Signs and Symptoms of Methamphetamine

Street Names: Meth, Crank, Crystal, Ice, Speed, Go-fast

Method of Use: Swallowed, Smoked, Snorted, Injected

Symptoms/Effects of Use

• Rush and euphoria
• Uncontrolled tremors
• Unpredictable behavior
• Paranoia, hallucinations (Meth psychosis)
• Repetitive motor activity
• Feeling of itchiness
• Increased alertness/wakefulness
• Hyperthermia
• Insomnia
• Convulsions
• Decreased appetite/extreme weight loss
• Death of brain cells and changes in brain structure
• Severe dental problems, including “Meth mouth”
• Heart damage (irregular heart beat)
• Behaviors similar to schizophrenia
• Tolerance
• Tweaking (occurs when an abuser has not slept in 3-15 days and is irritable and paranoid)
• Impaired memory and learning
• At higher risk for HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B and C (due to IV use)

What to Look For

• Acne
• Sores that won’t heal or take longer to heal (especially around the mouth)
• Appear years older
• Malnutrition
• Tired, droopy eyes
• Severe dental problems, including “Meth mouth”

Withdrawals Symptoms

• Depression
• Abdominal cramps
• Increased appetite
• Increased sleep (“crash”)
• Cravings
• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Aggression

Note: Each person may experience different symptoms/effects. This list is not inclusive. For more information, visit www.drugabuse.gov