Crystal meth is a highly addictive drug based on methamphetamine. This drug is also known by other names such as crystal, meth, speed, and ice. It can be swallowed, smoked, snorted, or injected. No matter how it is taken, this drug is both deadly and devastating.
When your loved one starts using crystal meth, she can become a completely different person within weeks.
First, she starts to lose weight. Severe dental problems commonly known as “meth mouth” start to appear. She may have anxiety issues or sleeping problems. She may become violent, paranoid, and possibly experience hallucinations.1 Methamphetamine alters the structures in the brain used in decision-making.2 Research has shown that individuals who use meth keep taking the drug despite the negative health consequences and social effects.
If you think that your friend or loved one is living with crystal meth addiction, identifying the symptoms can help you gain the courage to get them the help that they need. Call Michael’s House now for more information.
How To Tell When Someone Is High On Crystal
The short-term effects of crystal meth are extremely obvious. They may not denote addiction, but if a loved one experiences these symptoms frequently, she is likely struggling with an active crystal meth addiction. Short-term effects and symptoms of crystal meth use include:
- Fluctuating between euphoria and irritability
- Increased activity and decreased appetite
- Confusion
- Insomnia
- High blood pressure or heart rate
- Jaw clenching and teeth grinding
- Shakiness
- Extreme focus on details or detailed tasks
Long-Term Effects of Crystal Meth Use
While the short-term effects of crystal meth are indicative of recent drug use, the long-term effects of crystal meth often point to crystal meth addiction. If you notice the following issues in your loved one,she is likely struggling with crystal meth addiction:
- Psychotic or irrational, paranoid behavior
- Respiratory problems
- Irregular heartbeat or heart murmur
- Extreme weight loss or anorexia
Risks of Ignoring the Symptoms
Crystal meth is a drug that feels harmless to the user at first. Unfortunately, crystal meth is far more dangerous than most people realize. In fact, crystal meth use can be devastating. No matter how it is in ingested, the drug can change a person’s entire life in a matter of weeks.
Please do not ignore the symptoms of crystal meth addiction. If you struggle with meth use yourself, you can get clean. Continued meth use increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and even death.
Here at Michael’s House, we offer a comprehensive crystal meth addiction treatment that includes detox. We use a holistic treatment approach that addresses not only the drug problem, but also the underlying issues that led to the drug problem. If you would like to learn more about the nature of crystal meth addiction or crystal meth addiction treatment, please contact Michael’s House today at 760.548.4032.
Sources
1 "What is Methamphetamine?" National Institute of Health, 9 October 9 2017. Accessed 15 October 2017.
2 "Methamphetamine Alters Brain Structures, Impairs Mental Flexibility” National Institute of Health, 9 October 2017. Accessed 15 October 2017.
