Methamphetamine (meth) is a highly addictive stimulant drug that can have severe consequences for an individual’s physical and mental health. More than a million Americans require meth addiction treatment in the typical year, but some of those in need of help hold legitimate prescriptions for methamphetamine medication. However, a far more significant number have problems resulting from illegal drug use. Regardless of where they get their meth, you may have a friend with a severe problem. Such a problem isn’t always evident—but in most cases, knowledge of potential warning signs can alert you to something wrong. Contact Northpoint Recovery online or call 888.296.8976 to learn more about how to spot symptoms of meth abuse in a friend and how we can help.
From Meth Use to Abuse and Addiction
Meth use is not synonymous with meth abuse and addiction. In the U.S., close to a million people use a prescription meth product without experiencing adverse effects—still, roughly two out of every three people who use methamphetamine run into severe trouble.
What does this mean if you have a friend who uses meth? It means that they’re quite possibly affected by stimulant use disorder, a condition that can include:
- Outright addiction to meth or any other stimulant
- Life-impairing abuse of meth or another stimulant
- Issues with combined addiction and abuse
Stimulant use disorder’s effects can be both subtle and quite clear. The subtler effects of the condition are sometimes known symptoms. They typically have a more internal, hidden impact on affected people. The more glaring effects are sometimes known as signs. They tend to be more readily detectable from your second-hand perspective.
Signs of Meth Use in a Friend
Recurring meth intake can alter anyone’s mental outlook. This fact helps explain common symptoms of meth use in a friend, such as:
- A confused mental state
- Feelings of paranoia
- Frequent mood changes
- An inability to get pleasure out of doing things other than using meth
- Memory loss
- Bouts of depression or anger
If you know your friend well, you may spot these symptoms. However, they may go undetected unless they lead to significant behavioral changes.
Potential Physical Issues of Meth Abuse
The signs of meth abuse in a friend often take a physical form. For example, you may notice loose or damaged teeth. Skin sores are also a frequent issue. You may notice scarring on the affected tissue if these sores get infected. Significant weight loss can also serve as a meth abuse indicator.
The less obvious physical symptoms of meth use in a friend may include recurring headaches. They may also have an abnormal heart rhythm or impaired kidney or liver function. Unfortunately, such issues can lead to organ failure, heart attack, and other severe outcomes.
Signs of Meth Addiction
The list of signs of meth abuse and addiction includes:
- Aggressive or violent outbursts
- Paranoid or distrustful statements
- Repeated involvement in reckless behavior
- Withdrawal from communication with you, other friends, or family members
Your friend may also alternate between periods of hyperactivity and fatigue. In addition, they may hallucinate. Sound- and touch-based hallucinations are especially common. Severe depression is another potential concern. At its worst, this depression may contribute to suicidal thinking or actual suicide attempts.
Reach Out to Northpoint Recovery to Find Meth Addiction Treatment in Idaho
Are you concerned about the signs or symptoms of meth use in a friend? Get more information today at Northpoint Recovery. We’ll happily provide you with our professional perspective on what you’ve observed.
Are you looking to help your friend enroll in a meth treatment program? Northpoint is your source for inpatient meth detox and meth rehab. We also provide equivalent services for other forms of stimulant use disorder. Call us today at 888.296.8976 or fill out our online message form to learn more.