Any family would be devastated to find out that one of their loved ones have succumbed to crystal meth abuse. Among the addiction problems in the country, crystal meth drug abuse is currently the most rampant. Those who use the drug include teens as young as 14 and adults as old as 70. The addiction problem has destroyed families, careers, relationships and needless to say, it has killed a lot of people. If you have a teen in the house or someone who’s prone to substance dependence, you should know the first signs of crystal meth abuse. This way, you can call for help right away.

Crystal meth use symptoms

Crystal meth abuse is characterized by rapid weight loss (a certain drawn-in look, based on photos of before and after meth addicts), and extreme mood swings. People who use crystal meth do so because they were pressured by their peers to try the narcotic out, they were promised extreme weight loss properties, or they’ve heard about the highs the drug could give. Some people might think that they can use crystal meth "just once", forgetting the fact that the drug is highly addictive. If you suspect someone using crystal meth in your home, check them for the following symptoms:

• Sleeplessness. Someone who is intoxicated with meth can go without sleep for up to 48 hours.

• Crashes. Naturally, after the high, the system will crash and the meth user can sleep for up to two days.

• Mood swings, unusual hyperactivity or talkativeness, signs of behavioral abnormalities, similar to bipolarity.

• Short term memory loss, agitation, paranoia, rage, or a combination of all of these.

What you should do

Even if you just suspect the crystal meth abuse and you have had no chance to confirm your suspicions, it’s advisable for you to call a rehabilitation center as soon as you can. If the patient is violent, you may want to ask for an interventionist. Crystal meth abuse can still be treated, but it is a difficult physiological and psychological condition. The sooner you report crystal meth abuse, the higher the chances are for recovery.