Seeking Rehab for a Meth Addiction

Physical Signs of Meth Addiction

The physical signs of a crystal meth addiction are the ones most people notice. As a meth user, you aren’t the only one noticing these physical changes.

 Everyone around you is noticing these differences as well—including perfect strangers. Hollywood tends to paint a pretty realistic view of a meth addict in the final stages of addiction. This has taught even the most sheltered person a few key warning signs.

Some of the most obvious signs are seen in your hygiene. Meth abusers often have damaged hair. It’s either from hair loss or hair breaking.

 With heavy and long-term use, teeth start to rot and decay. Someone who uses meth will often pick at their skin, leaving marks. Another unique physical trait of someone with a crystal meth addiction is excessive twitching or jerky moves. Or you might be so hyperactive everyone around you is thinking, “can’t you just sit still for five minutes?”

The physical signs of meth addiction can take a while to recover from. While each person’s body changes at different rates, we all know it takes a long time for hair to grow out. And it will likely take a while to save enough money to get your teeth fixed.

 Even though it takes a while to stop meth use and get healthier in appearance, it’s worth the work. Not because other people expect you to look good, but because you feel good about yourself and the way you look. Self-confidence is just another thing meth takes from you.

Behavioral Signs of Meth Addiction

Beyond the Hollywood stereotype, we’ve all seen the way the media portrays meth addiction. They often focus on the things you can see when someone uses methamphetamine.

 They focus much less on the behavioral side of meth addiction. The truth is, showing the behavioral nuances of a crystal meth addiction is hard. You and those closest to you mostly notice the complex changes in your behavior.

Can you think of any behavioral signs you are bothered by? Meth users often experience changes in mood and behavior. This can be from underlying mental health issues being affected by meth. But it can also be from the damage meth does to your brain.

Have you been feeling more anxious since starting meth? Meth increases activity in the central nervous system, your body will begin to feel anxious. This often feels like racing heart, sweaty palms, and an endless stream of thoughts you can’t ignore.

 Maybe you are noticing yourself being more impulsive. You might be trying more dangerous activities without caring for your safety, finding excitement in playing with death. Meth keeps your body in a perpetual state of high alert and stress.

Also, you might be going for days without sleep. When you do finally sleep, it can sometimes be for days. Going without sleep for days on end is hard on your mind and body.

 While meth can keep you awake—and is keeping you awake—your body is struggling to function. Sleep is essential to your overall health. When you are missing sleep, you’re more likely to trigger cancer. You increase your chances of heart failure and stroke when you lose sleep.

 Beyond that, you’re more like to get sick with the flu or a cold. Changes in your behavior need to be taken seriously. These changes often create more difficulties in life. Which, in turn, feeds your desire to use it as a way to escape.