WARNING SIGNS
"What I didnšt realize is that after using meth once there was no turning back. It becomes a vicious cycle. No sleep means more meth... I was like a dog chasing its tail around and around, never getting anyplace."
Male
Idaho Falls, Idaho
Are you wondering what the warning signs of Meth use are?
Meth is bad for a user's mind and body, with long-term abuse resulting in very damaging effects. Meth also leads to an increase in crime, endangers our communities, and its toxic ingredients harm the environment.
SIGNS YOU NEED HELP
- Using more Meth than intended
- Needing more Meth to feel high
- Spending more money on Meth than on bills
- Constantly thinking about when you will next get high
- Planning activities around Meth and ignoring responsibilities
- Losing interest in activities and friends who are not associated with Meth use
- Friends and/or family members expressing concern to you about your life and/or drug use
- Letting go of daily routines such as eating, sleeping, bathing, shopping, cleaning, and/or caring for family members
- Willing to engage in risky behaviors for Meth, including sleeping around and criminal activity
SIGNS A FRIEND NEEDS HELP
- Not socializing with old friends anymore
- Trying to convince you or others to use the drug
- Selling personal items such as electronic and sports equipment
- Experiencing trouble at school, lower grades, skipping classes
- Hanging out with new friends who are different than his or her usual crowd
SIGNS A PARENT NEEDS HELP
- Negative attitude about work, missing work
- Borrowing money, selling or pawning possessions
- Gone a lot, often at night with people you don't know
- Sudden temper outburst, strange mood or attitude changes
- Changes in the way they look -- hair, skin, or teeth looking nasty
SIGNS THE COMMUNITY NEEDS HELP
- Open windows vented with fans, even during the winter
- Extensive security measures or efforts to ensure privacy
- Frequent visitors to a home, building, or area at all times of the day and night
- Houses or buildings with windows blackened or curtains always drawn
- Garbage contains numerous bottles, containers, stained bed sheets, or coffee filters
- Occupants of a home appear underemployed, yet have money or pay bills with cash
- Unusual and strong odors (like ether, ammonia, acetone or other chemicals)
- Sightings of lantern fuel cans, red-stained coffee filters, glassware with rubber tubing attached, drain cleaner and duct tape