Methamphetamine, also known as meth, causes severe side effects, even without addiction to the drug. However, those taking this drug can easily develop an addiction to it due to the changes in the brain that it triggers. At TruHealing Centers, our team can provide compassionate addiction treatment for meth abuse, but you may be unsure if a loved one is using meth. If you suspect that someone you care about may have a meth addiction, there are signs that you should be aware of.
5 Signs of Meth Addiction in a Loved One
1. Meth Addiction Can Cause an Inability to Sleep or Slow Down
Meth makes sleep nearly impossible due to its mechanism of brain activation. In fact, many people with meth addiction may seem hyperactive and not slow down enough to go to bed or relax. The inability to sleep goes beyond minor insomnia. Some people on meth may not sleep for days before their bodies finally force them to rest. This crash could lead to days of continuous sleeping after staying awake for days.
Hyperactivity may also accompany a rise in body temperature. The individual may complain about the room being too hot or sweat excessively, even if others feel comfortable or cold. Severe instances of meth use may cause the individual to pass out from the heat.
2. Meth Addiction Can Cause Mood and Behavior Changes
Behavior and mood changes typically are extreme in people with meth addiction. Some common shifts in personality or actions may include:
- Seeing things that aren’t there (visual hallucinations)
- Hearing sounds that are not based on reality (auditory hallucinations)
- Having false beliefs about things (delusions)
- Extreme fear or paranoia
- Irritability
- Sudden mood shifts
These behavior or mood changes do not have a basis in another mental health condition. However, if a person has a preexisting mental illness, they may see symptoms worsen while taking meth. Therefore, meth addiction treatment at TruHealing Centers may include care to address any co-occurring mental health problems to ensure recovery is robust and meets all of the client’s needs.
3. Meth Addiction Can Cause Loss of Appetite
Along with an inability to sleep, meth use kills an appetite. Those who use meth may lose weight from not eating. If you have a loved one who regularly skips meals or gives excuses for not eating, dig a little deeper. They may have issues such as a meth or prescription drug addiction problem or other mental or physical health concerns, such as digestive ailments or an eating disorder.
4. Meth Addiction Can Cause Tooth Rot
Not eating can contribute to another sign of meth use, which is tooth rot. Oral health problems often come from individuals not eating properly, which reduces saliva production. Dry mouth from meth use and not eating contributes to tooth decay. Those who try to correct dry mouth with sweetened drinks may find even worse dental problems because their sugary drinks worsen tooth decay. Plus, meth can lead to teeth staining and tooth grinding.
If you have a loved one who refuses to go to the dentist but complains of mouth pain, tooth staining, or dry mouth, consider meth use as a possible cause.
5. Meth Addiction Can Cause Skin Problems
The skin is not immune from meth addiction. In fact, you may readily see skin problems caused by addiction to this drug, which can be difficult to hide and may include:
- Sores that don’t heal
- Self-induced scratches
- Severe acne outbreaks
- Burns on the fingers or lips
Stopping meth use may give the body a chance to heal from the damage to the skin and other systems. To give your loved one the best chance at recovery, guide them to a drug addiction recovery program that can address all their mental, physical, and emotional needs.
Help Your Loved One Get the Best Meth Addiction Treatment
Helping a loved one starts with recognizing signs of meth addiction. Next, find out more about meth addiction treatment programs that can help them to recover. At TruHealing Centers, we offer rehab for meth addiction and other substance addictions. Learn how you can help your loved one by connecting with us online or phoning us at [Direct]. We have resources to offer support for your loved one to help them overcome meth addiction.