The drug ice, or methamphetamine, is highly addictive, and seeing someone addicted to it can be very confronting. This is particularly heightened if they are someone close to you, such as your son or daughter.

While you may suspect something is wrong, it can be hard to determine if someone you know has an ice addiction specifically. And it can be very hard for a person who is addicted to seek the right help themselves, too.

However confronting it may be, there are several signs and symptoms that may indicate an ice substance abuse disorder, whether it is yourself or someone you know.

Five common signs of ice addiction

1. Intense cravings and preoccupation with ice

People addicted to ice or Meth may experience strong cravings which cause them to become preoccupied with obtaining and using the drug.

This obsession may lead to neglect of responsibilities, relationships, and other important areas of life that one would expect a normally-functioning adult to attend to. Ultimately, this can lead to financial consequences.

2. Neglecting personal hygiene and appearance

Ice addiction can cause individuals to neglect their personal hygiene and appearance.

An addict may have poor grooming habits, they might neglect their physical health, and they can lose interest in their physical appearance.

3. Changes in behaviour and mood

Ice addiction can lead to changes in behaviour and mood.

This may include increased agitation, irritability, restlessness, mood swings, impulsivity, and risky behaviour. An addict may also isolate themselves from loved ones and engage in secretive or suspicious behaviour.

4. Increased tolerance

Over time, the body may develop a tolerance to ice, meaning that higher doses are needed to achieve the desired effects.

For those using the drug ice, this can lead to increased drug use. An increase in the amount used may be a sign of addiction.

5. Withdrawal symptoms

When someone addicted to ice tries to quit or reduce their drug use, they may experience withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and intense drug cravings.

Unfortunately, this can lead to a cycle of drug use to avoid withdrawal, which is a common sign of addiction, and a problematic cycle to reach the goal of being free from ice.

Ice addiction treatment

If you are concerned about your drug use habits, or if you are seeking help for a loved one who is addicted to ice, it’s important to talk to a health professional. They can help you assess the severity of the addiction and provide treatment recommendations that are tailored to the specific needs of the individual.

Windsor House Private (WHP) seeks to empower clients to live with freedom from substance abuse including ice addiction. It is important to be in a safe and professional environment and it is important that rehabilitation from ice is supervised so that it is successful.

Our therapeutic community, capped at 12 residents and supported by our team, creates a caring and nurturing space in which clients commonly establish self-awareness of behaviours that can build the capacity to lead lives that are safe and content.

For a private, confidential chat, feel free to contact the team at Windsor House Private.