What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Meth Addiction?

Methamphetamine goes by many names, including meth and crystal meth. And its misuse is a serious issue in the U.S. Nearly 1.8 million people in the U.S. have a methamphetamine use disorder. And millions more have used this addictive substance at least once in their life. It’s among the most misused drugs across the globe. 

Recognizing the signs of meth addiction can help you take steps to get help for yourself or a loved one. We’ll cover the physical, behavioral, and emotional symptoms that can suggest that someone is experiencing meth use disorder.

What is meth?

Methamphetamine is an addictive stimulant. Stimulant drugs speed up your body’s functions, so they increase your mental alertness, focus, and energy as well as decreasing appetite. But there are also more serious and dangerous symptoms. The powerful stimulant effects make meth overdose a real danger. 

Meth can come in the form of a powder or pill. In 2005, the U.S. put restrictions on the chemicals used to make meth, including pseudoephedrine. But meth can be made from a wide range of chemicals, and some of these are both hazardous and easy to access. Meth can contain acetone, anhydrous ammonia (fertilizer), and ether. The range of chemicals used to make meth present barriers to limiting its production.

What does meth do to the brain?

Meth triggers the release of large amounts of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a chemical in the body that affects motivation, pleasure, and movement. 

Dopamine also plays a role in the brain’s “reward response.” When you do something that brings you pleasure, your brain releases dopamine, which makes you feel good. This is why some scientists call it a “teaching” chemical. Dopamine likely contributes to why people repeat behaviors and activities that bring pleasure. 

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Get help for substance misuse. There are options for treatment and support to help you or a loved one.

• How to help someone else: Meth is an addictive stimulant that can disrupt many aspects of someone’s life. Here are ways to help someone with a meth addiction.

• Signs of a meth overdose: A meth overdose can be a life-threatening situation. Here’s what to do.

And this helps explain why meth is addictive. People who use meth experience a euphoric and energizing sensation that can lead to repeated use and addiction. 

Signs of meth addiction

A stimulant use disorder is a condition where someone continues to misuse a stimulant drug — like meth — even though it leads to harmful consequences in their life. Someone experiencing meth addiction may show symptoms such as:

• Taking larger amounts of meth or taking meth for a longer period of time than planned

• Trying to cut down or quit without success 

• Giving up activities that they once valued due to meth

• Being unable to keep up with responsibilities at home, work, or school

• Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from meth

• Using meth even when it creates problems in work and social life

• Experiencing cravings for meth

• Using meth in risky situations

• Using meth despite it causing or worsening physical or mental health problems

• Needing more meth to feel the same effects over time (tolerance)

• Experiencing withdrawal

What are the long-term effects of methamphetamine use?

Long-term meth use can cause physical changes as well as changes to the dopamine system in the brain. Over time, people who use meth may develop problems with learning, memory, and coordination. 

Beyond the symptoms of stimulant use disorder we listed above, people who repeatedly use meth over time may experience: 

• “Meth mouth,” which can include facial changes, dental problems, and jaw pain

• Skin sores, which can occur from excessive scratching

• Weight loss

• Sleeping problems

• Paranoia, or extreme and unreasonable distrust of others

• Irritability

• Confusion

• Memory problems

A study of about 34,000 people in Utah found that those who used meth were at increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease compared to those who didn’t use drugs. 

Some of the effects of meth on the brain may improve after 1 year of abstinence (not using). But more research is needed to understand the long-term effects of meth use.

What kind of behavior does someone show if they’re using meth?

Meth is a powerful and fast-acting substance that can have notable effects on someone’s behavior. Someone who uses meth may be:

• Unpredictable

• Easily annoyed

• Aggressive or violent

Changes in behavior often depend on whether someone is under the influence of meth or is recovering from use. While intoxicated, a person may show a range of moods and behaviors, from energetic and euphoric to restless. As the effects of meth lessen, someone may seem more tired, irritable, or depressed.

People who use meth over a long period of time are also at risk of developing psychosis. These symptoms may continue for months or possibly years after a person stops using meth. This can include symptoms like:

• Hallucinations: seeing or hearing things that are not really there

• Delusions: rigid beliefs that don’t line up with reality

• Paranoia: extreme and unreasonable distrust of others

Is there a difference between meth addiction symptoms and withdrawal symptoms?

When someone stops using meth, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal is a sign of physical dependence, which means that the body has become reliant on a substance. Withdrawal is also one of the symptoms of stimulant use disorder.

Signs of meth withdrawal include:

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Irritability

• Paranoid thoughts

• Changes in sleeping patterns

• Low energy

• Increased appetite

• Trouble concentrating

• Cravings

Meth withdrawal looks different from meth intoxication. People who frequently use meth may “binge and crash,” a pattern where they use meth over and over again for a period of time until they crash and stop. Meth withdrawal may set in during the crash period. 

What to do if a loved one shows signs of meth addiction

If you’re worried about a loved one’s meth addiction, there are ways to help. Clear and direct communication are key parts of strong relationships and getting someone help. But keep in mind that change can take time and isn’t something that can be forced.

You can help your loved one find help and get treatment by contacting the National Helpline from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 1-800-662-HELP (4357), which helps people find treatment programs and healthcare professionals.

You can also suggest that they attend one of the following support groups:

• Crystal Meth Anonymous

• Narcotics Anonymous

• SMART Recovery

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Alex Eastman, PhD, RN

Alex Eastman, PhD, RN, is a California-based registered nurse and staff medical editor at GoodRx, where he focuses on clinical updates and Latino health.

Reviewed by:

Farzon A. Nahvi, MD

Dr. Nahvi is an emergency medicine physician and author of “Code Gray: Death, Life, and Uncertainty in the ER.” He works clinically at Concord Hospital in Concord, New Hampshire, and is a clinical assistant professor of emergency medicine at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. Prior to this, he worked as an ER physician and clinical assistant professor of emergency medicine at the Mount Sinai Health System, NYU Langone Health, NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, and the Manhattan VA. He is a graduate of Cornell University and NYU School of Medicine.

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