If you’re concerned that someone you care about is using meth, it’s important to learn about the signs and symptoms before approaching them. Drug use can result in different symptoms, and some of these symptoms overlap.

Furthermore, the signs of drug use can also overlap with mental health symptoms, such as changes in mood and appearance. Therefore, it’s important to go into the conversation with as much information as possible.

Crystal meth is a powerful, addictive drug that is difficult to quit on your own. If your loved one does admit to using the drug, they will likely need your help to stop. It can be productive to speak with a few treatment centers in advance so that you know what the next steps are.

To establish a healthy foundation for recovery, people with meth addiction typically need detox, inpatient and/or outpatient treatment and aftercare, which may include structured sober living. Let’s explore five red flags that a friend or family member is using methamphetamine.

1. Tweaking

Tweaking happens when a person comes to the end of a meth binge. The drug has worn off and is no longer providing them with a high. During a meth binge, people will continue to use the drug so that they don’t have to experience the comedown effect. However, after prolonged use, they can no longer experience a high and they begin tweaking.

People who are tweaking may experience paranoia, hallucinations, violence and other unpredictable behaviors. Tweakers can also be a threat to themselves or others, which makes this stage rather dangerous. Other symptoms include rapid eye movements, voice quivering and jerky movements. If you notice these signs in someone, it may indicate that they’re using meth regularly.

2. Extreme Mood Swings

It’s not uncommon for drugs to cause extreme mood swings, but meth does this particularly well. Meth floods the brain with dopamine, the feel-good chemical responsible for pleasure. However, after each use, meth drains the brain’s dopamine supply, leaving people feeling hopeless and depressed.

Since people who use meth are in a continuous state of using and coming down, they can experience intense mood swings. The longer the drug is used, the longer the mood swings last. Sadly, crystal meth is such a potent drug, it can cause long-lasting brain damage that can’t be repaired.

3. Owning Meth Paraphernalia

Methamphetamine comes in many different forms and can be smoked, snorted, injected or taken orally. With so many ways to use the drug, there are different types of paraphernalia to be on the lookout for. What you find can point you in the direction of the drug and method of choice.

Here are some common types of meth paraphernalia:

• Glass pipes for smoking
• Tourniquets and needles (medical-type equipment)
• Aluminum foil and spoons
• Small plastic baggies
• Cut straws
• Broken or emptied ink pens

4. Change in Physical Appearance

When a person is depressed or using drugs, they often experience a change in their physical appearance. However, people who are actively using meth have distinct characteristics. ‘Meth face’ refers to the decline in physical appearance in individuals who use meth and it usually includes dental problems, skin issues, false aging and overall deterioration.

Below are some telltale signs of meth use:

• Sores, scratches or track marks
• Burn marks on hands or mouth
• Thinning hair or hair loss
• Tooth decay from ‘meth mouth’
• Sunken eyes, dilated pupils
• Sudden, unexplained weight loss
• Twitching or jerky movements

5. Unusual or Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits

Meth is an intrusive, destructive drug. It doesn’t take long for people to become dependent on it, which means you’ll see lifestyle changes fairly soon. Remember, people who use meth are constantly up and down, so you’ll see some unusual patterns of behavior that include things like:

• Not sleeping for long stretches, then sleeping for days
• Needing to eat very little
• Avoiding social interaction with friends and loved ones
• Engaging in secretive behavior such as lying or stealing
• Using other types of substances
• Neglecting responsibilities

Fight Meth Abuse at Pura Vida Recovery

Pura Vida Recovery is a drug and alcohol treatment facility in Santa Rosa CA. We offer a full continuum of care that allows us to provide the highest level of treatment to individuals struggling with substance use. Because meth addiction can be difficult to treat, it’s important that individuals receive highly personalized and comprehensive care.

To learn more about the treatment services available, including detox, outpatient treatment and sober living housing, contact Pura Vida Recovery today. With the right support, recovery from a meth addiction is possible.