How To Identify Meth Addiction In Others
In today’s world, drug abuse is still a big problem. Methamphetamine, (also known simply as “meth” or by several street names, like Speed, Crank, Tweek, Uppers, Chalk, Christina, or Tina), is a powerful and dangerous drug. Users who take the drug feel a false sense of happiness along with a strong rush of confidence. Users feel like they’re invincible. The effects of meth generally last from six to eight hours, but can last up to twenty-four hours.
With methamphetamine use on the rise, it’s important to be able to tell when someone is under the influence. Physical signs of methamphetamine abuse can include a skinny and frail physique, facial acne and sores, rotted teeth, and drooping facial skin.
In addition, meth addicts may display signs of increased libido, intense scratching, and even convulsions. Some effects of meth abuse are not as easy to spot, such as liver damage, dramatic increases in body temperature, and lowered immunity, making them more likely to catch a cold or an infection.
- Severe dental problems
- Weight loss
- Liver damage
- A weakened immune system which leaves them at risk of catching all sorts of infections.
Meth can be snorted, injected, or ingested. Because chronic meth users need more and more of the drug to feel high, many will move from just smoking it to injecting it. Certain specific drug paraphernalia will be found on or near meth users, including aluminum foil strips, torch lighters, short straws, hollowed-out pens, glass tubes (with or without a bulb at the end), or gutted light bulbs that are chipped or melted. Meth is usually stored in small plastic bags sealed with garbage twist ties. You may also find rolled bills or hollowed-out pens that are used for snorting meth. People who use meth will often have syringes and spoons on their person or nearby.
- Motor skills
- Making them more easily distracted, and even cause
- Memory loss
- Psychosis and violent or aggressive behavior, including things like feeling paranoid or hallucinating are also common.
Paying close attention to the physical and behavioral signs can help you quickly identify potential meth users and get them help. Because the long-term effects of the drug are so devastating, it’s important to act quickly so users can begin the road to recovery.
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