Signs of Meth Use

woman shows what are the signs of meth use

The signs of meth use aren’t always obvious to the people around the user. While some people are transparent with their use and exhibit visible signs, others are better hiding their meth use. Even the people closest to them may not know their loved one has a problem. If you or someone you love is struggling with meth addiction, Liberty Bay Recovery in Portland, ME, can help through their meth addiction treatment program.

Understanding how someone can hide their addiction and what the signs of meth use are can help save someone’s life. Continue reading to learn about the most obvious signs of meth use and what to do if you suspect someone you love is using.

What Are the Signs of Meth Use?

Contrary to popular belief, everyone who uses meth isn’t strung out on the side of the road. Many people addicted to meth have full-time jobs and families. Unfortunately, as with any addiction, the longer someone uses, the more obvious it becomes.

Some types of methamphetamines do have a medicinal purpose, such as treating narcolepsy and attention deficit disorder (ADD). Crystal meth, on the other hand, is an illegal drug that is manufactured in underground labs. A licensed physician will never prescribe crystal meth.

Meth that’s bought on the street is made of d-methamphetamine HCI. Crystal meth can be smoked, crushed, taken orally, injected, and snorted.

How Does Meth Make You Feel?

The only way to describe how meth makes someone feel is a rush of pleasure-enhancing endorphins. When someone uses meth, the feel-good chemical dopamine overtakes the part of the brain that regulates pleasure. People who use may also feel full of energy, power, and confidence. That’s why meth is so addictive.

Physical Signs

So, what are the signs of meth use? If you suspect someone is using meth, there are a variety of signs to look for, both physical and psychological. Some of the most common physical signs include:

  • Tooth decay
  • Skin rashes and constant itching
  • Weight loss, particularly in the face
  • Breaks in the skin and sores

Psychological Signs

In addition to the physical signs, someone using meth will eventually start to show the ill-effects psychologically as well. Psychological red-flags include confusion, paranoia, and fluctuating moods.

Sadly, many people don’t realize that someone they know is using meth until they reach the addiction phase. And with meth’s high addiction rate, it’s easy to go from making a mistake to become a regular user.

Someone struggling with meth addiction usually can’t get through the day without using. In addition to the physical and psychological repercussions, the negative impact it has on their relationships, as well as career, is extreme.

The vicious cycle of needing to use and feeling shame prevents users from seeking meth addiction treatment in Portland, Maine.

How to Stop Using Meth

Inpatient treatment is the best way to stop using. Working together, medical professionals and psychologists help patients understand why they started to use and then teach coping strategies to avoid relapse. Since long-term use of meth changes the way your mind and body function, it’s important to detox in a controlled environment.

The detox experience is different for every patient. At Liberty Bay Recovery Center, your safety is our top priority. 24-hour medical supervision is offered to keep patients comfortable during the detox period.

We also offer both group and individual therapy sessions to help patients deal with their feelings of guilt that often go with drug addiction. We take a holistic, gentler approach and create a treatment plan specifically for the patient.

At the Liberty Bay Recovery Center, we want to help you get back to living. If you or someone you love is using meth and are ready to stop, we’re here to help. Contact us at (855) 607-8758. Help is just a phone call away.

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