Signs of Meth Addiction

The signs of meth addiction can be subtle or very noticeable depending on the how the meth user is abusing the drug (smoking it, snorting it, injecting it), how long they have been abusing the drug (days, weeks, months, years) and how often they are using (daily, weekly, monthly). For the loved ones of a meth addict it can be next to impossible to be around them when they are using or recovering from using meth. Their personality, values and their view of what is important changes when they become addicted to meth.

Meth is a highly addictive drug. Some people who have used the drug find that they crave meth after using it just a few times. Addiction researchers believe this is because when a person uses meth it produces a manufactured sense of pleasure and interacts with the user’s brain. When a person uses meth their heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rates all increase.

Signs of meth addiction begin to appear when the addict becomes more interested in getting and using meth than other vital areas of their life (i.e. their family, friends, career or academics). As this develops they lose focus on what is truly important in an attempt to achieve that initial “rush” they felt the first time they used the drug. As time goes on, more and more problems arise due to their meth addiction. Addicts will often begin to use more and more meth in an attempt to escape from their problems.

Meth addiction for an extended period of time changes the way the user’s brain functions. As their brain is forced to adapt to the presence of meth it lowers the production of other important chemicals that are needed to feel “normal.” When a person is psychologically addicted to meth the drug has full control over the pleasure center in their brain making it impossible for them to feel good without taking the drug.

Signs of meth addiction become apparent when drug use rules their life, demanding attention from the addict at all times. They will begin to resent the people in their lives who disapprove of their using. Addicts will often stop attending family functions or spending time with friends who do not use drugs. It often becomes obvious to those who care about them that there is a problem. However, expressing their concern about their loved ones meth addiction will often fall on deaf ears. Addicts have a way of telling themselves that they have their drug use under control and that they can stop when/if they really wanted to.

Here are some questions to consider if you are concerned about your own personal struggles with meth or that of someone you care about. Please answer the following items as truthfully as possible. In doing so will help you better understand your (or a loved one’s) meth addition situation.

One of the common signs of meth addiction is using by yourself. Do you ever use meth alone?

Have you ever substituted another drug for meth because you thought you had/have a problem with meth?

Signs of meth addiction include stealing. Have you ever stolen anything to obtain money to buy meth?

Do you use meth on a regular basis (i.e. daily/weekly)?

Have you had to take a different drug just to overcome the side effects of your meth use (i.e. prescription drugs to help “come down” or take the edge off)?

Do you find yourself avoiding people and places that do not approve of your meth/drug use?

Signs of meth addiction typically include problems with work or school. Have your grades dropped? Are you having trouble at work?

Addiction to drugs often brings problems with the law. Have you been arrested as a result of using drugs?

Do you lie to yourself or others about how much meth or other drugs you use?

We know that meth addicts will put their drug use before all other areas of their life. Have you purchased meth before being able to meet your other necessary financial responsibilities (i.e. rent/mortgage, utilities, credit card bills, car payment)?

Have you tried to stop using meth just to find that you are unable to quit?

Do you continue to use meth despite the many negative physical/emotional consequences you experience?

As you can see, the signs of meth addiction include physical, emotional and psychological changes in the user. If you or your loved one is struggling with meth addiction know that help is available. We provide quality drug rehabilitation treatment and our addiction recovery results are unparalleled.

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