Signs of Methamphetamine, Addiction & Effects of Meth

How to Spot a User

There are certain physical and social signs of Meth use and recognizing them is a first step to helping a friend. Not every user will have the same symptoms, but if you notice many of the things listed here, your friend may need help. Click here to find treatment resources near you

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Engages in repetitive, meaningless tasks like disassembling electronics or other household items for no apparent reason

Burn marks on fingers or mouth

Obsessively picking at hair or skin

Changes in physical appearance including deteriorating hair, poor skin, or decaying teeth

Borrowing money often, selling possessions, or stealing

Strange sleeping patterns—staying up for days or even weeks, then sleeping for days

Psychotic behavior characterized by paranoia and hallucinations—they may obsess over the idea of being watched

Angry outbursts, mood swings, or overall change in attitude

Incessant talking

Excessive sweating that’s not from heat or physical activity

Talking about being in danger, even though there is no reason to feel threatened

Decreased appetite and unhealthy weight loss

Jerky, erratic movements, twitching, facial tics, animated, or exaggerated mannerisms

Possession of drug paraphernalia like glass pipes or burnt spoons, cutoff straws, or needles

Dilated pupils, even when outside or in a bright room

Letting themselves go physically, and not showering or caring how they look

Unusual or foul body odor—some may smell like ammonia

Signs of Use

Use the sliding bar on each image to see how Meth can quickly change a user's appearance, sometimes within months.

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1.5 Years

7 Months

11 Months

5 Months

4.5 Years

9 Months

2.5 Years

6 Months

1 Year

3 Months

Fake or For Real?

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Terms

Excessive sweating. Methamphetamine can increase the body’s temperature and heart rate, making a user sweat profusely, even with little activity. Body by Meth
A glass pipe used for smoking methamphetamine. They are usually pretty small and have a bulb shape at one end. Meth users will sometimes make these out of broken, hollowed-out light bulbs.
Involuntary shaking, twitching, or facial tics. Because of its effects on the dopamine system, methamphetamine can cause strange, uncontrollable movements, similar to the effects of Parkinson’s Disease. Tremors and twitching make it difficult for Meth users to do simple things like holding a fork or writing. "It Messed Me Up"
Doing the same thing over and over again for hours. Common tweaking behaviors exhibited by Meth users include repetitively picking at one’s face or arms, obsessive cleaning, or taking things apart for no apparent reason. "Looks Horrible"