Meth Use Signs & Symptoms

There are certain ‘red flags’ associated with Meth use that will be noticeable from the very first time someone tries the drug. Not every user will display every one of these symptoms; other illicit drugs may also cause similar signs.
Information adapted from National Institute on Drug Abuse

**Signs/Symptoms of Early Meth Use**
Euphoric "high" state (excessively happy) Paranoia Decreased appetite Increased physical activity Anxiety, shaking hands, nervousness	Incessant talking Rapid eye movement Increased body temperature (can rise as high as 108 degrees and cause death) Dilated pupils Sweating not related to physical activity

**Signs/Symptoms of Continued Meth Use**
**the above symptoms, plus:**
Weight loss Strong body odor Shadows under the eyes Dry or itchy skin Pale complexion Acne/Acne-type sores Irritable and moody (mood swings)	Picking at skin or hair Aggressive or violent behavior Depression (withdrawal/tolerance effect) Severe nail biting Nose bleeds, nasal perforations Dermatitis around the mouth Lack of personal hygiene

**Signs/Symptoms of Advanced Meth Use**
the above symptoms, plus:
Extreme weight loss Hair loss Discolored, rotten or missing teeth Corneal ulcerations	Severe mental illness symptoms, similar to schizophrenia (including anger, panic, paranoia, auditory and visual hallucinations, repetitive behavior patterns)

Meth Overdose -A toxic reaction (or overdose) can occur at relatively low levels, 50 milligrams of pure Meth for a non-tolerant user. Metabolic rates vary from person to person, and the strength of the Meth varies from batch to batch, so there is no way of stating a "safe" level of use. Because stimulants affect the body's cardiovascular and temperature-regulating systems, physical exertion increases the hazards of Meth use.

**Signs/Symptoms of Meth Overdose**
High fever Chest pain Rapid breathing Sudden, dangerous increase in blood pressure Profuse sweating Chances of heart attack, stroke, or coma	Convulsions Tremors Confusion Dangerous rise in body temperature Seeing spots (due to pressure on the nerves of eye) Cardiovascular collapse