subject: The Symptoms of Crystal Meth Addiction [print this page] The Symptoms of Crystal Meth Addiction The Symptoms of Crystal Meth Addiction
Crystal meth addiction isn't very difficult to spot if you're not the one who's suffering from it. Those who are suffering from meth addiction are mostly in denial about their circumstances, or are too addicted to realize that they need help. The signs of crystal meth addiction you might want to watch out for include sleeplessness (followed by days of crashing), rapid but temporary weight loss especially in the first 6 months, unexplained mood swings, decaying teeth, panic attacks, hyperactivity or talkativeness, promiscuity (meth can increase the libido), and momentary psychoses.
The symptoms would vary depending on the severity of the addiction. It's very hard to spot crystal meth addiction in teens, for example, because moodiness and weight loss seem to me common to them. If you have the slightest suspicion that someone is suffering from crystal meth addiction, you should call for help right away because the earlier this is treated, the higher the chances are of recovery. Aside from that, crystal meth addiction can be very little. The street drug's composition isn't standard, so while the addicted individual might just suffer from mild hallucinations and "highs" on his/her first take, the next one could be lethal.
You have to remember that like other substance addictions, crystal meth addiction damages the brain bit by bit. Unless it's treated on time, the damage might not be reparable any longer. If you find it hard to turn bring your loved one to a rehabilitation center, get an interventionist who can. Most centers for crystal meth addiction have expert interventionists who can step in to transfer the addict from his/her home to the facility.
Once the patient is taken out of his/her old environment, the treatment for crystal meth addiction can begin. You need to understand, though, as a family member, that this is a long and laborious path. For the crystal meth addiction treatment to be successful, you have to arm yourself too because you'll be the recovering addict's moral support once he gets out of rehab. Getting an addict inside a rehab center doesn't take the load off of your shoulders completely. The real challenge begins once the patient is out again.
