Recognizing a Meth Addict

Methamphetamine is a drug that does not allow much room for casual use. Users quickly become addicts. The health of addicts quickly deteriorates, as does their ability to tend to basic personal hygiene. Meth is often referred to as the “dirty drug.” The physical signs of meth abuse include:

• Eye Movement: Rapid eye movement and dilated pupils.
• Low Body Weight: Users lose weight rapidly and often appear sick.
• Dental Problems: Meth use causes serious tooth decay.
• Skin Sores: Users often pick at imaginary bugs under their skin (“meth bugs”), causing open sores, infections, and scarring of the skin.
• Body Odor: Chemicals are emitted from the skin of meth users, often producing strong and unpleasant odors.
• Facial Appearance: The faces of users often appear pale or splotchy and may be sweaty as well.

Methamphetamine users will also be paranoid, jittery, and anxiety ridden. They may communicate with senseless and irrational babble and their speech may be impaired. They are prone to moodiness and violent outbursts.

For these reasons, you should never confront a meth user. Instead, you should call appropriate law enforcement authorities or health care providers.

Please note that the presence of these symptoms and behaviors do not necessarily mean a person is a meth addict. There are other factors, such as mental illness or side effects from prescribed medication that can cause symptoms similar to those associated with meth addiction.