How to Tell When a Teen Is Using Meth

Meth, or methamphetamine, is widely abused among teens and other individuals for a variety of recreational uses and usually results in feelings of extreme euphoria or heightened senses of focus and alertness. It is also often abused among teens for weight loss because it decreases the appetite of the user. Meth is extremely dangerous and can lead to death due to heart attacks, strokes and permanent damage to a person's mental health. There is a wide variety of things to look out for to tell when your teen might be using meth.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Take any sudden weight loss in your teen very seriously. Extreme weight loss is a very common side effect of using meth because people often experience feelings of nausea or increased energy despite a lack of appetite. If your teen seems to be losing weight at unhealthy rate, contact your family doctor or your teen's primary care physician immediately for an appointment.
2. Examine your teen's teeth for abnormal tooth decay that may tell of meth abuse, sometimes referred to as "meth mouth." People who use meth often experience quick loss of their teeth due to a variety of side effects related to the drug, including excessive grinding of the teeth and clenching of the jaw, as well dryness of the mouth and poor oral hygiene for extended periods of time while under the influence of meth.
3. Observe your teen's behavior for signs of nervousness or irritability. When a teen uses meth, he may feel extremely anxious, resulting in behaviors like repetitive motions such as uncontrollable scratching of the arms and legs, excessive talkativeness and tremors and bodily convulsions. Your teen may also appear sweaty or experience panic attacks.
4. Search your teen's room and personal belongings when you think she might be using meth. You may be able to tell if your teen is abusing meth if she is in possession of items commonly used when taking meth, such as mirrors, razor blades and straws for snorting the substance or syringes, plastic tubes or spoons used for injections of meth. Though many of these items are commonly found in many households, if they seem to be hidden in your child's room or belongings, they are likely being used as drug paraphernalia.
5. Consider whether your teen complains of heightened sensitivity to loud noises or the inability to sleep. Meth has serious effects on the brain and can cause severe mood changes as well as fatigue, depression, sensory conditions and paranoia. Long-term use of meth may lead to serious psychological problems.

Tips & Warnings

• The term "crystal meth" is used to describe the crystallized version of meth that is smoked rather than taken orally or snorted.