Non-Alcoholic Drink Recipe - Halloween Mocktail

Halloween Party Mocktail Recipe

Some people's most favorite time of year is Halloween. Throwing a Halloween party would not be complete without getting mocktail recipes. Although it seems like the thing to do, it is very possible to have fun without getting drunk. If you serve liquor at your Halloween party make sure to offer alternatives for designated drivers and non-drinkers.  Give these non-alcoholic mocktails a try.

Plan for lots of food at your Halloween party. Food helps prevents people from getting drunk too quickly because it absorbs alcohol.  Non-alcoholic mocktails are great for children's/kid's Halloween parties, too.  Kids love fancy drinks.

Non-alcoholic Mocktail Recipes for Holiday Parties

Here are a couple of Halloween party non-alcoholic mocktail recipes for your party this year. Great at any holiday party. Adults and kids love them.

Non-alcoholic Punch

Sherbet ice cream and 7-up.  In a big punch bowl, add a half gallon of Sherbet ice cream, and then pour in up to a two liter of 7-up, Ginger Ale, or Squirt. This non-alcoholic punch is a great mocktail.  For the alcohol version, add 1/2 of a pink of vodka.

Healthy Mocktail

The Red Tornado is a Halloween mocktail recipe that was on the Dr. Oz show. This non-alcoholic recipe makes a healthy mocktail that includes magnesium, Vitamin C, Quercetin, and other vitamins. The ingredients for this healthy non-alcoholic mocktail recipe are Basil, Tangerine juice, Pineapple juice, Apple juice, and Beet juice.

Place two large basil leaves in a martini glass or Halloween themed party glasses.
Pour 3 oz. of Tangerine juice.
Add 1.5 oz of Pineapple juice to the basil and Tangerine juice Pour in 1 oz of Apple juice with the basil, Tangerine juice, and Pineapple juice.
Top it off with 1 oz of Beet juice.
Shake the basil, Tangerine, Pineapple, and Apple juice.
Strain the juice after shaking it.
Pour the mix into a Halloween party mocktail glasses and add ice.
The adult version of this non-alcoholic Halloween mocktail recipe has vodka in it.

Harry Potter Inspired Halloween Mocktail

The Chinese Firebolt* was named after someone called Harry Potter. Try this easy non-alcoholic mocktail recipe for a Halloween party.

1 tablespoon cherry grenadine syrup
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 can or bottle soda pop (not Soda, but soda pop, like a cola or Pepsi)
1 slice of lemon

Mix and drink.

Holiday Mocktail - Shirley Temple

6 fluid ounces lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage

1 dash grenadine syrup

1 maraschino cherry

Mix grenadine and lemon lime soda together.
Add a cherry.
Try Squirt or Ginger Ale.
Serve over ice.

Alcohol Free Drinks for Holiday Parties

Non-alcoholic drinks are easy to make.  Most cocktails are easily altered by making them alcohol free.  Sparkling cider is another good mocktail. It tastes a bit like apple juice, but it comes in a big bottle like champagne.

These non-alcoholic mocktail recipes are great for Halloween, Christmas, and other holiday parties. Drink non-alcoholic mocktails at a New Year's Eve Party, the most dangerous night of the year.  Mocktails are a good alternative all year round.

Lighted Wreaths and Artificial Trees for Christmas

Pre-Lit LED Christmas Wreaths

A popular holiday door, porch, and patio holiday decoration is a Christmas wreath. Some wreaths are hung out for the holidays as an early welcoming for Thanksgiving then left up through the Christmas holiday. There are either artificial Christmas wreaths or live wreaths, but the one you are most likely to find is an artificial pre-lit wreath to use as a patio decoration for Christmas.

I recommend the LED Cordless Christmas or Holiday Wreath:

Pre-Lit Battery Operated Artificial Christmas Wreath - This 24" LED pre-lit Christmas wreath is easy to hang. It runs on 3 AAA batteries. This holiday wreath has 50 LED lights to make it a pretty holiday patio decoration. It looks good hanging on the front door as a welcoming for all of the fall and winter holidays.

There are many other pre-lit Christmas wreath choices. You can choose from a wreath that is full of greenery with lights in it or one that looks like a cranberry wreath. The same goes for choosing the right sized wreath for the patio. Hang re-lit holiday patio decorations from doors, gates, garages. Pick size accordingly. Lighted wreaths range from 18 to 30 inches. The 24 inch pre-lit Christmas wreath is about the perfect size and welcomes everyone.

Lighted Garland Patio Decorations

Pre-lit garland is another holiday patio decoration. Garland is a popular Christmas decoration that is often seen laying out on the fireplace mantel or in a Thanksgiving table decoration. There is also lighted garland for outside use. Using this pre-lit garland you can wrap around a mailbox, the rails heading up the patio, or you can put it alongside the window frame. Many people also use garland in a candle light display. The pre-lit garland comes in white LED lights or multi-colored lights.

Pre-Lit Artificial Christmas Trees for the Patio

Pre-lit artificial trees are a great patio decoration for the holidays. Although Christmas trees are often thought of as inside decorations there are those who love to share their Christmas spirit with passersby. One way is decorating the patio with holiday decorations. The short 4 ft pre-lit artificial Christmas trees seem like a nice choice. These lighted trees are used to line the steps of a patio or the put on the porch. Some stores sell these in pairs. The bottoms are in a container like an urn to keep it stable so the tree doesn't fall over. You can put these short pre-lit trees on either side of your front door as a welcoming. These also work as Thanksgiving decorations.

Lighted Spiral Trees

Another favorite holiday patio and yard decoration is the lighted spiral tree. They are usually around 4 feet to 6 feet tall and come in a triple pack. Some of the lighted trees that come in the package of three are also three different sizes. The lighted spiral trees come in a couple of different varieties. There are some that use rope lights to wrap around a metal pole that creates the look of a round, spiral tree. These rope light spiral trees are popular. There are also garland spiral trees that have the same look as the rope light spiral tree except it has the look of greenery. There are spiral trees that are done in white lights and there are also multi-colored spiral trees.

One of the coolest spiral tree is the Blue LED Spiral Tree. Another very popular pre-lit spiral tree decoration is the Outdoor Spiral Christmas Tree Set. This spiral tree set for the holidays is pictured at the top of the page. It comes with two pre-lit holiday patio spiral tree decorations.

Holiday Lighted Patio and Porch Decorations

Add inflatable animated decorations and window decorations to your holiday decor. These pre-lit decorations are either cordless or battery operated. Buy batteries with your decorations. 

Use common sense around electricity and lights. People die every year from watering their Christmas tree and getting electrocuted.  Be sure to read the directions.  And follow them!!

Mix your pre-lit holiday patio and porch decorations and win for best holiday decorations in the neighborhood!

Happy Holidays!

Lighted Holiday Patio Decorations - PreLit Decor

Lighted Patio Decor for the Holidays

The winter holidays are a unique time of year. People show their seasonal spirit with holiday decorations, including Christmas decorations, Thanksgiving decorations, and others. If you want to decorate your outside areas like a patio, garage, fence, walkway, or porch then there are tons of choices. A popular outside decoration is the pre-lit holiday patio decorations. These pre-lit patio decorations are things like pre-lit wreaths, pre-lit artificial trees, lighted Christmas trees for the patio or porch, and some lighted decorations.

Some of very popular pre-lit holiday patio decorations include shaped lights, pre-lit wreaths, lighted garland, and artificial Christmas trees.  These lighted holiday decorations welcome family and friends for the holidays. More pre-lit holiday patio decorations to consider:

Pre-lit Decorations for the Holidays

There are all sorts of pre-lit yard decoration that can be used to decorate the patio and porch area. No one said that when you decorate a patio for the holidays that it has to begin and end there. Spruce up your yard by lining walkway with white, blue, green, or even multicolored rope lights or try lighted candy cane decorations. Looking for eco-friendly Christmas decor?  Try solar Christmas decorations. Pre-lit holiday decorations are more detailed since they're made by the manufacturer.

Lighted Snowflakes for the Porch or Patio

The lighted snowflakes can be used anywhere. Some people put a star or a snowflake on the top of their house, maybe as a marker for Santa. Others put pre-lit snowflakes above their garage or on a fence. There are some pre-lit snowflakes that are a perfect size to be used as a holiday patio decoration.

• Twinkling Snowflake Pre Lit Yard Decoration in Blue & White - this lighted holiday patio decoration has 70 mini blue lights that makes the snowflake twinkle.

• Phillips 42" LED Twinkle Snowflake - this patio and yard decoration is great for putting on the wall. It is a good size lighted decoration that can be put almost anywhere. This would look great on a back wall as part of a porch decorated for Christmas or even as a welcoming Thanksgiving decoration.

• Bethlehem Lighting Indoor/Outdoor Mega Star Christmas Light Sphere - these are unique Christmas decorations for your porch. They are spheres in different colors that light up. They can be used as an indoor holiday decoration as well, but they look unusual and neat in the 

• Projection lights are gaining popularity.  This is a whole new take on lighted holiday decorations. 

How to Check a Wood Pellet Stove for Gasket Seal Leaks

Why Does the Pellet Stove Smell Like Smoke?

Pellet stove maintenance and regular cleaning keeps the stoves efficient, safe, and clean. One question to ask yourself is when should I check the pellet stove gasket for leaks. Some people may not know that a pellet stove gasket is actually a rope gasket that fits around the door to keep the seal tight, the air in, and your home warm.

The pellet stove gasket gives off a smokey smell when your stove has a seal leak. A new pellet stove may have a "burn off" smell that goes away once it is broken in. A stove will usually give off a smoke smell the first time it is fired up for the burn season, but that smokey smell is normal. A smoke smell that gets worse over time and does not go away with different wood pellets indicates a seal leak.

Check a Wood Pellet Stove for Seal Leaks - Visual Inspection

A visual inspection of the rope gasket is an easy and important part of pellet stove maintenance.

The first step is to check out the rope gaskets. The pellet stove gasket is a white rope that forms a seal around the door and the ash basin door. Gaskets will wear out, crack, and loosen over time with normal use of the pellet stove.

Check out the pellet stove seals on the door and the ash door (if there is one). Look at the width of the rope gasket. The rope gasket should be full enough to make a tight seal when the door shuts. A good rule of thumb is to make sure there are approximately 3 centimeters of rope rather than a flattened gasket.

After looking checking the gaskets around the ash bin door and the main wood pellet stove door, check the gasket seal.

How to Check or Test Pellet Stove Gasket Door Seal with a Piece of Paper:

1. Get out a piece of paper to check the wood pellet stove gasket seal.

2. Open the pellet stove door.

3. Close the paper in the pellet stove door.

4. Hold the paper with one hand. Shut the door on the paper and then try to pull it up and out. If the pellet stove's gasket seal is good then the paper will not come out. If the gasket/seal is thinning and not tight the paper will come out of the closed door.

The paper should not come out. If it does then the pellet stove probably needs to have the rope gasket replaced. Make sure to use a piece of paper that is long enough to test the gasket.

5. Move along all of the openings around both the main wood stove door and the ash bin door repeating the same close, pull, open actions to test the wood stove seal. If the paper stays in place then the gasket is good. If the paper comes out then the rope gasket should be replaced. Pellet stove rope gasket and glue can be purchased at Ace Hardware and other retailers.

6. Repeat this process when needed in order to keep the stoves in good working order.

Wood Pellet Stove Safety Tips

One danger posed by pellet stoves is the carbon monoxide the pellets give off when they are burning.  Pellet stoves require proper exhaust venting to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.  These are a few safety tips for using wood pellet stoves:

• Always use a carbon monoxide detector when burning a wood pellet stove.
• Get out of the house immediately if you suspect a carbon monoxide leak.  Carbon monoxide is an extremely dangerous (and deadly) gas that is odorless and colorless.  People die every year from carbon monoxide poisoning, particularly because it cannot be detected without a CO2 detector, so the deadly gas renders people unconscious and can be fatal.
• Place a carbon monoxide detector within 10 feet of the wood pellet stove.
• Clean the pellet stove chimney and exhaust pipes in the late fall when it's time to prepare for winter.  
• Hire a or hire a professional to perform pellet stove maintenance when necessary.

Write and Educate About Addiction Without Triggering Cravings in an Addict

Drug addiction is programmed into the brain. When a drug addict sees something that reminds them of using it creates a very powerful physical urge, or craving. Psychology 101 teaches students about Pavlov's Theory of Classic Conditioning.  Feed a dog at the same time a bell rings.  The dog's mouth waters because it sees food.  It hears the bell, too.  After awhile the dog will also salivate only when it hears the bell ring because the bell is associated with food.  That explains triggers and drug cravings.

Drug Images

Do not post pictures of the drug or alcohol. This is probably one of the biggest mistakes people make when writing about addiction drug recovery. The drug addict already knows what the drug looks like and showing him or her a big pile of it doesn't help.

Television advertisements tap into us mentally and earn millions of dollars.  A beer commercial can sometimes drive me insane because it makes me crave alcohol so badly.  Triggers and drug cravings are usually worse in early recovery. Addicts are taught to avoid triggers and throw away reminders.  The drugs and the brain remember just fine. Do you really want to post a picture of a crack rock at the top of on an article about cocaine detox?  No.  Most likely the picture is a turn off and people wont even read your information.

Drug Paraphernalia Images and Pictures

Do not use pictures of drug paraphernalia. A syringe picture teaches nothing about addiction. The image triggers cravings in some addicts. It also repulses people. Most people judge addicts by the way they use drugs and IV use tends to take the cake on extremes. Do not use pictures for a shock reaction because they will usually have the wrong effect.

Think about your favorite food or your favorite activity.  Let's say you love to golf. Does a golf club (the paraphernalia) make you wish you were golfing? Do you feel a tinge of excitement and desire to play?  If so, you were just triggered.

Routine is part of addiction. Alcoholics and addicts have a routine that involves paraphernalia. It's hard to quit smoking cigarettes because of the hand to mouth fixation and routine. Phones calls are hard to make without craving a cigarette.

Remember Pavlov. The theory of classical conditioning found that if a person rings a bell then feeds a dog eventually the dog will salivate when it hears the bell. This simple conditioning happens fast. It may take years before an alcoholic can hear the crack of a soda can without their mouth watering with the expectation of a cold beer.

The conditioning that happens inside the brain is spot on. Triggers and drug cravings can overwhelm a person and lead to relapse. Never underestimate how strong these urges can be in a recovering addict.

Use Realistic Examples

Fear tactics don't work well. It's not easy to scare people into recovery. Addicts know fear. Addiction is not logical therefore logic cannot fight addiction.

Narcotics Anonymous and drug rehab centers try to use fear to prevent relapse. Sometimes fear is a great motivator. A person may stay clean from crystal meth because they are afraid to have another psychotic episode. This fear is great when people quit meth and still hear voices or hallucinate.

People in recovery are triggered all the time. The longer a person used the more everyday things are intertwined in their addiction.

Simple objects become giant triggers to get high.  Addicts in recovery must resist the urges and fight biological cues every day.

Define the Audience

Refer to these steps when writing about relapse. Are you helping or triggering an addict?  Does what I'm writing educate? Am I sensationalizing? If you're writing to help parents identify black tar heroin then a picture is justified. Write for the target audience.

Bruxism - How to Stop Grinding Teeth and Clenching Jaw

Do You Clench Your Jaw and Grind Your Teeth?

Bruxism is a dental problem characterized by grinding the teeth and clenching of the jaw. Teeth grinding and jaw clenching often occur during sleep although some people clench their jaws during the day. Many people grind their teeth at night and are completely unaware but have side effects like headaches, an aching jaw, and even cracked and sensitive teeth. Bruxism can start in childhood and continue throughout a person's life.

If you don't learn to stop grinding teeth then you could end up in a financial bind. Insurance companies may refuse certain dental procedures like crowns if Bruxism is the cause.  Dental insurance should focus on fixing teeth instead of finding reasons not to pay. Why are our teeth viewed separately?  Dental health is imperative to overall health but we have a horrible dental health system.

Things You Will Need:

• Mouth guard
• Dentist or medical doctor
• Relaxation techniques

Step 1 - Do You Grind Your Teeth

Yes. You wake up with a tired, sore jaw, headache, and have sensitive teeth. Someone told you that you grind your teeth at night. Some people grind their teeth so loudly it can be heard across a room. Listening to someone clench their jaw and grind their teeth is worse than someone snoring. Signs of teeth grinding include cuts on the cheek and tongue from chewing at night, worn down areas on the teeth, sore jaw muscles and/or face pain, headaches, and ear pain.

The signs of your grinding can be helpful in your prevention. If you often wake up with marks inside your cheek on the left side it is likely you are clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth while asleep. The solution may be changing the way you sleep (new pillow).

Step 2 - Ask a Dentist How to Stop Grinding Teeth

See a doctor or dentist to stop grinding teeth. Depending on your financial situation and insurance coverage it may be hard to see a dentist. You need your overall oral health checked. Look for lose or chipped teeth.  Bruxism damages stable teeth and can impair alignment of your teeth.  Sometimes misaligned teeth can cause people to clench or grind. Follow the dental treatment plan.

Tell a doctor if muscle tension is a problem. Massage the jaw muscles to relieve tension. Ask your doctor about trigger points.  Some people have an ongoing problem with muscle spasms and may need medication. 

Step 3 - Reduce Stress

Implement stress reduction activities into your life. Although teeth grinding is usually unconscious it is associated with stress, especially true of people who clench their jaws. Seek counseling or therapy if you have anxiety, depression, or trouble managing stress.  Counseling just might be the key to help you quit grinding your teeth when you sleep.   Stress relief and learning to cope with unresolved baggage helps the body heal and recover faster. 

Some people try medications such as muscle relaxers. Try herbal supplements, calming teas, aromatherapy, or a hot bath with candles. Experiment. Figure out what works for you.

Step 4 - Get a Mouth Guard (Molded by the Dentist if possible)

There are several types of mouth guards. If you can get your dentist to make one this is the best option because he or she can take a mold of your teeth. A guard that fits your upper teeth is best and will stop your back teeth from touching without making your mouth feel too overcrowded. Many people use sports mouth guards but these are usually too big and also hard to mold. The right mouth guard prevents you from grinding your teeth.

Step 5 - Avoid Stimulants

Stimulants include coffee, soda, tea, chocolate, food/drink containing caffeine, cigarettes, and harder chemicals like methamphetamine or cocaine. Prescription medications can also cause Bruxism and dry mouth. Pay attention to your body. Do you feel anxious after eating certain foods?  What about what you drink? It is hard to stop grinding your teeth because it is an unconscious act.  Self-care behavior should help, but if not then return to the dentist or doctor to rule out underlying medical conditions.

General health is very important. Eat a healthy balanced diet, drink plenty of fluids, get rest and use stress management tools in your life.

Step 6 - Keep a Journal

Documenting your experience in a journal helps identify patterns. When you catch yourself clenching your jaw during the day write it down. Write down the thought that started it and what you felt. Uncover the emotion that triggers daytime teeth grinding and clenching. Anger and anxiety are big causes.

Grinding can wear teeth down until they crack and break.  Once a tooth cracks it is a matter of time before it becomes a dental emergency.  If you are being treated for frequent headaches, migraines, or other ongoing pain conditions make sure to let the doctor know that grinding your teeth or clenching the jaw is an issue.

Check for medication interactions before starting a new prescription or using herbal supplements.

How Can I Stop Smoking Crystal Meth - Quit Seeing Tina

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.

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".

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.

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.

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. 

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.