A Loved One in Crisis: How to Help a Meth Addict

Despite interacting with her on a near-daily basis, I had no idea an acquaintance from work was using methamphetamine.

This mother of two bright young girls was, unfortunately, going through a painful divorce. She sought solace in an unhealthy relationship with a man who would eventually be arrested for distributing meth.

In the span of fewer than six months, she went from being a mother who proudly displayed her daughters’ artwork on her desk to sleeping through her own custody hearing.

Her story is not one of personal failing. It’s about the rapidly escalating danger of meth addiction and how it can unravel someone’s life. If you’re worried that a loved one might be using meth, look closely for these warning signs.

Signs of a Meth Addict: The Hook Brings You Back

Every case of addiction is unique. Depending on the user, meth might give you an intense feeling of happiness and excitement, or it could dull your emotions and senses, granting you a temporary respite from painful feelings. Either way, meth is making changes to your brain’s chemical and physical makeup to bring about these changes.

The more you use it, the more it takes each time to get back to that same place. To make matters worse, crashing from the drug can leave the user feeling much more intense lows.

These patterns turn occasional indulgences into regular affairs, and rapidly, the high becomes all that matters.

Is My Loved One Using?

Have you found syringes? Burn marks on spoons or crumpled aluminum foil are common signs someone injects or smokes the drug, respectively.

In addition to changes within the brain, meth initiates changes in body chemistry, leading to the development of sores. Addicts tend to pick at these repeatedly, which can lead to infection and additional health risks.

“Meth mouth” is a real phenomenon where an addict’s teeth basically erode. A combination of factors is to blame, including:

• Teeth grinding
• Poor diet
• Dehydration and exhausted salivary glands
• Breakdown of dental hygiene

Spotting the Warning Signs of a Meth Addict

When someone is addicted to meth, they may go for long periods without sleeping or eating. Rapid weight loss and mood swings are common. Personal hygiene often falls by the wayside. They may also exhibit:

• Anxiety
• Lack of coordination
• Violent behavior
• Psychosis
• Seizures

Help for Meth Addiction in Palmdale

Long-term meth use can cause severe damage to brain function. While some effects can be reversed, it may not be possible to heal fully. That’s why it’s vital to treat addiction as soon as it’s recognized.

At Cycles of Change, we understand how difficult it can be to watch a loved one struggle with addiction. We are fully invested in helping you and your family heal from this disease.

You read that each addiction case is unique. That’s why we believe in developing a personalized plan for each client based on their individual needs. Contact us today for help breaking the destructive cycle of meth addiction.