The Warning Signs of Crystal Meth Addiction

Crystal meth, also called Blade, Crank, Hot Ice, Tina, and Trash, belongs to a large class of Schedule II drugs called methamphetamines. While some methamphetamines have therapeutic value and are prescribed for a variety of reasons such as weight loss, narcolepsy, and ADHD, crystal meth is produced in illegal meth labs and is an illicit drug.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), meth is a highly addictive drug and more than 2 million people over the age of 12 in the United States use it each year.

Crystal meth comes in a crystalline form that can be crushed and consumed through a variety of methods, including smoking, eating, snorting, or injecting. Crystal meth use has many, many negative side effects, and it is a highly addictive substance. If you are worried that you or a loved one may have a meth abuse or addiction problem, here are some of the most common warning signs, broken down into two categories: Psychological Signs of Crystal Meth Addiction and Physical Signs of Crystal Meth Addiction.

Psychological Signs of Crystal Meth Addiction

Using meth can lead to feelings of euphoria because it increases dopamine in the brain. However, most of the effects of meth use are much less appealing.

Here are some of the effects of crystal methamphetamine addiction and use:

• High energy and hyperactivity

• Memory loss

• An inability to learn new skills

• Slowed motor skills

• A reduction in gross motor skills

• Psychosis

• Tweaking

• Aggression

• Paranoia

• Impaired visual memory

• Irritability

• Insomnia

• Mood swings

• Intense cravings

• Drug-seeking behavior

• and more

Physical Signs of Crystal Meth Addiction

Of course, physical signs accompany any substance use disorder, and the same is true for methamphetamine use disorder. The physical effects of methamphetamine abuse include:

• Extreme weight loss

• Elevated body temperature

• High blood pressure

• Rapid heart rate

• Dilated pupils

• Facial sores

• Convulsions or seizures

• Liver damage

• Elevated libido

• Scratching

• Tooth decay (i.e. meth mouth)

• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using

• Violent behavior

• Heart attack

• ​Stroke

• Death

• And more

Treatment for Crystal Meth Addiction

Crystal meth addiction has long-term effects that can be hard to fully recover from. For that reason, it's important for individual meth users to stop using as soon as possible. Depending on how long a person has had active methamphetamine use disorder and the medical and psychological problems that have resulted from that use, addiction treatment can be challenging. It's essential that meth users find addiction treatment that also incorporates top-quality medical care and expert assistance during meth withdrawal.

Caron Treatment Centers has treatment programs staffed by board-certified medical doctors and credentialed addiction specialists, ensuring a range of experience and expertise that can assist in the variety of health care needs, mental health needs, and treatment needs that someone recovering from crystal meth addiction requires. We are Real About Recovery. Contact us today.