Meth is one of the most addictive drugs that is readily available to users. It is even more dangerous because it is easy to acquire or synthesize in a home-based lab. Over one million people suffer from a meth use disorder and are in danger of the adverse effects of this addiction. Helping a loved one with meth addiction is not always easy because of the powerful grip the drug can have on users. However, if you care about someone who is struggling with methamphetamines, it is a worthy goal to learn how to help them accept meth addiction treatment as their best hope for wellness and sobriety.
Insight Recovery Center in Asheville, NC, offers a high level of care by experienced and compassionate licensed providers. At Insight Recovery Center, your loved one can access evidence-based treatment and supportive therapies that are known to be effective in recovery. Learn more about meth addiction treatment and how to help your loved one with a meth addiction. Call 828.826.1376 to connect today.
Signs of Meth Addiction
If someone shows numerous signs of a meth use disorder, meth rehab is the safest and most promising course for positive long-term outcomes. But how do you know if someone is addicted to meth?
Meth abuse leads to noticeable symptoms early on. The drug is potent enough and addictive enough to precipitate early signs of tolerance, dependence, and addiction. Some of the signs of meth abuse and addiction in the short term are listed below:
- Binging and crashing
- Meth mouth – broken and decaying teeth
- Violent outbursts
- Mood swings
- Evidence of scratching and picking, such as abscesses or sores on the skin
- Precipitous loss of weight
- Tweaking
Tweaking is what happens at the end of a binge when the body is in withdrawal but is too exhausted to respond to more of the drug. Tweaking symptoms include:
- Suicidal thoughts
- Delusions
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Insomnia despite deep exhaustion
- The feeling that bugs are crawling on the skin
Does someone you love exhibit any of these telltale signs? If so, helping them receive meth addiction treatment is an honorable goal.
Helping a Loved One with Meth Addiction
First, you will want to educate yourself about addiction in general – how it happens, what it does to someone’s brain, body, and behavior, and what treatment looks like. Next, initiate the conversation, but realize that it will take more than one talk. You may initially notice denial or anger but don’t give up.
When talking to your loved one about meth addiction, do the following:
- Prepare to be shut down at first. This may not happen, but if it does, circle back later. At least you put the idea into your loved one’s head that you’ve noticed some changes, are concerned but open, and are willing to help.
- Be direct while speaking about what you have observed, not about how their drug use makes you feel.
- Ask questions about how they feel about what is happening. Start simply. Rather than asking if they think they are addicted to meth, ask how they feel or how using meth has changed their daily life. Getting them to talk about their meth use is a path to discussing addiction and rehab.
- Listen with an open mind and heart. If they feel you are there for them without criticism or blame, they will be more likely to open up to you. When you talk to them, ask them open-ended, genuinely caring questions.
But also remember not to:
- Talk to them when they’re high
- Use demeaning language or words that convey a bias, like “addict,” or “meth head,” or “junkie”
- Blame or judge them
- Let emotions like your own fear and anxiety get in the way of open communication (including excellent listening)
Once you have opened the lines of communication, your chances of being able to offer real help increase dramatically.
Call Insight Recovery Center Today to Help a Loved One with Meth Addiction
At Insight Recovery Center in Asheville, NC, we offer evidence-based treatments for meth addiction. You can reach out online or call 828.826.1376 to learn the importance of helping someone with meth addiction enter rehab and begin recovery. Your caring and support are invaluable to your loved one. Let us support you in supporting them.