Volunteer to Stay Clean
Volunteer. Do some work with other people. Reaching out and working with others is one of the most important parts of staying clean after quitting crystal meth. Think about it. Who else can help other tweakers or former meth users the way you help each other. Most doctors do not understand what it is like to have psychosis and other meth induced problems. It is hell. Volunteering is so important to stay clean. Volunteer work is very rewarding and can be incorporated into your life. There are so many ways that you can give back to the world and make a positive difference.
Find something you like doing that makes you feel good (except dope, of course). A lot of meth users threw their ethics out the window at times, so doing things to rebuild yourself is a good thing. Try something new or pick up a hobby that you dropped when you picked up the pipe. The more things you find to replace the time you spent getting high, the better your chance of staying clean. You will need to build social networks to replace using friends, plugs, hooks, dealers, and drug networks. Some people like going to support groups like Crystal Meth Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, or others. There are online support groups and non-12 step support groups which can be extremely helpful.
Talk back to the voices in your head yelling "it wasn't that bad". You will need to give recovery a little bit of time. Consider the length of time you used drugs and how that became your normal. Now you have to adapt to another new normal. Try at least 3 months before you decide to use crystal meth and other drugs. People expect you to get better once the drug is out of your life. Addiction recovery is about more than just stopping drug use. Some addicts need a lot more time to recover than anyone realizes. Find a place where you can breathe.
If you're having a hard time stopping crystal on your own (or other drugs/alcohol) then go to rehab for as long as possible. Give yourself time to detox from drugs and start to readjust to feeling sober and dealing with cravings. Some people experience severe withdrawal symptoms when they quit using methamphetamines. If you are are going to quit on your own or are helping someone go through the detox process then stock up on high protein, healthy food, and water. Make sure to have a comfortable place to sleep. Detox can last a few days so don't rush things.
Can I Stay Clean after I Stop Smoking Meth - Quit Seeing Tina
Go to your doctor. You should have a check up if you have been using meth, heroin, cocaine, alcohol, prescription drugs or a combination thereof. People who are abusing drugs tend to re-prioritize very important things, like eating a balanced diet or getting quality sleep.
It is important to consider inpatient rehab if someone cannot stay clean after stop using crystal methamphetamine. Life on crystal meth can be extremely miserable and dangerous, depending on the person. Help is available. If you are not sure that crystal meth is a problem then check out the crystal meth denial information. It may help.
Thursday, December 21, 2017
Crystal Methamphetamine Recovery - I Quit Smoking Meth
Crystal Meth Recovery
Crystal methamphetamine addiction has been described as an epidemic. The problem with drug addiction is that it is often misunderstood or adequately treated. Persons using or recovering from drugs are oftentimes heavily stigmatized because of their use. Crystal methamphetamine is also called meth, ice, tweak, shards, glass, poor man's cocaine, g, and speed. Whatever it is called, remember, it does not define you, and you are an important person regardless of what has happened because of using.
Every person who decides to get clean will have a different recovery path ahead of them. People who have used crystal can face different issues than those who used other substances. It is important to cease the using and then to start then long process of rehabilitating the person who was using meth. The following steps will be helpful to anyone who is trying to stay clean after quitting crystal methamphetamine. While using crystal meth it is hard to pay attention to basic needs like sleep or healthy eating. The medical community is beginning to study meth's effect on the brain. For example, it has been shown that meth's effect on memory is considerable, and that can make it hard to stop. Knowing these things is helpful.
Ways to Stay Clean after Quitting Crystal
Change as many of your old habits as you can. This means staying away from people who are getting high on meth or other drugs. A lot of people who have only been addicted to crystal meth without having a problem with alcohol at the same time, end up drinking. Consider for yourself whether drinking alcohol is a good decision for you. Alcohol lowers inhibitions and decreases decision making abilities. When inhibitions are lowered the liklihood of relapse increases. Weigh whether drinking a beer is worth a relapse into meth use. It is a good idea to stay away from the liquor and even non-alcoholic beverages because they can trigger parts of the brain to start cravings. Holidays can be hard, but there are ways to have sober holiday events.
Use clean and sober housing to stay clean after quitting crystal methamphetamine. If you are able to find clean and sober housing or a halfway house with a zero tolerance for alcohol and drugs then this can be very helpful. Living in a structured environment offers boundaries. Anything you can do that will make it harder for you to get high, but is also supportive is very empowering and can help you stay clean off crystal. Some counselors will say to change "people, places, and things" or that you don't have to change anything except for everything.
Healthy Sleeping Patterns in Addiction Recovery - Crystal Meth
Addiction Recovery and Sleep Hygiene
Using alcohol and drugs takes a severe toll on the ability to get quality, refreshing sleep. In recovery, it is vital to get enough sleep. Go to bed and get up at the same time each day. This will help reset your body's clock. Crystal meth use interrupts the sleep cycle and causes problems because of sleep deprivation. Not getting enough sleep can lead to out of whack hormones, weight gain, depression, irritability and a whole lot of other emotional and health problems. Paying attention to your sleep health is very important because it is like a domino onto everything else. If you cannot sleep then seek advice from a doctor about how to fall asleep.
Get help for medical conditions that affect sleep. If you snore a lot and do not feel refreshed in the morning consider seeing a sleep doctor for possible Sleep Apnea. Sleep Apnea means that breathing stops during certain sleep cycles and because the body is trained not to die, it brings the body out of a deep sleep, but this also causes its own problems over time like fatigue, memory problems, and daytime sleepiness. Restless leg syndrome is another medical condition that affects sleep patterns. Also, pay attention to your weight. Putting on weight leads to increased blood pressure and poorer sleep.
It is important to understand you are not going back to "normal" overnight. Crystal meth has a very devastating impact on the brain. There have been studies that show that memory is intensified by crystal meth. What this means to you is that it makes it easy to daydream or fantasize about when it was good, and then those feelings to return to use are stronger because crystal meth has damaged certain centers in the brain. Using meth changes the way your brain works. Some of these changes will take weeks to months to years to heal. Educating yourself about addiction as a brain disease.
Will I Hear Voices and Hallucinate When I Quit Crystal Meth
Hallucinations and Voices after Quitting Crystal Meth
Many crystal meth users will continue to hear voices and have hallucinations long after they quit using. It is very common although rarely talked about. In fact, many doctors dismiss the fact such hightened paranoia, voices, hallucinations, etc. continues after prolonged abstinence. They are slowly learning it is true. The medical literature is not up to date with current experiences of recent crystal meth users. Make sure to be assertive with the doctor when you go.
If you have stopped using crystal meth you may experience paranoia, high anxiety, depression, and sometimes a continuation of auditory and visual hallucinations. Go to the doctor if you are still having hallucinations. If you cannot do that then talk to someone about it because it feels pretty crazy. Sometimes medication may be necessary to aid the person in quitting the voices. Crystal meth use can lead to psychosis, a scary break with reality where the user does not realize that their world is made up in their head. Once a person experiences a psychotic break it is much more likely that it will happen again. These people are at a higher risk to hear voices, experience visual hallucinations, and auditory hallucinations especially around white noise like bathroom fans, noise fans, etc. Background noise can also be a problem.
Don't be afraid to talk about this experience if you have it. Over time it becomes manageable.
Money and Finances in Addiction Recovery - Crystal Meth
Keep track of your money. Money can be a big trigger for some people when they are trying to stay clean after quitting crystal methamphetamine (or others drugs). Have someone you trust help you manage your money, if you need it. While out gacked and tweaking money plays a huge role in whether or not you use. A big relapse trigger for people is getting a paycheck because for some that is so tightly related to getting high. If you are receiving welfare or are on disability then consider getting a payee for a little while in the beginning of your recovery. Make sure that this person is someone who supports you and will not steal from you. Since you are getting in recovery from using meth you know that people will do just about anything to feed their addiction. Listen to your gut. Not everyone needs help managing their money. Sometimes talking to a friend, spouse, or 12 step meeting sponsor can help support your needs around money.
Money can also be a trigger because there is not enough of it. Some get out of treatment, jail, or just stop using and do not have money or credit. Go to the Department of Social and Health Services to see what they can do to help you. Another good resource is 12 step meetings because there are folks there who "get it".
Money can also be a trigger because there is not enough of it. Some get out of treatment, jail, or just stop using and do not have money or credit. Go to the Department of Social and Health Services to see what they can do to help you. Another good resource is 12 step meetings because there are folks there who "get it".
Addiction Recovery Using Diet and Exercise
Eat a healthy diet. This is really important. Your need to have low sugar diet because sugar mimicks drugs in the brain and will increase cravings. Most people do not or cannot eat when using meth, at least at some point, especially in the beginning when your throat is too tight to swallow. Between malnutrition and the damage done by the drug, the brain and body need a lot of healing. Eat a diet that is high in Omega 3-6-9 fatty acids (walnuts, flax seed, fish) and/or take a supplement. Getting the healthy fats are very important for brain and overall health. Take a multivitamin as well.
There is often concern about gaining weight, especially by women since they use it more for weight loss. One thing that is helpful when you quit crystal methamphetamine is to drink high protein fruit smoothies. You can make a variety of them. They taste really good and you can put fruit and vegetables in them, so this way you get more nutrition. Making a spinach fruit smoothie is very healthy and can help maintain weight (you can't taste the spinach!).
Also, make sure to eat and drink water regularly to avoid dehydration. The effects of dehydration and hunger can trick a person into craving drugs when they really need to re-hydrate and replenish the body with food and energy.
What is Meth Mouth?
Meth mouth is a condition caused by extreme or prolonged dry mouth, a side effect of using of the illegal substance crystal methamphetamine. Crystal methamphetamine is also called meth, glass, speed, and the smoke-able form of it is called "ice" because of its look. Meth can be snorted, eaten, smoked, and injected. An Oregon police officer decided to do a program called the "Faces of Meth" because he saw the incredible physical transformation of people who were arrested and tested positive for crystal meth. It sucks the life right out of you.
Meth mouth is a deterioration of a user's teeth and gums. There are ways to prevent meth mouth once it is mainly caused by prolonged dry mouth. The teeth can become blackened, stained, and/or start to rot and crumble from methamphetamine use. There is no time frame that this happens in and it is not only chronic users who experience it. Dentists suspect meth mouth is caused by a combination of factors. The first of these meth mouth risk factors is chronic dry mouth. Saliva is a protector of teeth and gums, so when it is consistently gone the teeth will start to break down. As well, persons who are using crystal meth might not take great care of their hygiene although this is very much a generalization. You cannot assume that someone with poor hygiene and teeth is using methamphetamine or any other drug. Thinking that you know everything about a person based on their looks is only ignorance. The lack of concern or plain forgetfulness a crystal meth user experiences will contribute to the problem. Crystal users tend to have trouble with linear time. Another factor is that people who use meth will reduce or stop eating. When they are coming down they crash, which consists of sleeping, eating and withdrawal symptoms. Depending on how far down the line the addict or drug abuser has gotten, he or she may not eat very well or have much food.
Crystal meth is not the only drug that causes this problem. Prescription drugs like Adderall can cause the same symptoms, but meth is the biggest culprit. Drugs that are categorized as stimulants tend to cause increased body temperature, raise blood pressure and cause severe dry mouth. It is the dry mouth that can lead to more bacteria and tooth decay. Saliva protects the teeth, gums, and mouth. Meth users also tend to grind their teeth a lot. This constant grinding breaks the teeth down, along with enamel, and causes pain in the jaw. Users also are in a state of constant dehydration and will drink whatever is available, oftentimes this can be soda, Koolaid, beer, and other not so healthy drinks, which can be full of sugar. Addicts are usually intertwined with sugar somehow. Even after quitting meth there can still be dental problems to tackle.
Although meth mouth can be a sign of crystal meth use, it is by no means the only identifier. As well, not every crystal meth user will have it, as this is a stereotype perpetuated by the media. Just like anything else there is a spectrum that meth mouth falls into, so some people can experience increased dental cavities all the way to black nubs of nerve exposed teeth that are falling out. If you are using crystal meth or something else like Ritalin, Adderall, other uppers/stimulants then you should try to take as many steps as possible to protect your teeth. Ritalin, Adderall, Cylert, Dexedrine, and other stimulants also cause the meth mouth phenomenon and can make your teeth crumble and cause other dental weaknesses. If you can take steps to stop grinding teeth that will help. Harm reduction is always the first action.
Do not make fun of the person who has this condition. Run your tongue along your own teeth and think about how important they are to your overall well-being, self-esteem, and imagine. What if you had a disease that robbed you of a once beautiful smile?
Meth mouth is a deterioration of a user's teeth and gums. There are ways to prevent meth mouth once it is mainly caused by prolonged dry mouth. The teeth can become blackened, stained, and/or start to rot and crumble from methamphetamine use. There is no time frame that this happens in and it is not only chronic users who experience it. Dentists suspect meth mouth is caused by a combination of factors. The first of these meth mouth risk factors is chronic dry mouth. Saliva is a protector of teeth and gums, so when it is consistently gone the teeth will start to break down. As well, persons who are using crystal meth might not take great care of their hygiene although this is very much a generalization. You cannot assume that someone with poor hygiene and teeth is using methamphetamine or any other drug. Thinking that you know everything about a person based on their looks is only ignorance. The lack of concern or plain forgetfulness a crystal meth user experiences will contribute to the problem. Crystal users tend to have trouble with linear time. Another factor is that people who use meth will reduce or stop eating. When they are coming down they crash, which consists of sleeping, eating and withdrawal symptoms. Depending on how far down the line the addict or drug abuser has gotten, he or she may not eat very well or have much food.
Is crystal meth the only drug that causes meth mouth?
Crystal meth is not the only drug that causes this problem. Prescription drugs like Adderall can cause the same symptoms, but meth is the biggest culprit. Drugs that are categorized as stimulants tend to cause increased body temperature, raise blood pressure and cause severe dry mouth. It is the dry mouth that can lead to more bacteria and tooth decay. Saliva protects the teeth, gums, and mouth. Meth users also tend to grind their teeth a lot. This constant grinding breaks the teeth down, along with enamel, and causes pain in the jaw. Users also are in a state of constant dehydration and will drink whatever is available, oftentimes this can be soda, Koolaid, beer, and other not so healthy drinks, which can be full of sugar. Addicts are usually intertwined with sugar somehow. Even after quitting meth there can still be dental problems to tackle.
Although meth mouth can be a sign of crystal meth use, it is by no means the only identifier. As well, not every crystal meth user will have it, as this is a stereotype perpetuated by the media. Just like anything else there is a spectrum that meth mouth falls into, so some people can experience increased dental cavities all the way to black nubs of nerve exposed teeth that are falling out. If you are using crystal meth or something else like Ritalin, Adderall, other uppers/stimulants then you should try to take as many steps as possible to protect your teeth. Ritalin, Adderall, Cylert, Dexedrine, and other stimulants also cause the meth mouth phenomenon and can make your teeth crumble and cause other dental weaknesses. If you can take steps to stop grinding teeth that will help. Harm reduction is always the first action.
Do not make fun of the person who has this condition. Run your tongue along your own teeth and think about how important they are to your overall well-being, self-esteem, and imagine. What if you had a disease that robbed you of a once beautiful smile?
What is Crystal Methamphetamine
What Is Crystal Meth?
Crystal methamphetamine is one of the most dangerous drugs to ever hit. Although crystal methamphetamine has been around for a long time, it is in the news frequently. Crystal methamphetamine has many other names, some of which are dependent upon the community that uses it. Some of the slang terms for crystal methamphetamine are crystal, crystal meth, meth, g, glass, shards, Tina, sh*t, ice, shabu, and others. In its most pure form, crystal meth looks sort of like rock salt or pieces of ice, hence the name.
Ice is considered the most pure form of crystal methamphetamine and is typically smoked. It can be inhaled and injected as well. This is the form that has been ravaging men, women, young and old, all around the country and some parts of the world. Although there is a self-imposed hierarchy of denial among users of crystal methamphetamine, it does not matter a whole lot what route of administration you use. If you "only smoke it" that does not make you better than someone who slams it, just like someone snorting it is not any less addicted than someone smoking it. Crystal meth users tend to heavily rationalize their use and the consequences. The crystal meth denial is different than other drugs.
Why Is Crystal Methamphetamine So Addictive?
One thing that is both understood and denied is the incredible addictiveness of crystal methamphetamine. What make crystal methamphetamine so addictive is what it does to the brain. When a person sees someone they like, eats chocolate, laughs, has sex, and does other things that they enjoy, the brain releases a chemical called dopamine. When a person uses crystal methamphetamine the brain releases dopamine in levels that the body can never naturally reach. The use of the substance overwhelms the brain with this and other chemicals. Part of the problem, which is appealing to users, is that crystal lasts for several hours. Because of this, it makes it very hard to appeal to the user, and it makes it addicting in a short amount of time. What goes up must come down, and when someone who has been using comes down there is a chaotic mess happening in their brain. Depending on how long the person has been using, they may not produce their own dopamine, so acquiring the meth is very important just to return to a normal feeling. Studies are being done on the relationship between meth and memory. It has shown that meth's effect on memory is profound, and this causes harder cravings and other thoughts of using because the meth makes it hard to forget.
The way people ingest drugs increases consequences. An IV user might spiral down faster than someone else. But, this does not mean any routes are safe. Crystal meth is dangerous, not the pipe. Many people try vigorously to control their use by controlling the ways they ingest crystal meth. There is a false thought that if you "do not do it _____ way" then you are or will be okay. This is the illusion of crystal methamphetamine and other addictions. If you find yourself saying those things then you should probably look at whether or not you are having any consequences, at all, from using crystal methamphetamine. It is possible to stop using meth and stay clean though.
What Is Meth Mouth?
Meth mouth, the deterioration of teeth and gums, is a side effect scare tactic shown by many to curb or repel those who have not yet done crystal methamphetamine. It has to be for them because those who are already using meth know that their bodies are being ravaged by a poison. Unfortunately, all of the attention on meth mouth has turned some into targets. A large causal factor of meth mouth is chronic dry mouth and grinding your teeth. Having a dry mouth is very bad for your teeth. Other substances cause dry mouth and this "meth mouth" syndrome. These are Ritalin, Adderall, Cylert, Dexedrine, Oxy, Lithium, and other medications that suck the moisture out of you.
It is possible to prevent meth mouth. Learning to stop grinding teeth and keep hydrated will help a lot. Of course, stopping the use of crystal meth and others like it will help much more. One important thing to note is that not everyone who uses crystal methamphetamine will have this condition. As well, not everyone who has this condition is using or has used crystal meth. So, be cautious of your judgments.
Crystal Methamphetamine and Sexuality
Crystal meth increases impulsiveness, an understatement. While doing that it heightens a person's desire for sexual behaviors. Some people engage in physical activity. Some people become obsessed with pornography. Some cheat on their partners or spouses. Some turn to prostitution. For a lot of users, there is some compulsive sexual behavior that is acted out on meth. Because of this the rates of unwanted pregnancy, abortions, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), HIV, and other problems are occuring. These create shame and make users indulge more to find comfort. It is important to use plenty of lube and condoms to prevent disease, for anyone.
Often people think sex is better on meth. This creates a huge problem when they stop because they believe they wont ever enjoy it again. For some people, this one takes time to get used to clean, but it's more of a distorted thought than an ultimate truth. Meth and sex is the ugly side that people usually don't want to talk about. Shame should not keep you quiet though and it will not help a person heal from what crystal meth does to you.
Crystal methamphetamine is a devastating problem for men who sleep with men (MSM), whether they are gay or bisexual. Because of the super increased sex drive it wrecked havoc on a community that had finally had safe sex and disease fairly well contained. Crystal has driven a wedge between people within a community, some of which do not yet want to see or acknowledge that it is a problem, and not just their brothers have it. Crystal meth is taking a toll on lesbian, queer, and otherwise not straight women. Because men tend to get sutured first, gay or straight, they have a lot of crystal meth support groups, many of them based on the concept of peer support. Support groups for women and crystal are finally popping up.
Crystal and other drugs are used as party drugs. There are sometimes anonymous party and play encounters that happen. This is not to say that using crystal meth, partying, and having sex are exclusive to the gay or bisexual community. Not at all. It should be noted that the highest rising group of HIV infection is in women.
Crystal Methamphetamine Depression and Recovery
Recovery from crystal methamphetamine is possible. If you want treatment, find it, and get into recovery. There are Crystal Meth Anonymous meetings in many cities or other online support groups you can utilize. Stopping meth is not an easy task. The trick that meth pulls on some is a prolonged depression. Depending on how long crystal was used, and other factors, it will be harder for some to quit. It's hard to feel your body not making the right chemicals it needs to be happy. Sometimes when users crash or stop they can have difficulty talking, walking, and using basic motor functions. But, all of this is very dependent on the amount being used and other factors. It is a personal fight. It is not easy to stop, but it is possible and people are doing it. Being prepared to feel bad for awhile, until your brain starts working by itself again, can prepare you. Not everyone has a hard time. Some doctors are starting to use medications to stimulate the brain, such as Wellbutrin. Making your situation better than it is right now is a good goal. It is the staying stopped that is the hard part, for any substance addiction problem.
Crystal methamphetamine is one of the most dangerous drugs to ever hit. Although crystal methamphetamine has been around for a long time, it is in the news frequently. Crystal methamphetamine has many other names, some of which are dependent upon the community that uses it. Some of the slang terms for crystal methamphetamine are crystal, crystal meth, meth, g, glass, shards, Tina, sh*t, ice, shabu, and others. In its most pure form, crystal meth looks sort of like rock salt or pieces of ice, hence the name.
Ice is considered the most pure form of crystal methamphetamine and is typically smoked. It can be inhaled and injected as well. This is the form that has been ravaging men, women, young and old, all around the country and some parts of the world. Although there is a self-imposed hierarchy of denial among users of crystal methamphetamine, it does not matter a whole lot what route of administration you use. If you "only smoke it" that does not make you better than someone who slams it, just like someone snorting it is not any less addicted than someone smoking it. Crystal meth users tend to heavily rationalize their use and the consequences. The crystal meth denial is different than other drugs.
Why Is Crystal Methamphetamine So Addictive?
One thing that is both understood and denied is the incredible addictiveness of crystal methamphetamine. What make crystal methamphetamine so addictive is what it does to the brain. When a person sees someone they like, eats chocolate, laughs, has sex, and does other things that they enjoy, the brain releases a chemical called dopamine. When a person uses crystal methamphetamine the brain releases dopamine in levels that the body can never naturally reach. The use of the substance overwhelms the brain with this and other chemicals. Part of the problem, which is appealing to users, is that crystal lasts for several hours. Because of this, it makes it very hard to appeal to the user, and it makes it addicting in a short amount of time. What goes up must come down, and when someone who has been using comes down there is a chaotic mess happening in their brain. Depending on how long the person has been using, they may not produce their own dopamine, so acquiring the meth is very important just to return to a normal feeling. Studies are being done on the relationship between meth and memory. It has shown that meth's effect on memory is profound, and this causes harder cravings and other thoughts of using because the meth makes it hard to forget.
The way people ingest drugs increases consequences. An IV user might spiral down faster than someone else. But, this does not mean any routes are safe. Crystal meth is dangerous, not the pipe. Many people try vigorously to control their use by controlling the ways they ingest crystal meth. There is a false thought that if you "do not do it _____ way" then you are or will be okay. This is the illusion of crystal methamphetamine and other addictions. If you find yourself saying those things then you should probably look at whether or not you are having any consequences, at all, from using crystal methamphetamine. It is possible to stop using meth and stay clean though.
What Is Meth Mouth?
Meth mouth, the deterioration of teeth and gums, is a side effect scare tactic shown by many to curb or repel those who have not yet done crystal methamphetamine. It has to be for them because those who are already using meth know that their bodies are being ravaged by a poison. Unfortunately, all of the attention on meth mouth has turned some into targets. A large causal factor of meth mouth is chronic dry mouth and grinding your teeth. Having a dry mouth is very bad for your teeth. Other substances cause dry mouth and this "meth mouth" syndrome. These are Ritalin, Adderall, Cylert, Dexedrine, Oxy, Lithium, and other medications that suck the moisture out of you.
It is possible to prevent meth mouth. Learning to stop grinding teeth and keep hydrated will help a lot. Of course, stopping the use of crystal meth and others like it will help much more. One important thing to note is that not everyone who uses crystal methamphetamine will have this condition. As well, not everyone who has this condition is using or has used crystal meth. So, be cautious of your judgments.
Crystal Methamphetamine and Sexuality
Crystal meth increases impulsiveness, an understatement. While doing that it heightens a person's desire for sexual behaviors. Some people engage in physical activity. Some people become obsessed with pornography. Some cheat on their partners or spouses. Some turn to prostitution. For a lot of users, there is some compulsive sexual behavior that is acted out on meth. Because of this the rates of unwanted pregnancy, abortions, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), HIV, and other problems are occuring. These create shame and make users indulge more to find comfort. It is important to use plenty of lube and condoms to prevent disease, for anyone.
Often people think sex is better on meth. This creates a huge problem when they stop because they believe they wont ever enjoy it again. For some people, this one takes time to get used to clean, but it's more of a distorted thought than an ultimate truth. Meth and sex is the ugly side that people usually don't want to talk about. Shame should not keep you quiet though and it will not help a person heal from what crystal meth does to you.
Crystal methamphetamine is a devastating problem for men who sleep with men (MSM), whether they are gay or bisexual. Because of the super increased sex drive it wrecked havoc on a community that had finally had safe sex and disease fairly well contained. Crystal has driven a wedge between people within a community, some of which do not yet want to see or acknowledge that it is a problem, and not just their brothers have it. Crystal meth is taking a toll on lesbian, queer, and otherwise not straight women. Because men tend to get sutured first, gay or straight, they have a lot of crystal meth support groups, many of them based on the concept of peer support. Support groups for women and crystal are finally popping up.
Crystal and other drugs are used as party drugs. There are sometimes anonymous party and play encounters that happen. This is not to say that using crystal meth, partying, and having sex are exclusive to the gay or bisexual community. Not at all. It should be noted that the highest rising group of HIV infection is in women.
Crystal Methamphetamine Depression and Recovery
Recovery from crystal methamphetamine is possible. If you want treatment, find it, and get into recovery. There are Crystal Meth Anonymous meetings in many cities or other online support groups you can utilize. Stopping meth is not an easy task. The trick that meth pulls on some is a prolonged depression. Depending on how long crystal was used, and other factors, it will be harder for some to quit. It's hard to feel your body not making the right chemicals it needs to be happy. Sometimes when users crash or stop they can have difficulty talking, walking, and using basic motor functions. But, all of this is very dependent on the amount being used and other factors. It is a personal fight. It is not easy to stop, but it is possible and people are doing it. Being prepared to feel bad for awhile, until your brain starts working by itself again, can prepare you. Not everyone has a hard time. Some doctors are starting to use medications to stimulate the brain, such as Wellbutrin. Making your situation better than it is right now is a good goal. It is the staying stopped that is the hard part, for any substance addiction problem.
How to Recognize Denial of Crystal Meth Addiction
Crystal methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant that is very addictive and does not care about you. An illegal drug, it is also known as ice, crystal methamphetamine, tweak, crystal, meth, g, glass, shards, Tina, and other street names. It does not care about the color of your skin or your socioeconomic status, who you are attracted to, whether you're young or old, if you had a nice childhood, your gender, or anything else about you. As with and other substances it does not see a person and only serves to impact brain chemicals. The important thing to remember is that addiction is a brain disease. Addicts have many justifications to keep using. Many times these rationalizations only make sense to the addict. Recognizing the points of denial can help you start to confront the addiction whether it's your own or someone you know.
They sound illogical. This is likely addiction fueled and not necessarily about overt lying. Listen for contradictions. One of the most common statements made by addicts in denial who are still trying to prove their control is a simple statement, "I don't let it control me."
Pay attention to comparison statements.
Crystal meth users have some specific denial around their drug use making their comparison statements slightly unique. Drug abusers/addicts use these as a way to minimize their use. Paranoia is a severe problem with methamphetamine users. People who use crystal tend to compare their paranoia against other people who use. You'll often hear a person say that he or she does not hallucinate or see "tree people".
Within the crystal meth community there is a strong stigma surrounding route of administration of the drug. This creates a way to deny severity of addiction. Crystal users try to defend their addiction by believing the way they use the drug makes them less "bad" or addicted. It's common to hear minimization like "at least I don't shoot it," "only" smoking it or "just" snorting, but it only makes a difference in their mind. Any time an addict can compare the way he or she is using against someone who might be seen as worse it calms the inner turmoil. Crystal methamphetamine is an addictive drug regardless of the way it is used.
If you don't know whether or not someone is using gather evidence to crack their denial. This doesn't mean go on a drug search, but tracking a person's behavior. Meth addicts can often exhibit strange behavior because of the drug's affect on the brain. Crystal effects sleeping and eating patterns. They may appear fidgety, grinding teeth. Sometimes people forget their personal grooming habits. Some people are unable to eat depending where the person is in their cycle of use. A common tweaker denial phrase is, "I sleep every night." Paying attention to behavior is important to picking up on cues. The addict may not even realize that he or she is lying which is why presenting evidence that contradicts their words and behavior can serve as proof that there is at least a drug problem present. Whether or not an actual addiction exists can only be diagnosed by a certified counselor or doctor.
Example of erratic behavior by a mother: Leaving in the middle of the night to drive across the state without saying goodbye to her family, staying up for three or four days in a row, inability to not drink alcohol for a night or important event even when specifically asked by a family member.
Pay attention to specific denial, comparison, and inconsistent statements. Try keeping a journal if you are trying to find out whether someone is using denying crystal meth. Many conversations will be met with denial and anger however when the addict is faced with evidence instead of emotion (being yelled at, etc.) then it's harder to deny.
If the addict/abuser is you then think about what you do to get high. This is one way you can come to the recognition of your denial about your crystal meth use. If you don't believe that tweak is a problem for you but you use and have found some of the other statements familiar then think about whether you've done anything while using ice that you thought you'd never do and/or if you've crossed your boundaries, morals, ethics, and beliefs to get dope, stay high, or because you end up in a crazy environment because of your connections. Take a look at the people you associate with while you're high. This is not about passing judgment but to determine whether or not you're around trustworthy people and being one yourself. For some, meth leads to crime. If you're around people that are committing robbery, breaking into cars, stealing mail, or cooking dope then there is a level of desperation to maintain an addiction -- you do what is necessary to stay high. If you don't have a bag of dope would the friends stay? Sometimes it's really hard to look at this honestly because addicts and drug users rely heavily on each other to maintain their habits. Separating friendship and drug partner is hard.
Addiction takes an emotional toll on everyone involved. Addicts are filled with guilt even though they act self-centered. People who are not guilty don't make up these insane justifications for their behaviors around drug use. This usually means that some place in the person's core is an awareness that he or she is no longer in full control of the use of crystal meth regardless of the reasons the drug was tried in the first place. An innocent line can so often lead to a devastating addiction or severe drug abuse. If you wonder whether you have a problem with crystal (or alcohol/other drugs) you probably do.
Addiction is not a moral weakness. Consider rehab for crystal meth addiction. It gives the mind and body time to start healing.
Online NA meetings are helpful. This article should not substitute for medical advice and is not intended to cure, treat, or diagnose a medical condition.
They sound illogical. This is likely addiction fueled and not necessarily about overt lying. Listen for contradictions. One of the most common statements made by addicts in denial who are still trying to prove their control is a simple statement, "I don't let it control me."
Pay attention to comparison statements.
Crystal meth users have some specific denial around their drug use making their comparison statements slightly unique. Drug abusers/addicts use these as a way to minimize their use. Paranoia is a severe problem with methamphetamine users. People who use crystal tend to compare their paranoia against other people who use. You'll often hear a person say that he or she does not hallucinate or see "tree people".
Within the crystal meth community there is a strong stigma surrounding route of administration of the drug. This creates a way to deny severity of addiction. Crystal users try to defend their addiction by believing the way they use the drug makes them less "bad" or addicted. It's common to hear minimization like "at least I don't shoot it," "only" smoking it or "just" snorting, but it only makes a difference in their mind. Any time an addict can compare the way he or she is using against someone who might be seen as worse it calms the inner turmoil. Crystal methamphetamine is an addictive drug regardless of the way it is used.
Observe Behavior
If you don't know whether or not someone is using gather evidence to crack their denial. This doesn't mean go on a drug search, but tracking a person's behavior. Meth addicts can often exhibit strange behavior because of the drug's affect on the brain. Crystal effects sleeping and eating patterns. They may appear fidgety, grinding teeth. Sometimes people forget their personal grooming habits. Some people are unable to eat depending where the person is in their cycle of use. A common tweaker denial phrase is, "I sleep every night." Paying attention to behavior is important to picking up on cues. The addict may not even realize that he or she is lying which is why presenting evidence that contradicts their words and behavior can serve as proof that there is at least a drug problem present. Whether or not an actual addiction exists can only be diagnosed by a certified counselor or doctor.
Example of erratic behavior by a mother: Leaving in the middle of the night to drive across the state without saying goodbye to her family, staying up for three or four days in a row, inability to not drink alcohol for a night or important event even when specifically asked by a family member.
Pay attention to specific denial, comparison, and inconsistent statements. Try keeping a journal if you are trying to find out whether someone is using denying crystal meth. Many conversations will be met with denial and anger however when the addict is faced with evidence instead of emotion (being yelled at, etc.) then it's harder to deny.
If the addict/abuser is you then think about what you do to get high. This is one way you can come to the recognition of your denial about your crystal meth use. If you don't believe that tweak is a problem for you but you use and have found some of the other statements familiar then think about whether you've done anything while using ice that you thought you'd never do and/or if you've crossed your boundaries, morals, ethics, and beliefs to get dope, stay high, or because you end up in a crazy environment because of your connections. Take a look at the people you associate with while you're high. This is not about passing judgment but to determine whether or not you're around trustworthy people and being one yourself. For some, meth leads to crime. If you're around people that are committing robbery, breaking into cars, stealing mail, or cooking dope then there is a level of desperation to maintain an addiction -- you do what is necessary to stay high. If you don't have a bag of dope would the friends stay? Sometimes it's really hard to look at this honestly because addicts and drug users rely heavily on each other to maintain their habits. Separating friendship and drug partner is hard.
Addiction takes an emotional toll on everyone involved. Addicts are filled with guilt even though they act self-centered. People who are not guilty don't make up these insane justifications for their behaviors around drug use. This usually means that some place in the person's core is an awareness that he or she is no longer in full control of the use of crystal meth regardless of the reasons the drug was tried in the first place. An innocent line can so often lead to a devastating addiction or severe drug abuse. If you wonder whether you have a problem with crystal (or alcohol/other drugs) you probably do.
Addiction is not a moral weakness. Consider rehab for crystal meth addiction. It gives the mind and body time to start healing.
Online NA meetings are helpful. This article should not substitute for medical advice and is not intended to cure, treat, or diagnose a medical condition.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Crystal Methamphetamine Addiction Recovery
Crystal Methamphetamine Addiction
Addiction to crystal methamphetamine is horrible, a house of mirrors. Sadly, addiction does not take long and depending on other factors, such as genetics, strength of the drug at the time, trauma history, using other drugs, trying crystal meth can quickly turn to occasional use then abuse and soon enough full-blown crystal methamphetamine addiction. Recovery from meth addiction and quitting altogether might not occur to the user, but slowing down or changing the way its ingested will eventually creep in. Most people who wind up addicted to crystal methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, pills, other opiates, hallucinogens typically experience denial, and depending on the drug and the person, the addiction denial is deep and scary.
Crystal meth denial is strong, but it can be broken through if you know what to look for or if you get help. This happens to both genders as well as a variety of ages. A lot of users attempt to quit crystal methamphetamine, but they do not know what is in store for them. Because of the grip that crystal has on the brain it will cause strange side effects during withdrawal. Although crystal meth withdrawal is different for everyone there is usually an extreme fatigue that occurs as well as a depression. If you have someone close to you who has recently quit using meth then getting educated about what is going on for them is helpful. It is also helpful if the meth addict is able to get info themselves.
Whether you go to treatment or have stopped using crystal on your own, it is helpful to know what to expect over time. You can also learn how to stay clean after quitting crystal meth, other than the advice of "hey, go to a meeting". There is hope after using crystal meth. It might take a long time depending on how much you were using or the people that you were around because often meth comes with violence. If you are experiencing nightmares, flashbacks to bad events, or an increased startle reflex (jump out of your chair when someone walks in the room), then you should consider talking to a counselor. Just always remember that there is hope and over time your brain will normalize. Eating right, sleeping, avoiding alcohol, and other things can help the process. Reading some information on assertiveness can also help your recovery. If you can learn how to be assertive and maintain boundaries then you will have a better shot at staying clean.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Suboxone Resources: Quit Opiates With Suboxone/Buprenorphine/Subutex
Quit Opiates with Medication - Suboxone aka Buprenorphine
Addiction to opiates is hard to kick. Heroin, Oxycontin, and other opiates are very easy to get addicted to and then extremely hard to stop. One aspect that makes it hard to quit opiates is because of the withdrawal. It is physically and mentally anguishing, and although it does not last too many days at its prime sickness, those first few days kicking are hardMany people have heard about methadone, but now there is something different called Suboxone*. You can quit opiates with Suboxone/Buprenorphine or Subutex. Often you will be started on Subutex and switched to Suboxone. Using Suboxone to quit opiates will help you get your life back. Suboxone is a form of medication assisted treatment and it is finally allowing opiate addicts to be treated for addiction inside of a doctor's office instead of having to go to a special clinic. The Suboxone treats addiction as a medical condition, which it is.
Suboxone helps people quit opiates and stay off of them. Doing this, no matter what route you take, is not going to be easy. Even quitting opiates with Suboxone/Buprenorphine is hard. Withdrawal is the beginning of a long process of healing. Make sure to find a good Suboxone doctor to help you quit opiates.
I've met countless addicts, many of them addicted to opiates, and in my experience there are many opiate addicts who have an inherent level of pain, innate, a pain so strong that it drove the person to a drug with the stigma associated with heroin. When people quit opiates, Suboxone, Buprenorphine, Methadone, or cold turkey, that original pain will eventually surface, so be prepared to deal with any darkness that needs light.
Suboxone is a mix of Buprenorphine and Naloxone. Suboxone is often misspelled as Suboxin, Suboxon, Suboxen. Buprenorphine is sometimes just called Bup and also spelled incorrectly as Bupenorfin, Bupenorphin.
Suboxone resources. Quit opiates with Suboxone/Buprenorphine.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew - Good or Bad for Addiction
Celebrity Alcoholics and Addicts in Rehab on a Reality Show
Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew Pinsky was a reality show about addiction started in January 2008. Dr. Drew hoped Celebrity Rehab would help save lives, dispel ignorance about addiction, and show that going to rehab isn't a 21-day vacation from your problems; drug rehab is hard, emotional work, and addiction treatment is only the beginning of the long road to recovery.A reality show. Celebrities. Rehab. A mix of men and women from a variety of backgrounds with one thing in common -- addiction. Celebrities who've lost their children, careers, job offers, beauty, fame, fortune, and much more. Celebrity Rehab showing celebrity addicts coping with addictions going through withdrawal and rehab was sure to air some crazy, wild television.
Some viewers may ask if Celebrity Rehab is merely a scripted reality show made by blood-sucking vulturous vampires preying on celebrity drug addicts and alcoholics lining everyone's pockets to produce the show. The truth is there is incentive for the celebrities to agree to go to rehab and publicize their detox and addiction treatment process. These celebrity addicts and alcoholics who agree to go to rehab at Pasadena Recovery Center not only get free treatment (worth approximately $50,000 to $60,000) and receive a prorated stipend once per week to stay on Celebrity Rehab and continue with their addiction treatment.
Maybe the money is the reason they agree to go to rehab, some celebrities have lost their fame, family, wealth, careers, and tried repeatedly to stop using drugs. I know addicts, alcoholics, cravings, withdrawal, rehab, relapse, recovery, so if getting these celebrities into free treatment and paying them incentive money to stay can help them then maybe it's worth it.
Dr. Drew stated in an interview that the media exploits addiction and addicted celebrities, and I agree. He uses Britney Spears as an example. She is parading around partying, but the media and paparazzi are only interested in taking the most embarrassing photo or video to degrade her. Dr. Drew is a physician who specialized in addiction medicine and treats all sorts of people with addiction, including dual diagnosis. He treats celebrity addicts, but the Pasadena Recovery Center is not just a "celebrity" alcohol and drug treatment center. I don't believe Dr. Drew Pinsky had any malicious intent or a goal to harm any of the alcohol or drug dependent substance abusers who came through his doors for rehab.
The purpose of Celebrity Rehab was to raise awareness about addiction, likely using celebrity drug addicts to attract viewers, however after relapses and five celebrities who died surrounding a relapse, Dr. Drew Pinsky decided to end the show because of the media criticism blaming him for five celebrities who died after their appearance on Celebrity Rehab. Celebrity or not, a stay in rehab does not cure addiction, and relapse rates are high; because these celebrities appeared on the show and then passed away they are forever tied to the show. There were many celebrities who were helped by Celebrity Rehab and went from rock bottom to working again and living in recovery.
People claim Dr. Drew's Celebrity Rehab is not about helping addicts, it's bad for addiction, and a way to exploit addiction by using celebrities. If Celebrity Rehab wasn't about people recovering from addiction, but instead recovering from cancer I wonder if Dr. Drew's show would have undergone such scrutiny. Addiction is a disease but addicts in remission aren't celebrated like a cancer patient.
Watch Celebrity Rehab and decide for yourself whether the show helped or hurt addicts and the perception of addiction. Some scenes may seem overdone, but the truth is your watching people publicly struggle with addiction and drug abuse, some for the first time, and even though they're celebrities, they are still addicts, real people going through real detox and treatment.
Be Safe.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Chronic Pain Issues in Recovery
Chronic Pain in Addiction Recovery
Chronic pain is a serious and sensitive issue without the added stress of being in recovery from alcohol and drugs. Everyone does recovery differently and for those who attend 12 step meetings there is a lot of pressure to be perfect in your recovery. According to Narcotics Anonymous as long as you are taking your medication as prescribed, according to the label and doctor's orders, then you are still clean even if you are using narcotic pain medication. But, not many other NA members will let you in on this because the total abstinence theory or model is more important. We cannot deny that addicts and alcoholics will indeed suffer with chronic pain or go through periods of time when they have to use pain medication because of surgery or some other illness. Chronic pain offers a unique case though because it tends to require ongoing use of pain pills.
The following articles are useful resources for anyone who has chronic pain even without having an issue with addiction/recovery. However, they are very helpful for someone trying to balance both issues and stay healthy.
Learn how to cope with chronic pain when you are a recovering addict.
Read a Methadone pain pill review. Granted, this one will not work for everyone, so keep in mind it's only a review by someone professing to use Methadone solely for pain reasons.
Prepare for the time when you need to stop taking the pain pills for your condition. Being ready for withdrawal of opiate pain medication in recovery or as a person dealing with chronic pain is important.
More articles and information are being added soon. I've been gone for awhile and apologize to anyone who came here for information and was let down. (5-24-16)
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Writing About Addiction Without Triggering Drug Cravings
If you're an addict who reads about addiction it is quite hard to do it sometimes without being severely triggered by people with good intentions. So often I see someone who has written an article or web page about getting clean, stopping a drug cold turkey, finding a rehab, and then they put big pictures of the drug or syringes on the article. It goes from being helpful to harmful.
This articles details how to write with an addict in mind, how to write about addiction without triggering drug cravings. Granted, there are always going to be triggering topics when an alcoholic or addict reads about addiction because they are programmed to respond to the stimuli, but reading this will help writers effectively talk about addiction with some understanding of what not to do.
Take the time to learn to write about addiction without triggering cravings. If you at least have this in mind while writing you are one step ahead of many and the folks in recovery will surely appreciate this gesture.
This articles details how to write with an addict in mind, how to write about addiction without triggering drug cravings. Granted, there are always going to be triggering topics when an alcoholic or addict reads about addiction because they are programmed to respond to the stimuli, but reading this will help writers effectively talk about addiction with some understanding of what not to do.
Take the time to learn to write about addiction without triggering cravings. If you at least have this in mind while writing you are one step ahead of many and the folks in recovery will surely appreciate this gesture.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)