How Do I Know When My Teen is Addicted to Or Using Meth?

Meth is easily one of the most dangerous drugs that our teens are getting addicted to, and the scary part is that many parents are clueless until it is to late. The early symptoms of meth addiction can be a bit hard to recognize in teens as it will sometimes mirror normal teen behaviors. In a world of drug abuse and addiction, knowing the warning signs that your teen may be addicted to or using meth may mean the difference between life and death. Parents simply must inform themselves, regardless of how well adjusted and well behaved their kids may be. Even the honor roll student is not immune to the persuasive powers of this powerful drug called meth.

Early Symptoms of Meth Usage or Addiction

The early symptoms or signs of meth usage and addiction are the signs that can be tricky. Teens are by nature moody, and can be angry little buggers. That said, it is important to not simply dismiss these actions as typical teen behavior. While they may be completely benign, they may also be a signal that something is wrong. Here are a number of early warning signs of possible meth addiction or usage:

Sleep disruption – Teens are likely to stay up late and sleep in during the day on weekends, but if you notice a change in the baseline behavior you should look into it. When a teen is on meth, they are likely to stay up for days on end, and then go through periods of sleeping continuously as well.

Nervousness – Another key sign of a problem with meth is when your teen is constantly fidgeting. “Ants in the pants” is a good way to describe this behavior and your teen may nervously pick at their skin as well.

Drastic Weight Loss – When your teen begins to lose weight at a rapid rate, you should definitely check it out. Meth will cause your teen to lose interest in food, and eventually begin to lose weight.

Panting – While this is not generally obvious, it is to a Parent. If your child is breathing heavier than usual, then your instincts should flare up. Meth speeds up the heart rate, and panting can result.

Needle marks or Tracks – If they are injecting meth, they will usually leave marks behind. Teens will often attempt to shoot up in areas that are easy to cover so be alert. Other signs that they may be using is burns on the lips, nosebleeds, and burns on the hands.

Lying or Out of Place Aggression – If your teen begins lying about everything, especially where he has been and what he was doing, then you should be asking some tough questions. This can extend to many areas of his life. Also, meth can make your teen extremely aggressive and angry. Pay attention if they show signs of this that are out of character.

Avoidance of Family – Meth addicts usually will avoid contact with loved ones due to the secrecy of the addiction, and the cover up of symptoms or tracks. The emotional toll this takes on the teen meth addict is devastating.

Finding paraphernalia – If you are finding pipes, or other unexplained drug paraphernalia, there is a good chance that your teen is using. Do not accept the “I only did it once” excuse.

Teens who are addicted to meth are very sneaky and capable liars. They know how to get around you as the drive for the drug far exceeds their concerns about right and wrong. Once addicted, the teen meth user will steal, lie, and do anything to procure the meth. It is vital that you recognize the signs early, before your teen is severely addicted. Once they are addicted, the road to recovery is not guaranteed. Meth is very powerful, and you must be proactive in your parenting duties to catch it very early to give your teen a chance.

Chy King, M.Ed. is the owner of The Sober Sources Network and has extended her network on alcoholism and addiction recovery for both adults and teens to incorporate over 20 different websites targeting alcoholism and addiction in hopes of helping those seeking their own solutions. You may view one of the live forums at The Sober Village to see recovery in action!

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