How Do You Know If Someone Is Using Meth?

Meth is a powerful and highly-addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Usually, it looks like a white, odorless powder that dissolves in alcohol or water. It’s usually made in small, secret laboratories using hazardous chemicals that are easy to source.

Compared to amphetamine (meth’s parent drug), greater amounts of meth reach the brain, making it a more potent drug. It’s effects on the central nervous system are also longer-lasting and more harmful than amphetamine’s effects. Although it’s classified by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration as a Schedule II stimulant, it’s one of the most commonly abused drugs in America.²

Related post: Meth Mouth: How Does Methamphetamine Addiction Affect Teeth?

Many people who use meth don’t just use it occasionally. More often than not, they quickly become addicted and start using it regularly. As a result, they typically experience withdrawal symptoms when they go too long without using meth. Although the signs of meth use can vary depending on how much the person used, how frequently they’re using it, and if they’re using any other drugs or alcohol with it, here are some of the most common physical and behavioral signs and symptoms of chronic meth use.⁴

Physical Signs

• Dilated pupils
• Hyperactivity
• Agitation
• Violent outbursts
• Twitching, uncontrollable or jerky movements
• Rapid eye movement
• Impaired speech
• Sudden weight loss
• Reduced appetite
• Rotting teeth
• Severe itching/sores on the skin

Behavioral Signs

• Paranoia
• Mood swings
• Erratic sleeping patterns
• Hallucinations
• Psychosis
• Extreme exhaustion
• Anxiety and insomnia that lasts several days (also known as “tweaking”)
• Being secretive
• Stealing money or valuable items
• Neglecting personal responsibilities
• Sudden change in friends, hobbies, or activities
• Avoiding family or friends

So, maybe you’re fairly certain that your loved one is using meth. What should you do now? This is often a difficult question that requires careful consideration of the situation and the relationship you have with that person. Although you might be tempted to ignore the warning signs because you’re scared or uncertain, typically, that only causes more problems. Instead, lovingly addressing your friend or family member’s meth abuse is often a good way to help them recognize they need help.

When you’re ready to take action, here are several important steps you should take:

• Explore treatment options. Do your research and locate several detox programs and rehab centers that you can share with your loved one. While you’re searching, make sure to look for licensed and accredited facilities that use evidence-based treatment methods. You should also take a look at reviews from previous clients and their family members.
• Lovingly talk to your loved one. Address your loved one in a calm and loving manner. Don’t blame, judge, or accuse them of anything. Instead, calmly describe why you are concerned about them and explain how their drug abuse has negatively affected your relationship. You can also explain why you think meth addiction treatment might be helpful and introduce the treatment options you believe might work well for them.
• Provide support however you can. You can also offer to provide support in other ways, such as giving them a ride to the treatment center, helping them pack for detox and rehab, or offering financial assistance if you are able. If they choose to go to treatment, you can also participate in family therapy sessions with them, visit them regularly (if allowed), or write them letters while they’re in rehab to encourage them.
• Seek professional help if they refuse to acknowledge the problem. If your initial conversation with your loved one does not go as planned, you can work with a professional interventionist to plan an intervention. Mutual family members and close friends can also join in to help your loved one see how their meth abuse is damaging their relationships.
• Get help for yourself. Finding out that a loved one is abusing meth can be very stressful and concerning. If your loved one is addicted, you are no doubt worried, scared, angry, frustrated, or a variety of other feelings. It’s important to get help for yourself so you can learn how to cope with these challenging emotions. You cannot help your loved one if you’re not caring for yourself. So seek support through a counselor, therapist, or a community support group such as Nar-Anon.

If your loved one is severely addicted to meth, he or she might need to start treatment with a medical detox program. Although there is no official detox program for meth, safe, medical observation is typically recommended for people who are heavily addicted. It’s very difficult to stop using meth once you’re addicted, but professional medical assistance can help prevent relapse and ensure the individual’s safety.

Although meth withdrawal doesn’t usually produce life-threatening physical symptoms, the individual may experience severe depression or psychotic symptoms during the acute withdrawal phase. These symptoms usually resolve within a week. Strong cravings are also common and they can last for five weeks or longer. Having professional medical support and treatment will help individuals cope with these meth withdrawal symptoms.¹⁰

After meth detox, your loved one’s treatment team will provide professional recommendations for ongoing care. If your loved one chooses to follow those recommendations, he or she may attend residential rehab, outpatient rehab, or a sober living program. His or her treatment team can help make arrangements for travel and enrollment in a rehab, aftercare, or sober living program.

Related post: What Are Meth Sores?