Methamphetamine Addiction:
High-intensity abusers, often called "speed freaks," focus on preventing the crash. But each successive rush becomes less euphoric and it takes more meth to achieve it. The pattern does not usually include a state of normalcy or withdrawal. High-intensity abusers experience extreme weight loss, very pale facial skin, sweating, body odor, discolored teeth and scars or open sores on their bodies. The scars are the results of the abusers' hallucinations of bugs on his skin, often referred to as "crank bugs," and attempts to scratch the bugs off.
Tweaking
The most dangerous stage of meth abuse for abusers, medical
personnel, and law enforcement officers is called "tweaking."
A tweaker is a methamphetamine addict who probably has not slept
in 3-15 days and is irritable and paranoid. Tweakers often behave
or react violently and if a tweaker is using alcohol or another
depressant, his negative feelings and associated dangers intensify.
The tweaker craves more meth, but no dosage will help re-create
the euphoric high, which causes frustration, and leads to unpredictability
and potential for violence.
A tweaker can appear normal: eyes can be clear, speech concise, and movements brisk. But a closer look will reveal the person's eyes are moving ten times faster than normal, the voice has a slight quiver, and movements are quick and jerky. These physical signs are more difficult to identify if the tweaker is using a depressant.
Tweakers are often involved in domestic disputes and motor vehicle accidents. They may also be present at "raves" or parties and they may participate in spur-of-the-moment crimes, such as purse snatchings or assaults, to support their habit.
