signs of meth use: weight loss, dry or itchy skin, pale complexion, acne, mood swings, strong body odor, and shadows under the eyes; the person might also pick at the skin or hair, be aggressive or violent, be depressed or withdrawn, bite nails severely, have nose bleeds or dermatitis around the mouth. The person might also have a general lack of personal hygiene.

Take into consideration the above two paragraph of symptoms, plus the following signs if you suspect a person has undergone advanced meth use: extreme weight loss, rotten or missing teeth, corneal ulcerations, and hair loss, as well as symptoms of severe mental illness, similar to schizophrenia (which may include anger, panic, paranoia, auditory and visual hallucinations, and repetitive behavior patterns).

Usually methamphetamine use occurs in three ways, from low intensity use, to binge use, to high intensity use. Low intensity abusers are not psychologically addicted to the drug, usually snorting or swallowing it. Binge and high-intensity abusers are psychologically addicted and may smoke or inject the meth in order to receive a faster, stronger high.

If you’ve observed these symptoms of meth use in a family member or a friend, don’t ignore them. Talk in a sensitive manner to the person about the issue and urge professional, medical help.

If you or a loved one needs help due to meth abuse, contact one of our listed substance abuse treatment centers or long term drug rehab facilities today.



AmyJune 21, 2010 at 9:58 pm

Meth is a highly addictive drug and recovery from methamphetamine may require a treatment session. But it’s always better to identify it beforehand and go for a treatment before it is too late. Here the symptoms explained according to the different stages are very clear. Everyone should be aware of all these information given here so that we can stop our dear ones from taking this dangerous drug everyday.


AmyJune 21, 2010 at 9:58 pm

It basically affects the central nervous system. It may cause withdrawal that can be intense and may last longer. At a typical situation one can reach a state of high violence. It causes extreme drastic drop of mood and simultaneously it affects the energy level. In extreme adverse situation one may face the risk of heart- failure, stroke and psychosis.


AmyJune 21, 2010 at 9:58 pm

Matthew if you Google “meth Sores” the end is truly awful, the weight loss, the scabs, the rotten teeth how did that drug ever gain popularity. You can also become addicted in one hit.


 Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.