Methamphetamine (meth) is a highly addictive stimulant that’s responsible for millions of addiction cases across the United States. Recognizing the common signs of meth use is imperative if you know someone who’s abusing this substance and want to help them. Doing this can educate you on how dangerous drugs can be and what it takes to treat meth abuse safely.
At Recovery Ranch PA, we welcome people from all walks of life who are abusing meth and want help in breaking the addiction. If you or a loved one is struggling with meth abuse, call 717.969.9126 today to learn more about our meth addiction treatment programs.
What Is Methamphetamine?
Doctors initially used methamphetamine, a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and as a temporary weight loss medication for obese people. It’s a Schedule II substance, which means there’s an extreme risk of developing an addiction. Today, millions of people abuse meth for its euphoric high without realizing the physical and psychological harm they’re causing.
Meth signals a massive release of dopamine, which gives you that euphoric rush. It also causes rapid heart rate, high body temperature, and high blood pressure. In small doses, it can increase attention and concentration and keep you alert for a long period. In larger doses, it can cause anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, weight loss, and other dangerous symptoms.
Using meth can be very negative to your body. It can damage your lungs, liver, and kidneys. It can cause your muscles to twitch and create severe dental problems, along with problems with your heart, brain, and lungs. Long-term effects of the abuse of methamphetamine include:
- Insomnia
- Chronic anxiety
- Hallucinations
- Skin abscesses
- Damaged blood vessels
- Memory loss
- Reduced coordination
The Ranch PA supports those who abuse meth and are ready to make a healthy change in their lives. Our treatment programs include residential and outpatient treatment programs that are designed around your unique symptoms and the original reasons behind the abuse.
What Are the Signs of Meth Use?
Learning to recognize the signs of meth use in an individual can be a little tricky if you don’t know what to look for. People who abuse meth will go to great lengths to hide the abuse from loved ones, but some tell-tale signs point to a concerning problem.
Physical Signs
Meth use can be very damaging to the body and cause some significant health problems. Skin sores, rashes, and breakouts are common for someone who uses meth. Other physical signs of meth use include:
- Extreme weight loss
- Intense itching or scratching
- Weakened immune system and frequent illnesses
- Burns on the lips and fingers
- Sweating caused by high body temperatures
If the abuse is allowed to continue, it can lead to decreased motor skills, malnutrition, severe dental problems, memory loss, and other medical conditions.
Behavioral Signs
Abusing meth can alter your personality and change your behaviors. The more meth a person abuses, the quicker these signs will appear. If a person is using meth, they may have trouble with their sleep and struggle with insomnia or sleeping excessively. They’ll act more secretively and lie about who they’re with and what they’re doing. They may struggle to keep up with work assignments, homework, or personal responsibilities. Plus, they’ll begin to act more aggressively or violently and may lash out at loved ones.
Additional Symptoms
There are other signs of meth use that you should be aware of. A person using meth will pull away from friends and family and stop participating in favorite activities. Common signs of meth use will include finding drug paraphernalia around the home, such as bunt spoons, discarded needles, lighters, and glass pipes or bongs.
Get Started on Meth Addiction Treatment Today at The Ranch PA
The Ranch PA welcomes Pennsylvanian residents who are struggling with methamphetamine addiction and are ready for a positive change. If meth addiction is ruining your life, help is available. Fill out our online form or call 717.969.9126 today to schedule a consultation and tour of our discreet location.
