Ask Officer Michelle – Question #13
Posted by Gayle
Michelle,
I have been hearing a lot about the meth problem. It seems like a lot of crimes being committed are by people under the influence of meth. I learned that a close family member has been using meth. She went through the phase of seeing bugs under her skin a couple of years ago. I think she started using again because of her rapid weight loss and blemished complexion, not to mention the irritability. What are the signs of a person on meth? Does it have an effect on their eyes or pupils? Do you know of a good web-site where we can learn more about this drug and it’s effects? Do you have any suggestions for helping our friends/family who are struggling with addiction? Thank you.
Dear Gayle,
You’re correct that a lot of crimes are being committed by people under the influence of methamphetamine. Unfortunately it is a vicious cycle. A lot of times people who do these types of drugs steal to support their habit.
Methamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant. In other words, it makes your internal system go fast. It can vary from person to person, and can depend if the person has a strong habit. Some of the objective signs are jaw grinding, going long periods of time without sleep, talking fast and fidgeting, dilated pupils, skin breakouts, seeing things like bugs on their skin that don’t exist, paranoia, distancing themselves from family and friends, mood swings, rapid weight loss, puffy fingers, and increased need for sweets to name a few.
If you notice any of these signs in your family member, you’re probably right in that he or she is using. You might notice if your family member has any paraphernalia around. Methamphetamine can be smoked (glass smoking pipe), injected (subcutaneous hypodermic syringes), snorted (straws that have been cut, or even rolled up dollar bills), and eaten (least common method).
You can talk to your family member and confront them. Usually, treatment programs including behavior therapy is best for long term. You can contact your insurance company for information on local programs that are covered. You can also research the internet. I found www.kci.org/meth_info_4_teachers/index.htm to be insightful. There are other links on that site that you can go to as well. Don’t take it personally.
Methamphetamine can change one’s outlook on everything including family. Be patient, and good luck.
Officer Michelle
