There are certain
‘red flags’ associated with Meth use that will be noticeable from the very
first time someone tries the drug. Not every user will display every one
of these symptoms; other illicit drugs may also cause similar signs.
Information adapted from National Institute on Drug Abuse
Signs/Symptoms of Early Meth Use
Euphoric
"high" state (excessively happy)
Paranoia
Decreased appetite
Increased physical activity
Anxiety, shaking hands, nervousness |
Incessant
talking
Rapid eye movement
Increased body temperature (can rise as high as 108 degrees and cause
death)
Dilated pupils
Sweating not related to physical activity |
Signs/Symptoms of Continued Meth Use
the above symptoms, plus:
Weight loss
Strong body odor
Shadows under the eyes
Dry or itchy skin
Pale complexion
Acne/Acne-type sores
Irritable and moody (mood swings)
|
Picking at
skin or hair
Aggressive or violent behavior
Depression (withdrawal/tolerance effect)
Severe nail biting
Nose bleeds, nasal perforations
Dermatitis around the mouth
Lack of personal hygiene |
Signs/Symptoms of Advanced Meth Use
the above symptoms, plus:
Extreme weight
loss
Hair loss
Discolored, rotten or missing teeth
Corneal ulcerations
|
Severe mental
illness symptoms, similar to schizophrenia (including anger, panic,
paranoia, auditory and visual hallucinations, repetitive behavior
patterns) |
Meth Overdose
-A
toxic reaction (or overdose) can occur at relatively low levels, 50
milligrams of pure Meth for a non-tolerant user. Metabolic rates vary
from person to person, and the strength of the Meth varies from batch to
batch, so there is no way of stating a "safe" level of use.
Because stimulants
affect the body's cardiovascular and temperature-regulating systems,
physical exertion increases the hazards of Meth use.
Signs/Symptoms of Meth Overdose
High fever
Chest pain
Rapid breathing
Sudden, dangerous increase in blood pressure
Profuse sweating
Chances of heart attack, stroke, or coma |
Convulsions
Tremors
Confusion
Dangerous rise in body temperature
Seeing spots (due to pressure on the nerves of eye)
Cardiovascular collapse |
|
Chemical Process Meth History Forms of Meth Meth Ingredients Meth Paraphernalia Effects of Use Signs & Symptoms Tweakers User Progression Treatment Community Costs Fast Facts Lab Overview
|