Is Your Loved One on Crystal Meth? 30 Things to Watch Out For

The rising drug statistics and the prevalence of crimes involving drugs that you see in the news can be enough to make you shiver. The reality is, drugs is everywhere, especially shabu, which is one–if not the most–widely used narcotics not just in the Philippines but in many countries around the world.

Photo: The Horrors of Meth Infographic by Rehabs.com

Methamphetamine, crystal meth, meth or shabu is a white crystalline drug that is highly addictive that gives a false sense of happiness, confidence, energy, and well-being. It gives them a rush that usually lasts from six to eight hours, to even as long as twenty-four hours. Those who take meth usually have no appetite, nor do they feel tired or sleepy. The first “hit” may involve some pleasure for them, but little do they know that meth has already begun to destroy their lives.

The challenge now is to be vigilant to be able to protect your own family against this highly addictive drug, as well as other drugs such as marijuana, heroin, and other drugs.

But how do you know if your loved one is on crsytal meth? Below are some things to watch out for:

Physical Red Flags:

1. Bloodshot eyes
2. Dilated pupils
3. Involuntary twitching or jerking of certain parts of the body such as the eye or mouth
4. Bad breath
5. Rotting teeth or tooth loss
6. Excessive sweating
7. Skin sores or small lesions form picking at skin (meth marks) caused by the sensation of bugs crawling on their skin
8. Sudden to extreme weight loss
9. Dry mouth and skin
10. Burn marks of fingers and mouth for smoking meth

Behavioral Red Flags:

1. Intense focus on a trivial matter or repetitive task
2. Hyperactivity
3. Paranoia
4. Insomnia, not sleeping for abnormal lengths of time or sudden change in sleep patterns
5. Sleeping for several days, extreme sleepiness
6. Loss of appetite, even not eating for several days
7. Fidgeting or unable to be still
8. Grinding or clenching teeth
9. Short-term memory loss, being forgetful
10. Paranoia

Other Signs to Watch Out For At Home

1. Empty plastic pen cases used for snorting or smoking
2. Small plastic or resealable bags
3. Aluminum foil, especially those with burn marks
4. Straws with burn marks
5. Water pipes or other pipes
6. Missing or stolen money from your home
7. Missing or sold valuables or belongings such as gadgets, phones, jewelry
8. Inability to perform well in school or at work
9. Missing commitments
10. Being secretive

If you suspect your loved one to be using methamphetamine, please get help immediately. Meth, or shabu, is highly addictive and can ruin your loved one’s health, and eventually deteriorate their life and your family life.

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