Methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth, is a dangerous substance that has a reputation as a party drug. As a potent stimulant, this drug can cause an intense high that is associated with reckless behavior. Along with mental and behavioral effects, crystal meth can also cause serious health issues, especially when the drug is taken for a long period of time.
It can sometimes be hard to identify when a loved one is experiencing an issue with a substance. With crystal meth, there are a number of obvious signs that indicate a person is abusing the drug. Many people who use this drug will find themselves staying awake for days or sometimes weeks at a time. They might also experience a significant loss of appetite, to the point that rapid weight loss occurs. Movement is affected, as a person might be overtaken by jerks or facial ticks.
A person high on crystal meth might come across as angry or irritated. Paranoia will continue to increase until the person falls victim to hallucinations. These hallucinations can then lead to psychotic outbursts or other dangerous behavior, especially when the person feels threatened. Outbursts can also cause trouble from a legal perspective, particularly when a person must resort to stealing to support their habits. This drug even takes a huge toll on the user’s appearance. The skin often looks dull, and many users suffer from facial sores or acne. Teeth will also become stained or may break due to lack of care when it comes to dental hygiene.
When a person is addicted to crystal meth, the best choice is to seek treatment from a rehab center. While users experience euphoria when first using this drug, increasing tolerance means more of it is needed to maintain these feelings. Professional drug treatment allows a person to detox in a safe, medically-controlled environment.