During a time when opioids seem to be getting the majority of attention, meth is another drug causing trouble and distress for Ohioans. In fact, a recent report stated that even though opioid use is falling, methamphetamine use is increasing across the state. You know your loved one has been struggling with meth. But to help them, you want a better understanding of what they’re going through.
Think back to the last time you had a great day. You were productive, confident and felt like nothing could stop you. Now imagine you could package up that feeling and use it whenever you wanted to. Would you be able to stop yourself from using it? Even when it’s 2pm at the office and the day is dragging by?
That’s just a fraction of the temptation your loved one is facing with meth addiction.
When your loved one is struggling from a meth addiction, it’s easy to feel like you’re on the outside looking in. You want to know what they’re going through, but find it hard to relate without the right information. In this post, we’ll shine some light on what meth addiction is like and the behaviors to lookout for.
A Day in the Life of Someone Struggling with Meth Addiction
Odds are, your loved one didn’t wake up and intend to develop a meth addiction. But what is meth addiction like? The daily life of someone struggling with meth addiction is filled with constant and extreme ups and downs.
When your loved one takes the drug, they feel invincible and believe they can achieve anything. Then the crash comes. It’s the worst they’ve ever felt. Every negative thought about themselves is amplified and intense cravings begin to set in.
Soon, everything becomes an effort to get to the next fix. They lie and try to cover up their behaviors. They’ve stopped eating and pick at the scabs that have developed on their face. The paranoia sets in, and they feel like everyone is out to get them.
They get their hands on their next dose. And just as quickly as they came, the negative feelings disappear and the individual struggling with meth addiction feels indestructible again. Each cycle of extremes takes both a physical and mental toll, making the individual feel like they’re chasing something that they’re never quite able to catch.
What Does Meth Addiction Look Like?
How can you get an idea of how severe your loved one’s meth addiction is? One of the most important signs to lookout for is “tweaking”. Tweaking is what happens at the end of a drug binge, where the user can no longer keep their high.
Inside your loved one’s mind, they’re trying to cling to the feeling of euphoria. But that feeling turns into a craving. It’s common for your loved one to start shaking, be unable to sleep and even experience a psychotic state.
Part of what makes these feelings so powerful is how harsh meth withdrawal can be. In fact, the fear of withdrawal is often one of the main drivers behind continued meth use. That’s why treatment centers like Silver Maple Recovery have medication-assisted detox.
Be on the lookout for your loved one to cycle between the extreme highs and lows mentioned above. If you’re noticing mood swings and extreme behaviors, it might be time to reach out and find help.
Meth Addict Behaviors to Be Aware Of
Now that you have a better idea of what meth addiction looks like, it’s time to talk about behaviors to be aware of. It’s important to note that the behaviors listed below can become more frequent and intense the longer meth is used.
Meth addict behaviors to know include:
Paranoia: Those suffering from meth addiction often experience extreme paranoia. Like the symptoms of some mental health disorders, your loved might think people are out to get them. They can even accuse you of being in on a “conspiracy” they’re convinced is real.
Anger and Violence: It’s not uncommon for meth to make people more aggressive. When confronted or faced with inconvenience, it’s possible for your loved one to lash out.
Becoming More Withdrawn: As your loved one’s meth addiction grows, expect them to become more isolated. This could mean removing themselves from close relationships and other important obligations like work or school.
The Dangers of Meth Addiction
If your loved one is struggling with meth addiction, finding them help is important. With meth, the dangers of long-term effects are real. After prolonged use, a meth addiction can cause:
- Problems being underweight
- Short-term memory issues
- Night terrors and poor sleep
- Weakened immune system
Although the risks are real, you don’t have to go through your loved one’s meth addiction alone.
Find Hope at Silver Maple Recovery
At Silver Maple Recovery, our team of addiction experts can help your loved one break the cycle of addiction. Recovery from a meth addiction is possible, and we’re here to help your loved one on their journey to sobriety.
Learn how we can help your loved one find the support they need by contacting us today. We have a team of professional caregivers standing by 24/7, ready to answer your questions. Together, we can help your loved one reclaim a fulfilling and healthy life after meth addiction.
