The Signs
The signs of meth addiction include but are not limited to: courtesy of http://www.addictionca.com/signs-of-meth-use.htm
-increased alertness
-sense of well-being
-paranoia
-intense high
-hallucinations
-aggressive behavior
-increased heart rate
-convulsions
-extreme rise in body temperature (as high as 108 degrees which can cause brain damage and death)
-increased sweating/body odor
-uncontrollable movements (twitching, jerking, etc…)
-violent behavior
-insomnia
-impaired speech
-dry, itchy skin
-premature aging
-rotting teeth
-loss of appetite
-acne, sores
-numbness
-disturbed sleep
-excessive excitation
-excessive talking
-panic
-anxiousness
-nervousness
-moodiness and irritability
-false sense of confidence and power
-delusions of grandeur leading to aggressive behavior
-uninterested in friends, sex, or food
-aggressive and violent behavior
-severe depression
-dilated pupils
The signs of meth addiction take a toll on the user both physically and emotionally. It works directly on the brain and spinal cord by interfering with normal neurotransmission. Neurotransmitters are chemical substances naturally produced within nerve cells used to communicate with each other and send messages to influence and regulate our thinking and all other systems throughout the body.
The main neurotransmitter affected by methamphetamine is dopamine. Dopamine is involved with our natural reward system. For example, feeling good about a job well done, getting pleasure from our family or social interactions, feeling content and that our lives are meaningful and count for something, all rely on dopamine transmission.
