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Question From a Reader

What are some of the warning signs that someone is using crystal meth?
-Beth in CA

Beth,

Below are some of the signs that crystal meth is being used either recreationally or as a DOC. The links provided also go into more detail and can help you find support if you think someone you know is using.

Keeping you and yours in my prayers,

Jeanne


Signs of Methamphetamine Use:
Grinding teeth
Obsessive picking of the face or body
Euphoria
Extreme energy
No sleep for 2-3 days
Paranoia
Loss of appetite and weight loss
Aggression
Dilated pupils
Rapid speech
Anxiety
Psychotic symptoms (hallucinations and delusions)
Headaches
Over-confidence
Insomnia
Changes in dress, friends and slang

Drug paraphernalia:
light bulbs, glass straws, snorting straws, glass pipes, razor blades, small baggies, crystal bong, pipes, rolled up dollar bills or rolled up paper (user creates a makeshift "straw" with which to snort drugs), aluminum foil (used foil would be possibly crumbled, but definitely have black soot from non-reflective side of foil being heated with lighter, and residue on the opposite side as if something was burned on the foil), hypodermic syringes if the user is banging meth

STORIES ABOUT METH: AFFECTING YOUR COMMUNITY

METH FAQ

Question From a Reader

I have a friend who has tried to quit crystal meth many times. What will finally help make him quit? Thanks
-Kingflop


Hi, Kingflop-
Crystal meth is probably one of the hardest drugs to kick. In fact, about two years ago, I read an article that claimed only a 6% success rate in remaining clean - that's 6 out of 100, as you know, but the thing is, it blew my mind to realize there is a very real chance that the number of folks who have stayed away from meth for, say, over five years is an extremely small number. I imagine that is why there are not many advocates for meth addicts and how to help them. No one can stay clean long enough to carry the torch, I guess. I must interject here that I live in the South and that great things may be happening in other regions of the US that I am unaware of.

To answer your question, Kingflop, I would suggest he not only get away from his current town of residence, but to cut ties with any other drug users; get into a good rehab (in-patient, I suggest) for as long as he can possibly stay, then have a recovery plan for when he is released and attend whatever out-patient resources/meetings/counseling sessions that the plan suggests; create boundaries in his life that he will obey (things like not listening to the same music he did at parties or anything that would trigger a craving for meth or the hustle); and if he is a praying kind of guy, tell him to do this so often that others think he constantly talks to himself.

Other than that, there is only one other way that he will quit. He will catch a charge and do time, during which, he will withdraw. Upon his release, he will meet with a parole officer who will pee test him, and if he is not clean, he will be slapped back in the pen. It worked for me, but I do NOT recommend this route to recovery.

I wish your friend all the best.
-CC (Convicted of Trafficking Methamphetamine; Recovering Methamphetamine / Oxycontin Addict)

You Asked For It.... Marijuana Info: Yeah, It's a Gateway.

MYTH: Marijuana is harmless.
FACT: Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug among youth today and is more potent than ever. Marijuana use can lead to a host of significant health, social, learning, and behavioral problems at a crucial time in a young person's development. Getting high also impairs judgment, which can lead to risky decision making on issues like sex, criminal activity, or riding with someone who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University, teens who use drugs are five times more likely to have sex than teens who do not use drugs. Getting high also contributes to general apathy, irresponsible behavior, and risky choices.

MYTH: You can't get addicted to marijuana.
FACT: Don't be fooled by popular beliefs. Kids can get hooked on pot. Research shows that marijuana use can lead to addiction. Each year, more kids enter treatment with a primary diagnosis of marijuana dependence than for all other illicit drugs combined.

MYTH: There's not much parents can do to stop their kids from "experimenting" with marijuana.
FACT: Most parents are surprised to learn that they are the most powerful influence on their children when it comes to drugs. But, it's true, so this message needs to start with parents. Kids need to hear how risky marijuana use can be. They need to know how damaging it can be to their lives. And they need to begin by listening to someone they trust. By staying involved, knowing what their kids are doing, and setting limits with clear rules and consequences, parents can keep their kids drug-free.

Go To This Site

I Married a Meth Addict