Expert: Crystal - 7/5/2007

Question
QUESTION: I have a good friend, who is using Meth, smoking it.
I am totally clueless when it comes to drugs.
But I do see that Meth is something really nasty and any use is bad.  I've tried to tell her to stop, but she insists she only uses it very occasionally.

So, here's my question. She says that she is an occasional user only.  But I saw her use it a few days ago, and IMMEDIATELY she got very dark racoon eyes.  I'm thinking that maybe she is using it a lot more than she says. Is this a symptom of heavy use?

I also see huge mood swings, bouts of depression, she gets angery very, very easily.

Thanks

ANSWER: Meth is such a dangerous drug, it eats you from the inside out. You can't tell anyone to stop, you have to make it their idea. It has to be something they realize as a part of their life that they need to change. Talk to her some more, allow for her to be honest. Don't Judge her.
You will see mood swings, that is a part of it. You have to realize it changes the brain chemistry and when they come down they have a huge drop in the chemistry in their brains and it causes the mood swings and depression as well as anger because the body just freaks out without the drug.
Be supportive and allow her the room to change herself.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the information, I am definitely seeing these symptoms all of the time.  I know that inside she is a sweet person. I've somewhat experienced what drugs can do when I was recovering from a broken back and was on strong pain medication.  I felt it eating at my mind and decided the mental pain was far worse than any physical pain, guess I was lucky.  And my brother died of a prescription addiction at 60 years that no one knew about. So, I see it, but I know she isn't seeing what the meth is doing to her brain.

But the big question, she gets very dark skin all around her eyes immediately after using it.  Is this an indication that she is a much heavier user than she claims, or are there other symptoms that she is a heavy user?  She doesn't have any problems with her teeth that I can see, yet. But what are the signs of a light user vs a heavy user? Do the "racoon" eyes tell anything about this?

Thanks,
John

Answer
John,
The raccoon look comes from not sleeping and from not eating. It could be indication of sleep deprivation as well as dehydration and malnourish. Vitamins and going to the doctor are my suggestions. A good physical.
There are ways to tell a light or heavy user by weight and loss of structure of body, bones,etc.
Is there anything else I can do to help?
Take Care.
Crystal