Addicted to Meth: 3 Signs You May Have a Problem

According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 1.9 million Americans aged 12 or older used methamphetamines in 2018. The prevalence is highest among adults aged 26 or older.

Methamphetamine is a drug that has potent stimulant effects. It comes in pill form or as a white-colored powder. It can be snorted or injected. There is also crystal meth, which looks like rocks. This form of meth is smoked. The effects of meth are fast and furious, even in very small quantities. Use can create an intense euphoric feeling, followed by a crash.

Here are some of the major signs that you may have a problem:

Mental obsession

One of the tell-tale signs of addiction is the inability to focus on anything except obtaining and using the substance. If someone is addicted to methamphetamine, their thoughts are often consumed by the drug. Signs may include:

• Wanting to use the substance on a regular basis
• An overpowering urge to use, which makes it difficult to concentrate
• Keeping a constant supply of the substance
• Using meth, even while knowing the risks
• Failed attempts to quit
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms after stopping

Physical deterioration

One of the most jarring signs of meth use is a dramatic change in a user's physical appearance. Meth causes blood vessels to constrict and cuts off flow to all parts of the body, which inhibits the body's ability to repair itself. While meth is tricking the mind that the user is more confident and attractive, the drug is in fact working in reverse to destroy the body, inside and out. Meth's chemical potency is so high that it is easy to develop physical symptoms of an addiction. Some of these include:

• A thinning, frail body
• Facial acne or sores
• Rotted teeth
• Drooping skin
• Convulsions
• Liver damage
• Stroke
• Lowered immunity
• Increase in body temperature
• Increased libido
• Intense scratching
• Death

Behavioral changes

Because one of the side effects of meth use is a dramatic boost in confidence, it can lead to lapse in judgment or a change in behavior. This may include:

• Spending money on the substance, regardless of financial situation
• Developing risky behaviors to obtain the substance, like stealing or violence
• The heightened libido side effect can lead to risky sexual behavior
• Much of your time is spent obtaining the substance, using it, and recovering

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