Meth is not a new drug. Invented more than a hundred years ago, it has enjoyed an interesting history. But few drugs have caused as much misery, world-wide, as has methamphetamine. Since the late 1960s, Crystal Meth has been available due to discovered techniques to manufacture methamphetamine in illegal, clandestine labs.
Knowing how to spot signs and symptoms of meth abuse and addiction and taking action to intervene as soon as these symptoms show up can save the life of a person and the sanity of that person's loved ones.
When someone begins to abuse methamphetamine the first signs will probably be mood changes. Laughing at nothing, extreme talkativeness, sudden absence of some trait such as moodiness or shyness.
Then, the direct opposite at other times, increased introversion and shyness, with morose or sullen and even depressed behavior.
After a while, with repeated use, changes in sleeping habits and in eating habits will appear. The person may begin to look drawn from poor rest and nutritional habits.
Nervous and Fidgety behavior will come next. These will increase as the drug addiction progresses until full-blown paranoia emerges in the addict.
Somewhere around this point, the addict may begin to hallucinate or have delusions. These can be pretty bizarre, such as people living under the house or neighbors spying with high tech cameras mounted on a cat or something equally far-fetched. These delusions will seem totally plausible to the addict. Mood swings from euphoria through fear and high aggression might occur with rapidity.
Obvious physical signs of meth abuse include:
· Needle marks on arms and legs or anyplace a vein can be found
· Redness around nostrils and mouth from sniffing caustic meth powder
· Open sores from scratching on face, arms and throat
· Sunken eyes from long term insomnia and increased physical activity
Tremors and convulsionscan result with long term use or with short term use in heavy doses. The user can collapse and death can result from seizures and overdose.
If your loved one is exhibiting these signs and symptoms of meth abuse or addiction, they need help. Although the addict may not believe there is any danger, the worst thing to do is nothing. Death or permanent injury can occur at any time with crystal meth addiction.
Visit methamphetamine addiction help for info and advice. Visit today and call for help.