How to Tell Someone High on Meth

Changes in Behavior & Mood Related to Meth Use

Meth use can cause adverse neurological effects that can lead to psychological disruptions and adverse changes in mood and behavior in both the short and long term.

Changes in Behavior Can Include:

• Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior—These kinds of behaviors include hyperactivity and the need to engage in unnecessary and repetitive behaviors, such as excessive cleaning. (4)
• Increased Aggression—This includes feelings of hostility or rage, possibly leading to confrontational and violent behavior. (5)
• Risky Behavior—Impulsive or risky behaviors include impaired driving, engaging in dangerous physical activities, committing assaults or theft, or participating in unsafe sexual practices.
• Paranoid Behavior—Meth-induced paranoia can be severe, characterized by irrational fear and suspicions of others.
• Self-Isolation—Purposeful and intentional social isolation often occurs among many drug users, as they may become withdrawn and avoid contact with loved ones.
• Sleep Disturbances—This can include both insomnia and hypersomnia, long-term changes in sleep patterns, and the development of sleep disorders. (6)

Chronic meth use can also lead to significant changes in mood and behavior and can contribute to the development of mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis.

Changes in Mood & Mental State Include:

• Neuroticism—These kinds of moods include certain negative feelings such as agitation, irritability, and nervousness. (7)
• Psychotic Symptoms—Considered similar to schizophrenia, these can include delusions, auditory, visual, or tactile hallucinations, and an irrational fear for one’s own safety. (8)
• Depression and Anxiety—After the desired effects have subsided, the user can experience intense feelings of anxiety and depression.
• Cognitive Deficits—These include both short- and long-term impairments related to attention, concentration, memory, and thinking.

Increased Impulsivity—Over time, meth use can lead to a loss of impulse control that can persist even after use has been discontinued.

What Are the Signs of Dependence & Addiction?

Drug addiction is a chronic and often relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences. Dependence is a key component of addiction, as it refers to a physical or emotional need for a substance a person experiences when they’ve used a drug so much they’ve become accustomed to its presence in the brain and body.

Signs of Drug Dependence Include:

• Intense urges or cravings to use the drug.
• Tolerance, or needing to use increasingly larger amounts of the drug to achieve the desired effect.
• Withdrawal symptoms, or physical and psychological rebound effects resulting from attempts to discontinue drug use. (9)
• Being unable to stop or limit drug use despite attempts to do so.
• Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home due to drug use.
• Continuing to use drugs despite the physical, psychological, or social harm they are causing.
• Spending significant amounts of time and money on obtaining, using, or recovering from drug use.

How To Help a Loved One Using Meth

If you suspect someone you know is using meth, be sure to approach the situation with care and compassion. It might be beneficial to begin by educating yourself about the signs and symptoms of meth use, as well as the risks and consequences of addiction. You can look into staging an intervention facilitated by a licensed professional who can make sure the conversation remains composed and productive. The goal is to ensure the individual understands that they are loved but that there will also be consequences as long as they refuse to quit or seek treatment.

When you approach them, do your best to express your concerns in a non-confrontational way. Be honest, empathetic, and non-judgmental, and listen carefully to their response. Make sure they know you are worried about their well-being and want to help. You may also suggest they seek professional treatment and let them know you are willing to help them find and receive the support they need.

It’s important to set personal boundaries to protect your own well-being, such as by refusing to enable your loved one’s addiction. Make sure to practice self-care by getting enough rest, seeking emotional support for yourself, and continuing to engage in daily activities that do not revolve around your loved one and their substance use issues.