Meth Symptoms: Signs of Meth Addiction

Any of the meth signs are signs of meth addiction as most people believe there is no such thing as a recreational meth user - methamphetamine is just too addictive. There are many meth symptoms and meth signs noticeable in meth addiction, as meth addiction effects the users both psychologically and physically. While those around the user may not want to see the signs of meth addiction, it's important to address these crystal meth signs as soon as possible so the addict can get the help they need and have the best chance at recovery. (read: meth rehab)

Meth Symptoms: Psychological Methamphetamine Symptoms During Meth Use

Methamphetamine symptoms during meth use are generally considered to be pleasurable and are known as a high; however, not all meth symptoms are positive. Many crystal meth symptoms can put a person in a hospital or even cause death.

Meth symptoms vary with the amount of meth used, method of ingestion and the other factors. General, psychological methamphetamine symptoms during meth use include:¹

• Euphoria
• Anxiety, irritability, aggression, paranoia
• Increased libido
• Energy, alertness
• Increased concentration
• Self-esteem, self-confidence, grandiosity
• Sociability
• Hallucinations, psychosis

Meth Symptoms: Physical Methamphetamine Symptoms During Meth Use

Methamphetamine symptoms are also common physically, and again, vary by individual. Physical methamphetamine symptoms include:

• Restlessness, hyperactivity
• Twitching, tremors, numbness, repetitive and obsessive behaviors
• Anorexia
• Dilated pupils, flushing
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Heart arrhythmias
• Blood pressure changes
• Increased body temperature, sweating
• Diarrhea, constipation
• Blurred vision, dizziness
• Insomnia
• Dry and/or itchy skin, acne
• Convulsions, heart attack, stroke, death

Meth Symptoms: Methamphetamine Symptoms During Withdrawal

Methamphetamine symptoms during withdrawal are rarely life-threatening in and of themselves, but crystal meth symptoms during withdrawal can cause states where a person may be a threat to themselves or others. These methamphetamine symptoms may require short-term hospitalization.

Methamphetamine symptoms during withdrawal include:

• Fatigue
• Depression
• Increased appetite
• Anxiety, agitation, restlessness
• Excessive sleeping
• Vivid or lucid dreams
• Suicidal ideation

Meth Symptoms: Signs of Meth Addiction

While the meth addict themselves is going through many meth addiction symptoms while using and withdrawing from the drug, only some of these meth addiction symptoms can be seen by others. The most obvious meth addiction symptoms are the signs of most addictions: loss of money and secretive behavior. The longer a person uses meth, however, the more obvious signs of meth addiction become.

Signs of meth addiction include:²

• Irritability, nervousness, paranoia, fear, violent behavior
• Wide mood swings, depression, suicidal ideation
• Significant weight loss
• Irregular sleep pattern
• Clogged, runny nose
• Sunken, baggy eyes
• Paleness
• Dental problems including tooth loss
• Neglect of work, studies
• Withdrawal from family
• Change in friends
• Impairment in thinking and memory; inattention
• Psychosis (may be treatment-resistant)

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