How to Tell if Someone Is on Meth?

Suspecting that someone you care about might be using meth can be a difficult situation to navigate. You may have noticed changes in their behavior, mood, or performance in work or school, which leaves you wondering if they may be under the influence of something. Methamphetamine, also referred to as meth, is a highly addictive and dangerous drug with devastating effects on a person’s health and life. Learning how to tell if someone is on meth can empower you to talk to approach your loved one about seeking life-saving treatment. Early addiction intervention is often vital for successful recovery and preventing long-term consequences of meth abuse.  Fortunately, meth addiction treatment in California is available and can help even the most severe cases.

Typically, meth addiction does not usually develop after one use. However, the drug’s intense euphoric effects can create a strong desire for repeated use, which can lead to addiction. It can be difficult to tell if someone is using meth during the early stages of addiction, but signs and symptoms will become more apparent with continued use. In the upcoming sections, we will provide you with essential information needed to identify if someone is using meth and how to get the help they need.

What Are the Signs to Tell if Someone is on Meth? 

Methamphetamine is an illegal street drug made by combining ephedrine or pseudoephedrine with hazardous chemicals, including drain cleaners, battery acid, and paint thinners. It can be injected, snorted, smoked, or ingested orally, each method leading to distinct signs of use.

Meth triggers large amounts of dopamine to be released in the brain’s reward system. As a stimulant, the person may feel a surge of energy, increased talkativeness and restlessness. 

While it may be challenging to tell if someone is on meth after a single instance, prolonged use can cause obvious changes to their behavior, physical appearance, and mental health. Some behavioral and emotional signs to watch for include:

• Unpredictable mood swings: One of the earliest signs of meth use you may notice in someone is unusual mood swings. They may go from extremely happy to angry to anxious rapidly and without cause. Depending on the severity of use, they may even exhibit violent behavior that could threaten the safety of others around them.
• Staying awake for days at a time: Meth is a potent stimulant with the ability to keep users up for multiple days at a time. However, once the effects of the drugs wear off or the person no longer has access to the drugs, they will experience a crash. During this phase, users may sleep for days on end and may experience withdrawal symptoms. Often, individuals coming off meth may need medical detox to go through the withdrawal process safely.
• Irrational behaviors: Another sign of methamphetamine abuse is unusual or irrational behaviors such as excessive talkativeness, aggressive or violent behavior, anxiety, confusion, and psychosis.
• Possession of meth paraphernalia: People will often require specific tools to use meth. Common paraphernalia to look out for include syringes, spoons, butane lighters, tinfoil, small glass or metal pipes, drinking straws, and shoelaces or elastic lanyards used to plump up veins before injecting.
• Social isolation: As meth abuse increases, the person may become withdrawn from friends and family. They will spend more time acquiring, using, and recovering from meth use which leaves little time for the things they once enjoyed. This social withdrawal may also stem from a desire to conceal their meth use from others. 

What Are the Physical Signs of Meth Use?

Meth use and addiction can lead to several physical effects, which can be more noticeable than behavioral or emotional changes. This drug is notorious for causing drastic changes in a person’s appearance, especially with heavy use. One of the most common and well-known physical signs of meth use is dental health deterioration, often referred to as “meth mouth.” However, visible signs may not be so apparent in individuals who use meth infrequently or when they first start using it.

Some physical signs of meth use include:

1. Sores on face and arms from skin picking.
2. Dilated pupils even in well-lit environments.
3. Weight loss as meth is an appetite suppressant.
4. Dental problems, such as severe tooth decay or oral sores.
5. Rapid or erratic movements, including rapid eye movements, twitching, or repetitive movements.
6. Burn marks on fingers and lips.
7. Track marks on arms that look like small, dark marks or bruise-like spots.

What Are the Signs That Someone Is Using Crystal Meth?

Crystal meth is another term used for methamphetamines. Other street names include crank, ice, speed, or crystal, which you may want to look out for if you overhear your loved one using one of these terms. Crystal meth addiction can have damaging effects on a person physically and psychologically. Some of these effects can be partially reversible, especially with early intervention through treatment for meth addiction. Recognizing the signs of crystal meth use in someone can help you start the conversation about the dangers of meth abuse and get them on the road toward recovery.

Some of the most common signs of crystal meth use include:

1. Dilated pupils.
2. Skin sores.
3. Facial twitching.
4. Increased sweating.
5. Agitation and irritability.
6. Confusion.
7. Paranoia.
8. Hallucinations.
9. Repetitive behaviors.
10. Increased talkativeness.
11. Neglect of responsibilities.
12. Social withdrawal.

How Do You Help Someone Quit Meth?

If you suspect that a loved one is using meth or if you have noticed some of the warning signs, it is crucial to take action. However, confronting someone about their drug use can be difficult and stressful. Here are some steps you can consider when helping someone quit meth:

1. Educate yourself about the effects of meth abuse, the nature of addiction, and treatment options for meth addiction near you.
2. Choose a suitable time and place to talk to the person privately so you won’t be interrupted.
3. Approach the person from a place of concern and empathy, avoiding blame or shaming them.
4. Listen actively and allow the person to talk about their feelings and experiences.
5. Let them know you are there to support them and encourage them to seek professional help, such as addiction treatment or counseling.

If they resist help, consider reaching out to a professional interventionist or addiction specialist who can guide you through the intervention process and provide valuable resources for treatment. 

How Living Longer Recovery Can Help Your Loved One Overcome Meth Addiction

Knowing how to tell if someone is on meth is the first step in getting your loved one the help they need. Given the highly addictive nature of meth, most often, people need professional addiction treatment to stop using. Living Longer Recovery in Desert Hot Springs, California, is an addiction treatment and detox center that can provide the necessary therapies, support, and compassion needed to overcome meth addiction. We provide a comprehensive range of care options, including medical detox, inpatient rehab, and outpatient programs to meet the unique recovery needs of each individual. Our dedicated, compassionate team of addiction specialists will support your loved one throughout their recovery journey. Tailored treatment programs will provide clients with vital tools to heal from addiction and achieve lasting sobriety.

If you or a loved one are ready to get started with meth detox and addiction treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today at 866-714-3294. Our intake specialists are ready to answer your questions and assist you with the admissions process.