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Meth Withdrawal Symptoms + Timeline

Methamphetamine, commonly referred to as “Meth,” is a potent psychostimulant of both the amphetamine and phenethylamine classes that is used to treat both ADHD and obesity. This stimulant is also used on a recreational basis in the form of Crystal Meth or “crystallized” form.   Many people use it simply to achieve a high, party, and/or to boost sexual performance. It is considered a Schedule II controlled substance in the United States – meaning it has a high potential for both abuse and dependence.

There are a variety of people that take meth – for various types of purposes. Some people take it to get high, others take it to treat their ADHD or reduce their obesity. The major problem associated with methamphetamine usage is that it can damage dopamine and serotonin neurons in the central nervous system. In general terms, this means that it can kill brain cells and possibly lead to brain damage over the long term.

For this reason, many people that take it end up going through with a withdrawal process. Since it is a potent stimulant, the withdrawal process may be difficult – especially if you have used the drug for an extended period of time. While on the drug you may have experienced a boosted mood, increases in energy levels, and improved focus – you feel great. However this is a drug-induced state that isn’t sustainable for the long term. When coming off the drug, you may feel the polar opposite – very depressed, fatigued, and unfocused.

Factors that may influence Meth withdrawal include

There are many factors that play a role in determining how easily you are able to stop using meth. These include things like: time you’ve taken meth, the amount you’ve taken, whether you are dependent upon the drug for everyday functioning, and how gradually you taper from the drug. Most people have a pretty difficult time coming off of meth because they get addicted to the experience of taking it.

1. Time Span

How long were you taking Meth? If you have used this substance for an extended period of time, this could have an impact on withdrawal. Any drug that is used over the long term becomes a way for us to cope with our environment and reality. The longer you are on this particular drug, the lazier your brain becomes because it is constantly getting fed a stimulant.

If you were only on Meth for the short term, you should have an easier time withdrawing. People that have used Meth daily for years are going to have a significantly more difficult time withdrawing.

2. Dosage (Tolerance)

Typically the higher dosage you are taking of methamphetamine, the greater tolerance you will develop. People become tolerant to lower doses of this drug pretty quickly, and thus continuously have to increase the dosage. It should be easier to come off of the drug if you weren’t on a super high dose. Generally the more tolerant you become to this particular substance, the greater the difficulty you are going to have with the withdrawal process.

3. Personal factors

Your individual physiology as well as environment are going to play a huge role in determining how difficult the withdrawal process is. If you go to a rehab clinic, you are going to have all the support you need and aren’t going to have any major triggers around that could lead to relapse.

Some people have an easier time coming off of various substances like meth than others – it all depends on the person. Someone with an addictive personality may demonstrate significant difficulty coming off of meth, whereas another person may be able to quit with relatively little hardship.

4. Cold turkey vs. tapering

In most cases, people that quit this particular drug do so by stopping “cold turkey.” In other words, they quit from whatever dose they were currently taking and never look back. Obviously it is probably more favorable to taper off of any substance like methamphetamine, so if you can afford to take the time to gradually taper yourself off, it will probably be easier.

With that said, some people cannot handle the “tapering” method because it becomes too tempting to use more of the drug during the process – many people cannot control themselves. If you don’t think you can handle a “taper” down from your high dose, make sure you are braced to really feel the effects of quitting cold turkey.

5. Dependency

Among individuals that were using methamphetamine to help treat a condition such as ADHD, they should know that there are safer options available. Standard “amphetamines” aren’t associated with the long term detrimental effects of methamphetamine. Additionally, there is a high potential for both abuse and addiction with this particular drug.

If you have become dependent on this drug for daily functioning and have developed a high tolerance, the withdrawal process may be more difficult. Although there are some individuals that have used this drug and successfully stopped without becoming addicted, the effects are so potent that many become dependent on the Meth.

Meth Withdrawal Symptoms: List of Possibilities

Below are a list of possible symptoms that you may experience when you first stop using Meth.  It is important to recognize that you may not experience all of the symptoms listed below.  These are just a collective of what you could possibly experience.  Most individuals that withdraw from this drug experience stages of: low energy, cravings, and depression.

  • Anhedonia: A person coming off of methamphetamine may experience anhedonia or the inability to feel or experience pleasure. This is related to the fact that their consistent meth use has depleted their brain’s natural stores of dopamine. In order for the person to experience pleasure in the future, they need to give their brain an extended period of time to naturally replenish the dopamine.  This is similar to the negative symptoms of schizophrenia.
  • Aggression: A person may become very aggressive now that they don’t have their methamphetamine to help them keep their cool. This is a drug that acts on dopamine which does have a stimulating effect, but can also help people utilize self control.
  • Anger: The individual coming down from meth may experience significant anger. This is due to the fact that their cognition has slowed and they cannot think as quickly. This may be frustrating and little things may make the individual angry or even “rage.”
  • Anxiety: It is common for people to feel increasingly anxious when they stop using methamphetamine. If they have used the drug for a long term, many of their neurotransmitter stores have been depleted – which is thought to lead to anxiety. Additionally the individual may be anxious about the fact that they cannot maintain the same euphoric “high” that they did while on the drug.
  • Appetite changes: When using meth people tend to experience a decreased appetite. When the person finally comes off of it, they experience the exact opposite – an increased appetite. The increase in appetite may be significant due to the fact that they are able to “sense” when their body is hungry.
  • Concentration problems: Since Meth works well for addressing ADHD symptoms by increasing arousal and brain activity, a person will experience the opposite when they withdraw. It may be extremely difficult to focus on various tasks and get work done during the withdrawal process. Your focus should return over a period of time as your neurotransmitters are restored.
  • Cravings: You may have intense cravings to use meth again during the withdrawal process. These are usually most intense following the initial “crash” stage. These may be experienced for months after you have discontinued the drug, but will get easier with time. Do your best to avoid triggers and keep yourself as busy as possible to avoid temptation.
  • Delusions: Some people experience delusions or think that people are out to get them. Delusions are false beliefs that aren’t based in reality. These may persist for a couple weeks, but will eventually subside as you sober up.
  • Depression: Individuals coming off of Meth tend to experience severe depression. This is a result of the brain’s inability to experience pleasure as a result of depletion. As your brain builds up stores of dopamine and serotonin again, your mood should improve. Recovering from meth-induced depression can take years – so don’t expect to feel better overnight.
  • Dizziness: Some people report feelings of dizziness during their withdrawal. This is a pretty general symptom, but one that many people experience.
  • Fatigue: While you are on methamphetamine, your body and brain become highly stimulated and aroused. When you stop taking them, you may become excessively fatigued and tired. This may be discouraging, but don’t let it get the best of you. Recognize that it is merely withdrawal and that your energy will be restored.
  • Fever: You may experience changes in body temperature and possibly a fever during your withdrawal.  Some people report feelings of “chills” in combination with a fever.  This should not last for an extended period of time once the drugs have stopped.
  • Headaches: Some people end up having to deal with headaches when they come off of Meth. The best way to combat these headaches is to make sure you are staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest, and consider over-the-counter headache relief.
  • Irritability: If you feel irritable when you quit using this drug, you are not alone. Most people will feel very grouchy and uncomfortable when they stop using.
  • Lethargy: It may be a huge effort for you to complete basic tasks such as getting out of bed, showering, and eating. This is because you feel so lethargic, weak, and as though you are constantly tired.
  • Low energy: It is common to have extremely low energy when you first stop using the drug. You may be in a low energy state of functioning for an extended period of time, but your energy levels will eventually return to normal.
  • Muscle weakness: As a result of having no energy, some people feel very weak. During their time spent using Meth, they may not notice the fact that they may have lost some muscle strength and eaten poorly. Initially the weakness may be pretty significant, but as your diet improves and time passes, strength will return.
  • Paranoia: During the first couple weeks of Meth withdrawal, you may exhibit signs of paranoia. In other words, you may become suspicious of others and very paranoid that people are watching you or are out to get you. If you are able to take a step back and recognize what’s going on in your head, it will be easier to cope with.
  • Psychosis: Withdrawing from any stimulant can end up leading to symptoms of psychosis. Typically when a person experiences psychosis as a result of meth withdrawal, it consists of hallucinations and delusions. The person may hear voices and see things that aren’t based in reality. Additionally they may experience delusions or false beliefs that others are out to get them. These are similar to the positive symptoms of schizophrenia. Unlike schizophrenia, these symptoms subside as the individual continues through withdrawal.
  • Sleepiness: This is an extremely common symptom to experience during the initial “crash” phase, but may last significantly longer than you would expect. Consistent Meth use can zap anyone of energy long after they stop using the drug. You may sleep for days on end and feel sleepy for weeks – it is difficult to deal with, but it’s your body’s natural way of healing itself.
  • Suicidal thinking: It is extremely common to feel suicidal when coming off of Meth. Your drug use may have used up most of the “feel good” neurotransmitters in your brain. This may cause you to feel like dying. It is important that if you feel especially down, make sure you seek some sort of psychological help. This suicidal thinking will eventually pass.
  • Sweating: You may notice that your body is sweating excessively throughout the day.  You may also notice that you have major “night sweats” while you sleep.  You may wake up in a pool of sweat – this is common during withdrawal.
  • Weight gain: Most people lose a lot of weight when they use Meth, but when they stop, they get their appetites back and their metabolism slows. This causes people to eat more and pack back on the weight that they initially lost. You may experience pretty significant weight gain if you lost a lot while on this drug.

Meth Withdrawal Timeline: How long does it last?

There is no set time-frame for the withdrawal process – it varies depending on the person. In general though, there are two major phases that a person goes through after they stop using meth. The first stage is the most intense and usually lasts about a day or two after you last used meth. The second stage is less intense, but lasts for an extended period of time. In some cases, people experience PAWS (Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome) which involves experiencing symptoms for a longer period of time than expected.

Phase One: “Crash” (First Few Days)

During this initial “crash” phase you may experience significant reductions in energy and ability to function. You may not crave Meth at all during this phase, but you may sleep excessively and eat a lot of food. This phase is characterized by extremely low energy, depression, and slowed cognition. It will be difficult to deal with the excessive exhaustion that you are experiencing.  When you stop using, meth stays in your system for nearly 3 days – which is when the “crash” may become most noticeable.

Phase Two: “Craving” (Up to 10 Weeks)

When people have gotten through the initial “crash” from first stopping Meth, they will then enter what is known as the “craving” phase. This involves having increased cravings to use Meth again. This is perhaps the most difficult phase to get through because people know that their functioning was enhanced with the drug. Due to the euphoria and reward system getting constantly stimulated by the drug, the person has a really difficult time staying clean. People typically have their most intense cravings for up to 10 weeks following the day that they quit.

Phase Three: “Extinction” (Up to 30 Weeks)

Following the phase of intense “cravings” people eventually enter what is known as an “extinction” period. During this particular phase, people may experience some cravings to use methamphetamine, but they are sporadic. In other words, the person may go a few days without any sort of craving and then experience a craving at random. The best way to set yourself up for success during this phase is to hang around with individuals that maintain a clean lifestyle, are supportive, and will not trigger usage. Generally the more time that passes, the easier it should be for you to stay clean.

During Meth withdrawal: Stay as healthy as possible.

During the withdrawal process, it is important to make sure that you are doing everything you can to increase your success and general well-being. You may want to work with a therapist or counselor to address the painful emotions that come up during withdrawal. Additionally, you may want to even consider working with a psychiatrist in case you need a medication to help minimize some of the withdrawal symptoms.

Take time to get yourself outside, exercise, stay as productive as you can throughout the day, and stay as social as possible. All of these activities are thought to help increase your body’s natural ability to heal and increase levels of various neurotransmitters (e.g. serotonin and dopamine). Make sure you are eating as healthy as you can, try to get adequate sleep, and take things one day at a time.

The withdrawal process may seem like a marathon, but do what you can to focus on the present moment and realize that you will eventually get better. Many people have gone through complete withdrawal and returned to their normal functioning. It can take up to 2 years before a meth user’s brain to restore the depleted dopamine levels. You got yourself in a bad situation by using this drug, and you can certainly put your energy towards staying clean.

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132 thoughts on “Meth Withdrawal Symptoms + Timeline”

  1. Hello. I’m 38 years old and have been addicted to drugs in one form or another for nearly 20 years. After about 6 months clean I recently picked up a new addiction, meth, and was a daily user for 3 or 4 months, snorting it in order to be able to function.

    Two weeks ago I went to detox and have been battling the withdrawals since. Today I gave in and used. I don’t plan to continue using but I would like to know how badly I screwed up. Have I just restarted the whole withdrawal process over? Thanks for any info.

    Reply
    • It depends on how much you used and so on. If you used a lot I’d say about a teener 1.75grams would be a lot, but only if it was all in a single day’s use. I’d make sure to stay clean though – you’re not the only one who has tried and failed. I’m in the same boat and I’ve been using it for almost 4½ years.

      Yeah I guess that’s kind of a long time but nonetheless, I’ve never shot up, only snorted and smoked. I just started thinking about quitting, but it isn’t something anyone should go through alone. I have diagnosed ADD, I’m 24, white, 6’4″, 179lbs and in the better part of the last several years I smoked by myself typically just about every day to the point that I was doing a ball or 3½ grams in about 4 days.

      Yeah not a lot to some, but at 100 bucks s*** got expensive (LOL). Anyways I’ve never honestly had withdrawals. I was just curious as to what would happen to cold turkey an addiction. There was a point in my life where I quit willingly and easily for 2 months, but it was by choice too that I did.

      But I was happy in life then. And now it’s in the gutter damn near. But it’s complicated as hell and so much more than I could type here now (LOL), so yeah. But I never had withdrawals then and IDK what it’s like.

      Sorry I didn’t say that earlier. I just felt like responding to this. But hopefully you aren’t as in the gutters in life like I am, because it sure does not make it easy to quit when you use it to be able to ignore certain pain that ruins your life. Being happy sure as hell made it very easily possible to quit I think.

      Reply
  2. I smoked or snorted meth daily for about 6 month. It was the best feeling in the world for the first 2-3 months, I felt like I was on top of the world. Than it just went downhill, I never missed work or anything but if I wasn’t working I would close myself in my room and get high.

    I would get my kids every weekend, when their mom found out I smoked meth she took them away… told me if I ever wanted to see them again that I have to stop. It’s been 2 weeks since I smoked! Not gonna lie, it was probably the hardest thing I ever had to quit. The first 5 days were the worst.

    I would fall asleep standing up at work. All I did for the first week was eat, sleep and barely made it through work. Week 2 of being clean, I feel a whole lot better. I’m starting to get my energy back, starting to enjoy life a little.

    I’m hoping the worst of the withdrawals are over with. I wouldn’t wish meth on my worst enemy. Wish all the addicts trying to get clean the best of luck! Stay strong, don’t give in and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Everything will eventually get better!

    …Wow that felt good, I haven’t opened up like that to anyone. I went through the withdrawals ALL BY MYSELF, there was nobody there to tell me to stay strong or everything will be ok. The only people that knew I smoked was my dealer and my kids mom.

    She found out 6 months later and cut me off from seeing my kids until I prove to her that I’m sober and won’t smoke that s*** again. Don’t give up people, if I can quit anyone can!

    Reply
  3. I have happily been clean off meth for 2 years now. I missed all my kids birthdays which now I celebrate. I hate the fact I wasted so many years of my life on that stuff.

    I just have gained a lot of weight. I was 150 now am 300 lbs. I will never go back. To hell with meth again, but why is this weight gain happening?

    I never in my life been this heavy. Even when I was 9 months pregnant I wasn’t this heavy. Why is my body doing this?

    Reply
  4. My boyfriend has been using less than 1/2 a gram a day (smoking it) for two months. He’s gradually cut back and has now been two days without it and is doing great! I’m just curious what to expect from his withdrawal? Everything I read is for heavy users. He says he feels good and actually seems good. Is this to good to be true? Will it get worse?

    Reply
    • I going into day 9 now and I can’t sleep. My body is restless and I have experienced episodes of anger, irritability, rage and other things. I’m not sure what’s going on. I have used for most of the past 6 months.

      This is the most horrible it has gotten. I had 74 days once and all I want right now is to make it to day 75.

      Reply
  5. My girlfriend and I have been together for 10 yrs. She has recently completed a 30 day in house rehab and is staying true to herself. Once a person who showed no interest in stopping and was considered by all to be weak in every regard, has proven to everyone that not only is she strong – but has shown to be a person of great strength in character, commitment, and resolve.

    Basically she went from a dismal place where no one cared to a place of respect and I am so very proud of her. Now it’s my turn after 30+ years of use and watching others achieve success in their lives. Now it’s up for me to finally step up and show myself how to be the man I am. To do the best I possibly can with whatever time I have left to build a happy, loving, and healthy life for my girlfriend and me.

    This is it, no more tomorrows. You have read from someone who knows someone who has done this for over 30 years daily, came from a good family, and held decent jobs – always working, never begged for money, etc. A good person who doesn’t fit the mold. We come from all walks of life with one thing in common. So let’s do this, time to “ROCK N ROLL”!! Good luck everyone.

    Reply
    • Good luck Roger and some advice… When you stop using meth, there’s brain inflammation and it’s not good. Do some research and consult a doctor for advice. Not sure if most doctors will know. The last doc I visited never said nothing about it until I brought it up & she said she’ll look into it.

      UCLA is doing study and the FDA has fast-tracked it. I’m not a salesman so I won’t mention it. Also I did go to UCLA but was turned down because I live 4 hrs away but I ordered it online & told my doctor about it. Well good luck. It’s a commitment that takes years – so be ready for that.

      UCLA says it takes up to 5 years. There’s a video online you can Google: “Targeting Brain Inflammation to Treat Methamphetamine Addiction” #UCLAMDChat

      Reply
  6. I’m 9 months clean from 15 a year meth and GHB addiction. I’m 52, I started using at 37. I used intravenously daily for most of that time in constant pursuit of meth and GHB-infused sexually deviant activities. These drugs were my God, they cut me off from the outside world and would hasten my descent into a very dark underworld of self obsessed behavior. I had no idea of the malevolent force I had allowed into my life.

    In the course of active addiction, little by little, chunks of my soul were snuffed out, and with that my relationships with family and loved ones, my career and my health. I’m HIV positive as a direct result from this disease. At 52 I was soulless, selfish, virtueless – a shell of the human being I was at 37. It wasn’t until I admitted that I was up against a malevolent force that I was powerless to stop – and that this force had wreaked havoc in my life, using meth and GHB as it’s tool of destruction, and had made my life completely unmanageable – that the tide began to turn.

    By unmanageable, I mean I couldn’t provide myself shelter, food, healthcare, pay my cellphone bill, or any other bills… just to mention a few. I couldn’t experience any pleasures in life without meth and GHB. I began to accept the sorrow and despair that infected my life. I began to embrace hopelessness. This is the lie my disease wanted me to believe – that it’s OK to cause so much pain for your loved ones and that the gift of life is really no gift at all… don’t accept this lie.

    Now is the time to FIGHT… THIS IS A FIGHT YOU/WE MUST WIN. It’s going to take every fiber of your being to persevere. There is a solution my fellow addicts. We don’t have to live this way. Mine is a message of unbelievable hope and promise. For just as there was malevolent force that wanted me dead, after my admission of powerlessness I found that there was a benevolent force, far greater than the evil one that had imposed it’s will on every facet of my life that could and would restore me to sanity.

    This great power would allow me to live a life free from the perversion of drugs. For me that higher power is Jesus Christ. A power beyond human comprehension, however, we must cooperate with him. Our addictions can truly have meaning and allow for a life you thought might have been unattainable, forged from fire, trials and tribulation. Here are some suggestions for ending enslavement to the dastardly duo of meth and GHB:

    *Establish a relationship with God. Pray morning and night for him to remove the obsession to use crystal meth and GHB, and that you find his will for you. That he Shepard you down the path he has chosen for you. It may seem hard at first but do it, it’s part of the solution.

    *You can’t do this on your own! Find a 12 step program and immerse yourself in the incredible fellowship you will surely find there. You’ll need a social network, connections with other people facing the same battle. We’re brothers in arms against an incredibly powerful foe. You must go to meetings everyday! You must establish a support network with people you can talk to when things get rough. They’ll show you what it takes to live free from drugs. It’s a skill you have to learn

    *You must end all ties with people that use. No matter how lonely you are. This is an absolute. Make new friends in the rooms of whatever 12 step program you choose. This may be hard at first. We must come out of our comfort zones if we are to recover.

    *If you have a family, get them back in your life. They love you and will be there for support if you are committed to this courageous fight.

    *Get rid of all paraphernalia and porn. You can’t go to sex clubs or anything like that.

    *Change your cell number, emails and all connections to your life or people in active addiction.

    *This battle has to be fought one day, one hour, and one minute at a time. Don’t worry or focus about things in the future, God wants us to experience our problems once, when they happen.

    *Using dreams and cravings will come and go. Just remember they will pass. You must weather these storms. Get outside if possible when they occur.

    *Rediscover those hobbies and interests that filled your life before they were stolen from by active drug addiction.

    *Take krill oil and a multi-vitamin every day. This can help heal your heart. Try to eat as healthy as possible.

    *You can do it. You’re worth it. Your road is the one God has chosen for you… it will create the masterpiece you are…

    *Tackle things like taxes, things you have to do to get your license back, getting your resume together, getting a job, etc… one event, one problem at a time. You must try… or nothing will change.

    In the 9 months I’ve been clean I’ve gotten a job back in my career after not working for 8 years. I got my driver’s license after not having one for the past 6 years. Most importantly, I have a daily connection with my higher power. Life has hope and meaning now, all by staying clean one day at a time. Unfortunately I started smoking cigarettes, so trying to stop that. That’s next.

    I’ll leave you with this from the book of Isaiah 66:9: “I will not cause pain without something new to be born, says the Lord.” He will never turn his back on you… let him take you by the hand, down a new path you have never traveled and great great things will happen in your life. NEVER NEVER GIVE UP. A VERY MALEVOLENT FORCE HAS BEEN ALLOWED INTO YOUR LIFE, IT WILL TAKE GOD AND EVERY BIT OF EFFORT YOU HAVE TO KICK IT OUT… GOD BLESS YOU.

    Reply
    • I never comment on anything but I couldn’t resist. I guess I might as well share my embarrassing truth. I’m 31 years old and have been addicted to opiates since I was 18 years old. It has and continues to rob me of every positive thing that I’m been blessed with: career jobs I could have been very successful with, wonderful friends I miss dearly, the love of my life, several homes I have had, and the list goes on…

      I wanted to say, your story has inspired me and brought me a new hope in my current situation. I must bring God back into my life. He is and always will be My/Our Lord and savior. Isn’t it amazing how He will truly forgive us for any and all of our sins as long as we repent and ask for His forgiveness?

      You are right about all of your advices you’ve given and I appreciate you sharing. I know it made an impact on me personally. As I read further, my eyes filled more and more with tears. “Good tears.” You are, without a doubt, living proof that it can be done.

      If you really and truly don’t want to live the way you are living, than with your own efforts, one minute at a time, you can and will change the remainder your life story. God bless you! From one child of God to another, I love you…

      God bless each and every one of you out there fighting any addiction you may have. We can and will defeat that force that we allowed into our lives!!!

      Reply
  7. There allot of post asking for help or advice, for years & up to date I still keep searching, it’s hard to quit & my advice is talk to your doctor & let him know that you been trying to quit, get on (Bupropion) is for depression and help people quit smoking. (Modafinil) is to treat narcolepsy = it’s for you could get off bed. The biggest help even if you have a year of meth is (ibudilast) it’s for Targeting Brain Inflammation.

    When you try to quit meth you get brain inflammation that last up to 5 years. That’s why people keep falling back after years being off. Their currently doing phase 2 on clinical trials for ibudilast. I been taking ibudilast & it has helped me with my brain fog & it’s been easier staying off. Ibudilast is the active ingredient and brand is Ketas from Kyorin Pharmaceutical.

    I’m still not off meth but it’s what has helped me so far. Also it was my secret for 13 years and I came clean to the only person I have my mom & she was disappointed and mad but it’s the only person I could count to help me because you need someone to help you.

    Reply
  8. I’m 20 years old. I’ve been struggling with what I consider a light but consistent addiction since I was 16 I believe, hanging out with some friends who would eventually become people I completely despise but at the time I felt close and accepted with them. I had no business being with them but my naïveté allowed me to pick up that glass pipe and I sincerely wish I hadn’t done so. My habit is cheap very cheap less expensive than picking up a pack of cigarettes every 12 days.

    I want to stop more than anything because I’m becoming aware of the very subtle changes in my mental health. My memory is trash, I always was an extrovert very social and fun loving I love laughing and joking around but I’ve been slowly becoming a very angry, serious, aggressive and grandstanding. It’s like my personality aged 30 years. Physically I’m not doing bad, yes I lost weight since I started but now I weigh 185 which is healthy for someone my age and height.

    I’ve gotten lines from the corner of my mouth up to my nose from getting angry and ironically from smiling a lot as well. I’ve got a killer smile straight teeth and whitened but the meth use has made my teeth weaker I’m afraid my best feature might be compromised. My life is just getting started, I’m working and getting into college to study government, political science and psychology.

    I don’t need this bad habit to ruin everything I have to bring to the table. I have a business license, I graduated top of my class and I started my own life insurance company at the age of 19 (which isn’t too successful, selling life insurance at 20 is like selling a rain jacket at a beach on a sunny day). But my biggest issue is my family. My habit was never a problem until they found out.

    Although they’re working on only speculation and no evidence, they aren’t mistaken. My mother doesn’t see her son anymore no matter how good I’m doing or how well admired I am by the people around me. I’m quite charismatic especially when I’m not on meth which is the great majority of the time and people really enjoy having me around, they respect me and I enjoy being around all people learning from them and listening to what wisdom they have to offer me but others occasionally and more and more often begin to let me lead them, influence them and develop a level of trust with them.

    Even with my habit I’m still pushing my upward mobility but why let meth allow me down? It’s not worth it. My family is pathetic enough to scapegoat me and diminish my image in every way possible. They’ve told my clients about it and not to trust me, I’ve had clients ready to sign the policy and never call me back after a conversation with my mother.

    They’ve discouraged me in every way possible from perusing anything meaningful because according to them I’m tainted and not worth the effort. I pay for my habit it’s dirt cheap. I’m struggling to keep my business running it’s definitely not cheap, but when I’m broke they give me this look like they’re better than me – it’s disgusting. All I want is to be treated with dignity at home, the folks I know outside of home tend to really like me, they not only respect me they revere my presence and I show them the same appraisal instead of being grandiose and smug.

    My habits bring me problems at home, but not outside. It may be foolish to believe I can live with this little habit but I know that’s what every addict believes. I don’t want to stop, fundamentally it’s purely recreational and when I go extended periods without it, it doesn’t even come to mind. Pot is a more of a problem than for me.

    The only thing making me even consider changing is my dear Mother who out of deep and motherly love and parental worry has become biased and unreasonably scrutinizing towards me. I want to stop for the ones I love, but in my eyes I’d rather focus on making my business grow than worry about what I do on my own time for fun. BTW guys. No kids, no police record, not getting married anytime soon, starting college this coming semester and my usage has been the exact same without increasing or becoming more intense since the beginning.

    Reply
    • John, I am 64 year old who wished I had someone reaching out to me… started doing drugs off and on since 18. I mean heavy drugs. I was able to quit them raising my children for 20 years. So I thought no problem when I was 50 started doing pain pills and Valium… it put me in a deep spiral. I am 11 years sober and loving it. I know touching anything I will go all the way… once an addict always an addict.

      It is a behavior issue and personality. So all the athletes, marathon runners, anyone in an extreme behavior has an addiction. Theirs are good ones… drugs are the bad addiction. Since I have been sober, anything I do – running, reading, knitting painting – I do it like to the extreme. I have to be conscious of it – the behavior.

      The only drugs that have a body withdrawal are benzodiazepines, alcohol and opioids. All others are a mental one. Meaning, your body does not go through withdrawal. Going off meth, crack, coke, amphetamines – makes you mentally mad, but your physical body does not go through withdrawal. Get off the drugs and try to find happiness and love for yourself now and the world we live in.

      Reply
  9. Question. Does anyone here experience a weird ‘bubble’ feeling inside their head? Feels like a giant bubble or pins and needles? I’m not a meth user but I did use Adderall for a while and this feeling has not gone away and it’s been 2 years.

    I’m getting really worried. It literally feels like there’s a big bubble full of water inside my head ready to burst… I’ve gotten an MRI and CT Scan of it and both came back normal, so I have no idea what else it can be aside from withdrawal since CT Scans and MRIs don’t pick up brain chemistry.

    Reply
  10. Hi, I am from WPG, MB. I am a three year and a half meth, fourteen year drug addict in total. I chose to use meth recreational for three years. It changed my life drastically, I’ve lost all sense of feeling, I was careless, wreck less, and destructive. I can admit I was no thief. But I’ve always had that hustler’s mentality to feed my addiction.

    My 2nd year of meth I was using a lot per day. My third year, I’ve slowed down. Now, I’ve left my home city to fight against addiction. I’ve lost my children, trust because people deem me to unpredictable. I love to read and share my thoughts. I have never made it past 15 days I’m only on day 9 of sobriety from crystal meth. I wish the best to fellow addicts. And have a happy new year.

    Reply
  11. I need some advice. I’ve been using Ice daily for almost a year now and started banging it only about a month ago. I use large quantities daily. Sometimes a G or more. I’ve made the decision it’s quit or die. I have only hit the pipe maybe 3 times in 2 days. I’m scared to tell my family I’m an addict because I have children and they will most likely try to take them but like I said it’s day 2 and I think I’m dying anyway.

    It’s hard to breathe, I’m so dizzy I can barely walk, kidneys aren’t working hardly at all and I just can’t stop crying and sleeping. I want to finally love myself more than I love dope, but I feel dead either way. Any advice would be helpful.

    Reply
  12. Hi it’s interesting reading all of your experiences. My husband has been doing ice for 5 years on and off secretly behind my back however I always find out. He did it once a month maybe, but only little bits at a time, just to give him an energy kick, and enough that still allowed him to eat and sleep.

    We just had a baby and I’ve told him he needs to stop as I don’t want drugs in our lives. However it’s so frustrating and hard for me to watch him detox and sleep for days, have day’s off work and not be interested in anything not even our baby. No one else knows not him family and it’s so hard for me not to tell them the truth.

    We fight all the time as he doesn’t want to live a healthier lifestyle, he wants to stop taking it and says all the sleep helps. Just after advice of how to support him as I feel we drift apart every time he falls asleep… Thanks.

    Reply

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