Meth Addiction Resource Center

• Nov
  07

  Meth Use, Abuse and Addiction Intervention

  

  Meth use, abuse, and addiction intervention is a very touchy subject. Most meth users do not realize they have a problem until it is way too late. If you have a loved one who is addicted to methamphetamine, it is important to understand a few things before you talk to them.

  Meth users can become extremely upset when confronted with their addiction. Treading carefully is not easy but you can do it when you are armed with the facts.

  What is the Difference Between Meth Use, Abuse, and Addiction?

  Although anyone can try, use, and become addicted to meth, meth addicts share some characteristics. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, these are:

  • Trying substances at a young age.
  • Using multiple drugs.
  • Are less likely to use alcohol.
  • Use meth more frequently.
  • Spend less money on drugs.
  • Are more likely to continuously use meth during the day.
  • Do not report that they feel as if they are addicted.

  There are subtle differences between the stages of meth involvement. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, if a person is using meth may exhibit:

  • Hyperactivity
  • Rapid Mood Swings
  • Speaking Fast
  • Paranoia
  • Scratching at Their Skin
  • Insomnia
  • Lack of Appetite
  • Burns on Their Lips or Fingers

  These are all signs that someone is using meth. There are other signs of meth abuse and addiction. According to the Medline Service, these are:

  • Meth mouth or a distinctive pattern of tooth rot.
  • Broken skin and sores on the body particularly the hands and arms.
  • Severe Itching.
  • Anxiousness or Overexcited Acting.
  • Constant Twitching.
  • Signs of Meth Withdrawal.
  • Lack of interest in work or school.
  • Lack of interest in activities other than using drugs or hanging out with people who use.

  It is important to recognize the signs of both early meth use and addiction. These signs will let you know, if an intervention of some kind is necessary. Most of the signs are subtle, so knowing exactly what is a sign and is not is crucial.

  When to Intervene

  It may be difficult to tell when you should intervene with someone who has a meth addiction. Although you want the person to get help early, this is almost impossible when they do not know they have a problem.

  You will want to mention a loved one's meth use as soon as you notice signs that their addiction is interfering with their life. According to the Mayo Clinic, these signs are:

  • Problems or Loss of Work.
  • Being kicked out of school or serious problems at school.
  • Lack of motivation and interest in normal activities.
  • Their physical health is deteriorating.
  • Their appearance is deteriorating, they may appear too thin with sunken cheeks and sallow looking.
  • They neglect their appearance, they fail to shower, brush their hair, or other hygiene concerns.
  • Their behavior changes, they are secretive or do strange things.
  • They Ask to Borrow Money.
  • Money is missing from your wallet, purse, or bank account.
  • They Start to Steal Things.
  • Items Start Disappearing from Your Home.

  These are all signs that there is a serious problem with substance abuse. When these signs are combined with the signs of meth use and addiction, you will know that the problem is due to meth.

  How to Talk About Meth Addiction

  Subjects like meth addiction are unpleasant to talk about. They are even less pleasant when you are broaching the subject with someone who is an addict. It is important to follow a few rules when you are trying to talk to someone about their meth use. These rules are:

  • Do not judge the person for their addiction, addiction is a disease.
  • Choose a quiet place to talk, one not around other people unless they are involved in the conversation.
  • Make sure the person knows that you care.
  • Do not talk to them when they are actively using, someone on meth may become violent or angry when they are confronted and using.
  • Let them know they are loved and that you want them to get treatment.
  • Be calm at all times, a confrontation will not get you anywhere.

  Following these rules will help you get your message across without forcing a confrontation. Do not be surprised if the meth addict is defensive or angry. This is normal behavior for an addict being confronted by their addiction.

  By remaining calm and non-confrontational, you may help to diffuse the situation enough to get the addict to listen. The worst thing you can do is to start an angry exchange.

  Is a Standard Intervention the Right Thing to do?

  Although you might have seen interventions on television, this might not be the right thing to do. Often, a meth addict confronted by a group of people will respond by drawing further into the addiction. This is not something that you want to happen.

  If you have a few close friends or loved one who should be there, then talk to them. Make sure that they are going to be kind and supportive to encourage the addict to seek help. If they plan on confronting the addict, you might be better off leaving them out.

  Instead, if you want advice on how to stage an intervention, speak to an intervention specialist. They will be able to give you advice on how to talk to the addict. It is extremely important that you approach the situation correctly.

  Meth use, abuse, and addiction intervention may be difficult but it is not impossible when you know how to intervene. By simply talking to the addict, you can find out what they want and encourage them to seek the treatment they desperately need.

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  Posted on November 7th, 2016

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