There are a lot of stereotypes regarding crystal meth, and of what the users look like. While, to an extent these are true, only regarding these preconceived ideas may impede you from noticing a loved in the midst of meth addiction. Methamphetamine is a dangerous drug, and is highly addictive. Other alias’ for meth are: crystal, speed, crank, glass, tweak, and mitch. The TV series Breaking Bad has brought some attention to this drug, but it has been around and a growing problem for decades. Meth is a home made substance. It is classed as a stimulant. When one uses crystal meth their body goes on over drive. Chemically it activates the pleasure center in the brain. Normally this part of the brain is activated by eating, sleep, sex, etc. The brain will then produce excessive amounts of adrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin. This substance is stimulating the brain in a way to where it believes it is doing something that it not only needs to survive, but enjoys.
Someone on methamphetamine will exhibit certain behaviors. These behaviors are very hyper focused and sometimes compulsive. One might typically think of a picked at face, but not all users pick at their face. They might compulsively draw, play on the computer, write, taking apart electronics or anything really in a very focused persistent manner. They might be very talkative. Typically they will being doing something with their mouth i.e. clinching the jaw, grinding teeth, and jaw twitching. It is very difficult to sit still due to the overload of energy given by methamphetamine. It elevates the heart rate, and constricts the pupils. The user will appear very restless and anxious. There will be lack of sleep and appetite. Because of that weight loss is a huge red flag as well as circles under the eyes, and a sunken in face. Paranoia and hallucinations will happen in some cases. Methamphetamine heavily effects the gums. It will deteriorate the gums and create decay along the gum line. This is why many addicts lose their teeth.
Methamphetamine is a powdered substances that can be smoked, eaten, snorted, and used intravenously. You can overdose on meth, this is typically called over amping. This creates too much of an overload to the heart. Heart damage is a risk of using methamphetamine, as well as many other factors that come as a byproduct to lack of sleep, lack of eating, and just the general putting this substance into your body. Just like with any drug, methamphetamine addiction is real, and strong due to the effects it has on ones brain. If you know someone demonstrating any of these behaviors, and you have some questions our staff at Freedom Interventions will be more than happy to help. Recovery from meth addiction is possible. A lot of meth addicts do not make it into recovery sadly, but with the help of an interventionist your loved one can be guided to the road of recovery.
