Although some drug addictions are difficult to identify, meth addiction is not one of them. The signs of meth addiction become noticeable within a few weeks after a person starts using the drug. One of the main reasons for this is the rapid deterioration of a person’s appearance and personality when taking meth.
Meth can cause severe physical and mental health problems in a relatively short period. Recognizing the symptoms of meth addiction and getting someone help at a meth addiction treatment center is crucial to their survival. If you suspect that a loved one has a meth addiction, contact a rehab center like Midwest Detox. You may save their life.
Changes in Personality and Behavior
Meth is a stimulant. When a person takes meth, they have a sudden burst of energy known as a rush. The rush soon turns into a high that can last for up to sixteen hours. During this time, a person feels like they can conquer the world. They may go for several hours without sleeping or be unusually productive. They may appear to be bouncing off the walls or unusually happy. Afterward, they suddenly crash and fall into depression or sleep for long periods. The crash can last up to three days.
With extended use, a person’s personality and behavior start to change. You may notice certain the following behaviors:
- Extreme mood swings
- Hyperactivity
- Erratic sleep patterns
- Rapid eye movement
- Isolation
- Paranoia
The decline in behavior and mood is steady yet erratic. These changes indicate that the user needs professional help at a substance abuse treatment program.
Changes in Physical Appearance
A person who has a meth addiction will experience physical appearance changes to the point where you may not recognize them. One of the first dramatic signs of meth addiction is significant weight loss due to a lack of appetite. A person using meth may go several days without eating. Malnutrition leads to an array of physical problems that include:
- Muscle twitching
- Premature aging
- Rotting teeth
- Skin sores
- Burns on the fingers or lips
- Memory loss
Overall, the person may appear to look sick and need medical help. They can also experience health problems such as high blood pressure, seizures, kidney failure, liver failure, heart diseases, or respiratory issues. If you notice that the person’s physical features are deteriorating, you may want to stage an intervention at a local drug rehab center.
Interpersonal Problems
Addiction rarely affects the user only. It can also affect family members, friends, coworkers, and the community. A person with an addiction may alienate everyone around them because they refuse to admit there is a problem. Meth addiction can lead to numerous conflicts in the home, including physical or emotional abuse. Everyone in the family may live in fear of what the addicted person says or does next.
Other problems can arise from meth addiction. For instance, the user may get fired at work because they are no longer dependable. They may lose their health, finances, family, and home, as addiction affects every area of their life. It is only after they have lost everything that they finally decide to get professional help.
Do You Have a Meth Addiction? Get Help at Midwest Detox Center
If you are struggling with a meth addiction, help is available. Midwest Detox Center offers a treatment program that includes a variety of addiction treatment therapies. Regardless of how severe your addiction is, we can give you a fighting chance to get clean and stay clean for life. To find out more about your treatment options, call Midwest Detox Center at 833.647.0392, or contact us online. Let our dedicated team of treatment professionals help you get on the path to recovery.
