Metheads
Meth is an illegal stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system, and addicts describe feeling like something is crawling on and under their skin, but in reality, there’s nothing there.
Here’s how to know when someone has a methamphetamine addiction or is a “methead”. Crystal meth is the common name for crystal methamphetamine, an illegal street drug often called ice, crystal, meth, or speed.
I’m speaking from my experience both as an addictions counselor and a family and couples therapist, as well as being an addict in recovery myself (for nearly ten years come April 2021).
Most of us suffer from some kind of addiction, which could be social media, drinking a bit too much, or even overeating. When does an addiction become a problem? An addiction to meth becomes a problem when it starts to harm personal life, work, and family.
Crystal meth is a strong and highly addictive drug that affects the central nervous system. There is no legal use for it. The main ingredient is ephedrine, also pseudoephedrine.
SIGNS of someone with a meth addiction
Some of the obvious signs of methamphetamine addiction could be;
- Hyperactivity
- Agitation
- Twitching, facial tics, jerky movements
- Skin sores
- Paranoia
- Burns, particularly on the lips or fingers
- Dilated pupils
- Noticeable and sudden weight loss
- Rotting teeth
- Rapid eye movement
- Reduced appetite
- Erratic sleep patterns
- Sleeplessness
- Outbursts and mood swings
CRASHING HARD
Another sign that someone is using meth is the “crash phase”. During this period, the body is deprived of the dopamine that meth was previously supplying and causes extreme exhaustion. A crash can last anywhere from 1 to 3 days and is characterized by long periods of sleep, intense drug cravings, and depression.
What is "Tweaking"
“Tweaking” is another symptom of metheads. It’s extreme anxiety and insomnia, jerky body movements, trouble balancing and speaking coherently in severe cases, that can last for 3 to 15 days.
Tweaking occurs at the end of a drug binge when a methead or methamphetamine addict can’t achieve a high any longer because they have become tolerant to the drug. Tweaking can cause psychological side effects, such as paranoia, irritability, and confusion due to the desperation to use again. Tweaking from meth can also cause people to experience hallucinations and become prone to violent behavior.
How to get help for Methamphetamine addiction
REACH OUT FOR HELP BEFORE IT GETS WORSE.
If you’re reading this article, you’re on the right path. Many people addicted to methamphetamine are in denial. The disease of addiction tells the person that they do not have a problem. This is true in every case.
Ask somebody who is qualified in addiction treatment, like an addiction counselor or family addiction therapist about what to do next.
If you’re looking for help for a friend or family member, well done! There is no easy way to approach an addict in denial. A qualified experienced addiction counselor will help you do this.
There is never the “right time” and to wait until the next drug binge might be too late. Book a face to face session with one of our addiction treatment specialists today.
No regrets!
Colleen
