Methamphetamine is a powerful drug. It is a stimulant that can be taken in one of several forms, such as by oral ingestion or by snorting it up the nose. It may also be mixed with a liquid and injected or smoked in a glass pipe. If you suspect your teen is battling an addiction to meth, please reach out to Foothills at Red Oak Recovery today at 866.300.5275.

What You Need to Know About Methamphetamine

People use methamphetamine because it causes euphoric feelings. Unfortunately, after the initial rush, those who use it may feel angry, afraid, edgy, or overly excited.

Meth can lead to some serious medical problems over time, such as:

• Meth mouth, which is when there are many broken teeth and the person has persistent dry mouth
• Trouble with thinking and controlling emotions
• Severe itching
• A high body temperature

If someone you know may be using methamphetamine, it’s essential to seek medical care and treatment as soon as possible. That said, you do need to know which signs to look for if you suspect an addiction.

What Are the Signs of Meth Addiction?

There are some not-so-subtle signs that people are using meth. Methamphetamine can cause significant changes in a person’s appearance within only a short period of time. Some physical changes that you can look for include:

• Rotting teeth
• Sores and scratches on the skin
• Inflamed gums
• Swollen, red eyes
• Significant, drastic weight loss
• Thinning hair
• Hair that falls out
• Burn marks on the lips or fingers
• Track marks on the arms

Any of these signs could mean that someone you love is experimenting with or addicted to methamphetamine. If the changes in their appearance are severe, then the likelihood is that the severity of the drug abuse is extreme.

Environmental Signs May Be Present

When someone uses methamphetamine, there may be environmental signs of that drug use as well. Signs of meth use in the home may include:

• Finding glass pipes in the home
• Discovering used or new needles in the home
• Finding rolled dollar bills
• Seeing tourniquets
• Finding spoons, cans, and aluminum foil

Some of these items may be in a person’s home even if they’re not abusing drugs but finding a few of these signs may signify that your loved one has a drug problem.

Behavior Changes Could Clue You Into Their Drug Use

Behavior changes are an issue for those using meth as well. They may suddenly experience violent outbursts, become irritable, or be paranoid. They may stop responding to family members or friends, or they could stop participating in the activities they once loved.

Many people who become addicted to drugs neglect their responsibilities at work, school, and home. Relationship programs may occur as a result.

You may also notice that the person starts “tweaking” when they’re around you. This term refers to a time when they do not sleep for days on end or have significant anxiety during a more extended period. This happens because the person cannot get the high they need out of a binge, so they may become desperate to use it again.

Contact Foothills at Red Oak Recovery

At Foothills at Red Oak Recovery, we know how meth can almost instantly change a person. The drug is powerful, and it takes control much faster than many people think it will.

At Foothills at Red Oak Recovery, we work with adolescent teen males to help them move past drug addiction and regain control of their lives. We work with teen boys between the ages of 14 and 17. Contact us today at 866.300.5275 if you would like more information about our programs and how we can help your loved one.