It can be very concerning when someone you care about is abusing drugs. How can you tell if a person is using meth? Is your loved one at risk for meth addiction? Even though these questions can be alarming, knowing more about meth abuse signs and the symptoms of meth addiction can be helpful and empowering. Getting help from a meth abuse rehab program can be a crucial first step in recovering from addiction to meth and could even save your loved one’s life.
What Is Meth?
Methamphetamines (aka meth) are stimulant drugs that excite the body’s central nervous system. The drug often produces a pleasurable feeling of excitement and euphoria. Although doctors prescribe some forms of the drug to treat certain conditions, it is known to carry a high risk of abuse and addiction and is, therefore, highly regulated.
What Are the Signs of Meth Addiction?
Identifying potential signs of meth addiction can be a valuable tool when someone you care about is at risk. Not every person will display each of these signs and symptoms, but here are some of the more common ones:
- Mood swings
- Intense anxiety and paranoia
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Declining grades or work performance
- Changes in appearance or hygiene
- Trouble with money
- Becoming excessively talkative
- Extreme restlessness
- Insomnia
- Having drug paraphernalia such as pipes or syringes
- Risky behavior
Depending on the individual, the degree of discomfort will vary from person to person. Yet for nearly everyone, evincing these signs will denote an addiction.
What Are the Dangers of Meth Addiction?
There are many dangerous aspects of meth abuse and addiction. Some of the ways that meth can damage the body can be severe and permanent. Meth is known to cause damage to the brain, resulting in symptoms similar to Parkinson’s Disease. It can also permanently alter the brain’s ability to make and transmit serotonin and dopamine, resulting in permanent problems with a person’s moods. Unfortunately, meth addiction can be fatal because of the damage it does to the body and because people who use meth risk developing severe psychiatric issues, including psychosis and suicidal thoughts.
What Should You Do If Someone You Care About Has a Meth Problem?
The most important thing you can do for a loved one with a meth problem is love them and support them in getting help from a meth addiction treatment program. If your loved one is not yet ready to seek help, you can still consult with a licensed substance abuse counselor or attend support groups for the family and loved ones of people experiencing addiction. Learn as much as you can about the disease of addiction and the recovery process to be a good supporter but not cross the line to enable your loved one to continue their dangerous actions.
Addiction can often cause chaos in families when one or more members struggle, so it may also be wise to consider seeking counseling for yourself or other family members. Seeking counseling doesn’t mean there is “something wrong” with you or anyone else; it simply means experiencing something difficult, and you could use some help and advice to navigate it.
Liberty Health Services Can Help With Meth Addiction
Located in Derry, New Hampshire, we are a premier meth addiction treatment program. Our family-centered approach combines luxury facilities with the most current evidence-based treatments. We are committed to helping our clients, and their families heal from addiction and achieve lasting recovery. Reach out to our caring and compassionate staff members today at 855.959.4521, and let us tell you what we can do to help get you and your family back on track.
