You may have seen parodied before and after images of people on meth around the internet.
While those pictures may seem comical at first glance, the truth is less than laughable. In fact, it was estimated that 964,000 American over the age of twelve had methamphetamine use disorder in 2017. [1]
Without proper meth addiction treatment, a meth addict can quickly transform from the lovable and put together person that you love to a stranger in both personality and physical appearance. As an addiction rehab center in Philadelphia, we have seen this story too many times. We want you to be able to recognize the signs of meth use before it is too late.
Signs Someone is Using Meth
Methamphetamine, or meth, is a highly addictive drug that affects a person’s brain, body, personality, and behavior. The more a person takes the drug, the more likely they are to become addicted as it alters the brain’s chemistry. If you suspect that your loved one could be abusing meth, look out for these symptoms of meth use.
The most obvious way to determine that someone is abusing meth is probably by looking for the physical signs of meth use. Some physical meth symptoms and warning signs include:
- Increased body temperature
- Severe dental problems or “meth mouth”
- Sores or scabs on the skin from itching
- Drastic weight loss
- Decrease in personal hygiene habits
The problem is that by the time you notice some of these drastic physical changes, the person may already be in quite deep, and they may be more resistant to enter into a proper addiction program like PHP treatment.
Pay attention to the person’s behavior and cognitive functions as well. These symptoms may clue you in sooner that your loved one is abusing the drug. Some other signs of meth use include:
- Abnormal sleeping patterns
- Hyperactivity
- Not eating
- Violent outbreaks
- Secretive or deceitful behavior
- Money problems
- Anxiety or paranoia
- Confusion and even hallucinations [2]
If you begin to notice these symptoms in your loved one, do not wait to get them professional help. Addiction is a disease, and at Banyan Philadelphia we will help your loved one address all of the problems that their meth addiction has created.
Meth is a highly addictive drug that can consume a person’s life. Don’t hesitate to get help for you or a loved one.
Reach out to us today at 888-280-4763 to learn more about our addiction treatment in Philadelphia.
Sources:
- SAMHSA – Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
- National Institute on Drug Abuse – What is Methamphetamine
