Overcomming Addictions

Astrum

Experienced
Joined
Jan 4, 2004
Posts
80
I don't know if this has been covered before, but I feel like I need some help.

I think I'm addicted to methamphetamine. I'm high on it right now and I'm just worried I'm becoming a huge addict. I mean, how do you tell when you are truely addicted? I don't do it every day, just once or twice a week, sometimes less if I get occupied with friends, which is rare since I don't have many friends. Sometimes I do cycles for exams though (a cycle is when you redose every few hours for a few days (up to 10 or so) until your tolerance becomes so high that it's just not worth it to continue as it would cost too much or be a waste, or you 'crash' and fall asleep. Also known as getting 'spun'. I can go quite a while without it, the longest has probably been about two weeks or so without any at all and I never have cravings (maybe I can go without it long enough to break my psychological addiction?), but it's always on my mind. I'm always thinking about where I put my crystal meth/shards/dope/ice/glass/(whatever you want to call it), I freak out when I forget where I placed it, I think about how much is left, how much money I have to spend when I run out, where I'm going to get some more money if I don't have the money, where people are in my apartment (location wise) encase they might steal it (I don't hide it well since cops tear places apart all the way to the atom when they're looking for drugs, no reason to hide it well since they will definitely find it if they want to). It doesn't help that this entire apartment complex of like 30 buildings has drugs coursing through it (the hispanics sell crack in a building next to me, I won't touch that though, and there are two methamphetamine dealers here). I even sold a few school books back to the bookstore this week to get money, granted I didn't need them ever again since I passed the courses and they had nothing to do with my major, just standard "all university core curriculum" (required courses). Then I spent $45 out of the $60 I got from my book buy-back money, I saved the other $20 for later, and I bought methamphetamine with the $45 even though I've already spent $50 earlier this week. Then I accidently dropped about a third to a half of the methamphetamine crystals onto the capret which prompted me to quickly get down on the floor with a knife for an hour to get back as much as I could, but I didn't get back much since the crystals were very small and fell through the fibers. The fibers also had a crystalline like shine as well which made it very difficult to search for the crystals (not that any of this matters, but it shows my state of mind lately). I actually couldn't try the new dope out because I felt so uncomfortable and miserable after losing so much of it and wasting my money. Stuff like this is making me worry about myself. Lately I've even been contemplating making it. Although I know I definetely won't ever do that, partly because I can't afford setting up a clandestine lab but mostly because I don't find prison appealing. Not that I would be selling it because I don't believe in distributing impure 'kitchen top' drugs which could be harmful or lethal if done incorrectly, just self supply... but still, you can understand what I'm saying. There is no way I would do this, but the thought has been crossing my mind in either case. You can tell I do methamphetamine if you look close enough though because I tend to make lacerations on my finger tips and thumb tips with my finger nails and thumb nails when I circle my thumb around my four conjoined fingers (like a nervous tick some people have but it's induced by the methampetamine). edit - I scrape my thumb nail over the four finger tips on each hand, then I scrape the four finger nails over the thumb tip on each hand. Each hand is seperate, my thumbs rotating in a circular like fashion around my four fingers on each hand. Then after a few times of doing that I reverse the order, I scrape my four finger nails across my thumb tip, then my thumb nail across my four finger tips... something about symmetry soothes me when I do this. Then my fingertips start to sweat a lot. This has me worried too, my finger tips are looking pretty chewed up and red now.

I know a guy who's a college drop-out that administers methamphetamine to himself multiple times a day intravenously. He has Hepatitis A or B (I forget which, but it's the less severe one) because he only uses needles to adminster meth and sometimes they're dirty and infected (I've watched him shoot up a few times out of curiosity). His ankle is probably broken as he can barely walk on it, it's crooked, and it's swollen to the size of a grape fruit, but he won't go into the doctors because he has warrants out for his arrest. The guy's even anorexic because he does methamphetamine so much (methamphetamine is an appetite suppressant as well as a CNS (central nervous system) stimulant for those who don't know). I'm just scared to death I'm going to end up like him and I really don't want to. Not that I'm judging him because I think I'm on the same road, I'm just saying. I mean I've never used a needle, I've just taken it orally, smoked it, and insufflated it. But what if I get to the point where I administer it intravenously to get high because the other methods don't work as well as they used to anymore? Then I would definetely be addicted because I have a phobia of needles, only an addiction could overcome my fear of needles... They really creep me out with all the stabbing and blood and moving under the skin *shivers*. Just about two hours ago I snorted a gigantic line (probably twice what an occasional user would insufflate or about three times as much as a new user would insufflate) because that's the only way I can reach the same level of euphoria and stimulation as I could before. Smoking usually requires a little smaller of a dose, but I don't have my pipe. I'm pretty healthy, I eat plenty and I eat healthy and I take suppliments (I take extra of some specific ones since methamphetamine lowers the level of a few chemical compounds in your body, although I can't remember which offhand). It also tends to rot your teeth, so I brush, use floss, and mouthwash to try and prevent that. So other than the very small lacerations on my finger tips it doesn't look like I'm a user (which is good since I see my parents once or twice a month).

I'm in college with pretty decent grades that only dipped the spring semester of last year because my ex broke up with me after nearly three years of being together and I had a horrible time dealing with it (first serious relationship I've had), might have increased my methamphetamine use as well. And my parents have high expectations of me. The only reason I started using this stuff was to stay up for a few days in a row to study and take my midterms/finals. The only other person (in real life) that knows about this is my very best friend whom I've known for nearly 15 years (since we were just knee high and barely out of diapers)(edit - I just told another real life friend that I've known for 5 years while re-reading my post again, but he had to work). My best friend moved to Georgia to be with his (now) wife and new daughter though, so he's 1,400 miles away from me. He got pretty fucked over and nearly died from drugs when he was a year or two younger than I am now (I'm 19). I know he's stuck in a dilemma and can't decide whether to tell my parents or his mom or not. I want to talk to him about this... But I just can never bring myself to do it. I'll call him up to talk about it but we'll usually talk about something else because I just don't know what to say. I'm just ashamed I guess. He found out that I do methamphetamine when he called on my previous birthday (July 11th) and I was drunk and rambling... I feel sick to my stomach knowing I put this burden on him because I know he cares for me a lot, we consider eachother brothers since we're only childs (although I have 5 half-siblings, I rarely ever see them and I'm not close to them like I am with my friend). I seem to be able to talk about this more when I'm on methamphetamine than when I'm not like right now, too bad he's asleep or getting ready for work right now (I've been reading, writing, and revising this for a few hours now).

I just feel awful and I'm still not even sure if I'm really addicted, although from reading my own post over and over again I think I am. I know methamphetamine isn't physically addictive, but it is very psychologically addictive. And I never crave it like you would crave a cigarette, but I think about it a lot, almost as if it consumes my thoughts. I guess I just need a little advice on where to start. Should I tell my parents? Or should I just talk to my best friend who will undoubtedly tell his mom and then she would tell my parents. My parents and my friend's mom have such a high and innocent view of me and they think I would never do drugs (and truth be told this is the only one I really do, I've tried a few other but only once), I just don't want to hurt them and make them think less of me. I also really don't want to go to drug rehab and fall behind a semester in college. I just want this to end without a lot of hassle and a lot of attention from the people who love me. I already feel bad enough that my friend knows, like I'm a defect and I can't do the right thing and all he can do is watch in disgust and sorrow because I couldn't learn from his mistakes... Maybe I should just talk to one of those hotlines or to people I don't know (like you).

I don't know right now, but thanks for anything you have to say... :( .

I've been re-reading this thread for about an hour/hour and a half now trying to get the courage to submit it. I really feel like I need a redose since it's been about 4 hours since my initial infufflation of the methamphetamine, but thankfully I'm all out and I don't know who to call to get some more right now. So I guess I'll just come down. I think I should watch Requiem for a Dream again, that always motivates me to stop methamphetamine for a few days. Such a sad movie about drug addiction... Such a good message...

Thank you ever so much again and I'm grateful for any... I dunno, understanding that you have I guess. Not understanding for my problem, but the fact that I want help.

edit - I'm editing this quite a bit because I'm pretty nervous posting this. I'll include an "edit - " if I change anything major. Most changes are just corrections in spelling and grammar though. Sorry for any confusion.
 
Last edited:
Astrum said:
I think I'm addicted to methamphetamine. I'm high on it right now and I'm just worried I'm becoming a huge addict. I mean, how do you tell when you are truely addicted?

If you THINK you might be, then you ARE.

It's a simple as that.

Addiction isn't always about how much or how often, it's about whether you choose to use or whether you "need" to use.

I'm a Reformed Lush -- my alcoholism wasn't of the quart of booze a day, every day, "never knew he drank until I saw him sober" sort of addiction. It was the "gotta have a drink to unwind after work" sort of addiction -- for the most part; I did some binge drinking, but that wasn't the main problem. The main problem ws tht I was just fine as long as I had my one drink every day at the same time -- without it, I became surly and fidgity and couldn't concentrate on anything except "I need something to drink."

The basic principle is the same whether you're drinking (alcohol of coffee), smoking (tobacco or weed,) gambling, or anything else. If you NEED to do it in a given situation, then it's an addiction and not "social use."

Call your doctor and ask for a recommendation about kicking the habit. Look in your phone book for support groups (like AA for alcoholics.) Do Something to get off the drugs because as long as you THINK you have a problem, then you DO have a problem.
 
Thanks Weird Harold. I know you're right. Can doctors perscribe anything to make it easier? I know it's psychologically addictive and not physically addictive, so I don't know if there's anything they can do.

I thought AA was only for people having problems with alcohol. Unless AA means anti-addiction and not anti-alcohol... I dunno, I'll look around for specific groups I guess.

Thank you again. Wasn't sure if the first post was going to be someone yelling at me or someone helping me a bit. I honestly didn't think to call the doctor. Thank you very much again.
 
Last edited:
pretty much you can say you're addicted if you are questioning yourself about it. Experience has shown me that the "asking yourself" is really "justifying yourself". And I don't care what anyone says, or has read about meth not being physically addictive, only mentally.... as if one is any better than the other anyhow, but worse yet... meth is BOTH addictions and then some! I don't want what I write here to come off like an N(arcotics) A(non)
brochure re-written.. and I'm not a counselor nor am I a VH1 Behind The Music (they're still waiting for me to have MY moment of clarity! LOL)

Lit probably isn't going to be the best outlet for you to get all the answers you are looking for... if you haven't done so already check out the following sites:

http://www.tweaker.org
http://www.erowid.com
http://www.dancesafe.org

The NIDA (.gov) sites are designed to frighten one into quitting
and that never works... IMO, that forces people to avoid the issue because all they ever hear is info from a "Reefer Madness" mentality.. The sites I mentioned seem to present the info in a manner that someone will actually read and retain.

Be kind to yourself and listen to your conscience and
HYDRATE** HYDRATE ** HYDRATE!

;)
 
I have no specific information or help to give you but I just want to say I wish you well in your fight against this addiction.

Posting here was your first step. Admitting it to yourself. Now you need to look into something like Narcotics Anonymous....and maybe talk to a doctor and try and get yourself sorted. Well done for taking this first step and I know quitting will not be easy for you but It will be more than worth it.

Take care and if you just need a listening ear...I've got two ;)
 
Astrum said:
Thanks Weird Harold. I know you're right. Can doctors perscribe anything to make it easier? I know it's psychologically addictive and not physically addictive, so I don't know if there's anything they can do.

You'll have to talk to your doctor about prescriptions -- but do you really want to trade one addiction for another? That's essentially what a "prscription to make it easier" amounts to; It's still getting your feelings from a bottle or pill.

I thought AA was only for people having problems with alcohol. Unless AA means anti-addiction and not anti-alcohol... I dunno, I'll look around for specific groups I guess.

Alcoholics Anonymous is for people with alcohol problems, but it's alsothe model -- and insome cases the umbrella organization -- for a whole range of groups that deal with overcoming addictions. Do search for "12-Step Program" to learnmore about AA and similar organizations' approach to addiction; it's a time tested and proven method of dealing with addiction.

There are specific groups for specific addictions, and the names are often differnet from region to region -- Alcholics Anonymous is a starting point, because they're likely to know what other groups and programs are available for your specific addiction

Thank you again. Wasn't sure if the first post was going to be someone yelling at me or someone helping me a bit. I honestly didn't think to call the doctor. Thank you very much again.

Doctors are almost always the first point of contact because they have the connections and information on whois treating what and how.

Another possible source of information, if not direct help, is your local church -- I'd recommend contacting a Catholic Priest,Salvation Army Mission, or Methodist Minister, if you don't have any preference. It's kind of "pot-luck" on how any given minister will react to an appeal for help with a drug problem, but the Catholic Church has many Church Sponsored programs as does the Salvation Army. The Methodist's tend to be less judgemental, IMHO, and are usually well informed on the local options for treatment and recovery.

I'm a former Methodist, so I may be a bit prejudiced in that regard -- (it wasn't the clergy or canon that made me leave, it was the congregations.)

Religion isn't the answer for everyone -- although the 12-step program is heavily influenced by religion -- but it CAN be a big help for many. For some, religion becomes a "counter-addiction" for others, it's just a crutch to get them through the hard times. But if you're one of those who needs to "replace" your addiction to conquer it, religion is cheaper than a prescription. ;)

There are many different ways to deal with addiction, so DO NOT give up if one approach doesn't work for you -- there IS an approach or treatment that will help you deal with your problem, you just have to find it.

I've recommended an AA/12-Step program and Religion -- not because they worked for me, (they didn't,) but because they DO work for a large percentage of people who try them.
 
I agree with the other posters...if you think you have an addiction, then you do.

First things first, though...if you are going to beat this, you have to get away from the temptation of it. Get yourself out of that apartment building. It doesn't matter what it takes...you have to do it. If you don't, no twelve-step-program, nor all the resolve in the world, is going to really stick. Get yourself away from that place!

Something else I noticed in your post...do not discount psychological addiction as not being a real addiction. It can be even more powerful than the physical addiction. Doctors can help you with the physical addiction, but the psychological need is a much longer, harder road. Just because you don't feel a craving does NOT mean you are not addicted. Just count yourself lucky that you do not feel both.

One last note...you are going to need support. Is there someone you can call in the middle of the night when you think you cannot go one more minute without the rush? Is there someone you can turn to who will not judge you and simply support you, and keep you from the drugs? You need that. If you don't have someone like that in your life, try support groups. They are all people in the same boat, and they understand exactly how long those nights can get when you really, really want a hit. A strong support system is vital.

I'm going to be following this thread quite a bit, since I am very interested in what you choose to do...please keep posting to tell us how you are and what happens. I'm pulling for you. :rose:

S.
 
Flight420 - I will have to disagree. Methamphetamine can't create a physical dependency like a substance such as alcohol could. The receptors in the brain that they attach to can't create a physical addiction. I'm not saying I'm not addicted, just that I'm psychologically addicted. Even Erowid says it isn't physically addictive.
Anyway, thank you very much for the links. I don't really know how to navigate the third link, but the first link is pretty useful. I've also been visiting Erowid for several years now for information, thanks for that link as well.

English Lady - Thank you for your support. I really do appreciate it.

Weird Harold - I guess you're right... But if they have some sort of drug that has been proven not to be addictive and help in the recovery I wouldn't mind trying it. That's if it doesn't cost an arm and a leg :( .

Religion and I don't get along very well. It's just something I can't, nor will I ever believe in.

sheath - There's no way I can get another place to live. I simply don't have enough money to pay for this rent and somewhere else. I can't break the contract and it doesn't end until June. But I don't know the exact location of any dealers in this complex, I just know they're here. I usually just have a friend who hooks me up, I'm going to tell him to stop comming.

I know psychological addiction can be just as bad as physical. I've been reading some articles today and I'm prepared as best I possibly can.

I'm going to talk to my good friend in Georgia. He might not be right by my side but I know he'll talk to me and if need be call my dad who lives 45 minutes away.

Well I'm actually having some minor hallucinations right now. Things are stretching and shrinking and skewing. Not a lot, just enough to make it visible. I've drank about 32oz of water in the past hour, time to refill my bottle.

Thank you.
 
Last edited:
The first step on the road to recovery is admitting you need help. I have had some dear friends go through addiction so I wish you the best of luck in recovery. :)
 
I know how ya feel man, the Army got me hooked on pain killers. he strongest thing I take for any sort of pain now is Aleve. Don't wanna risk it ya know.

Find a good program and everything will fall into place.

J
 
Good luck with your problem. I know how it feels to be addicted to something and I will be thinking about you.
 
Astrum I am a coke addict (recovering of 5 years) I wish that I had some words for you but I don't want to go into my whole shitty life story of five years so that you will understand how bad this shit is for you..

You are feeling the effects on your own..I hope that wherever you are you can find an outlet to let this stuff go. AA worked for me course there was no NA here. I never talked to anyone or shared with anyone I just sat and listened. I bought the big blue book and the daly inspiration book to keep me going. I also said the serenity prayer over and over in my head just to get to sleep at night when the flashbacks and night terrors and guilty feelings were at there worst. It definately helps to have a friend that you can trust and be able to talk to at anytime no matter what you have to say or how you are feeling. Some days I still have to console in my husband. Who didn't know me when I was full blown into my addiction. But he loves me just the same and lets me unload when need be.

I wish you luck and you know believe in your higher power and that doesn't have to be religious either. It could be the sun, the huge oak tree in your yard anything that will give you peace and solitude. You will make it thru this. Keep believing in that and please don't run and hide from this. Some of us on the board are always here to listen and respond when need be..

GOOD LUCK SWEETIE AND KEEP US POSTED!!!:heart: :heart:
(I am not screaming at you either just emphasizing your importance in this world)
 
Astrum said:
I'm not saying I'm not addicted, just that I'm psychologically addicted. ...

Weird Harold - I guess you're right... But if they have some sort of drug that has been proven not to be addictive and help in the recovery I wouldn't mind trying it. That's if it doesn't cost an arm and a leg :( .

For psychological aaddictions, there is no drug that isn't addictive. That's pretty much inherent in the distinction "psychological addiction."

I'd be very wary of any program that offers a different drug to wean you from your addiction until you understand exactly what the effect is supposed to be and how it works.

You don't need a drug with a "milder high to get you over the withdrawal" becuse that's just transfering one addiction to another.

If drugs are to be of any assistance it will have to be something that prevents you from getting high or turns the high into something unpleasant -- like the drug that reacts with alcohol to make an alcoholic violently ill when they drink. (Not that I could ever take something intended to make me feel even worse than the withdrawal. But that's just a personal quirk, not a comment on the effectiveness of such a therapy.)

I know very little about the specific treatments available for your particular addiction -- That's why you need to talk to a doctor or support group that's familiar with what treatments and programs are available.
 
I've been clean since last time I've posted. It would be easier to kill myself ffs...

Just thought I would give an update.
 
Astrum said:
I've been clean since last time I've posted. It would be easier to kill myself ffs...

Just thought I would give an update.

That's wonderful news, Astrum... good for you!
 
Let me start off by saying congrats for taking the first steps in overcoming your problem. It takes a lot of willpower just to admit to yourself and others that you have a problem. By definition, addictions are never easy to overcome. It sounds like you've definitely got the motivation and right mindframe for quitting, but it's going to be a long, hard road.

The only advice I have for you is repetitive of all the others' posts. Seek help. You don't have to beat this alone. Call your doctor, find support groups. Just like you relied on others to get you your drugs, you're going to need others to help you out of it. Psychological addictions, in my opinion, are far worse than physical ones. There's no magic pill you can take to feel better, but there are plenty of people out there to talk to. Find them, and use them. They're your greatest hope.

I wish you the best of luck in your recovery, Astrum. Keep us updated on your progress. You're in our thoughts and prayers! :rose:
 
Ive pm'd you.

the world doesnt give out brownie points for doing a withdrawal unassisted, just like i never got any for my 'natural' birth.
There are shit loads of drugs that make methamphetamine withdrawal easier. I use them daily for people just like yourself, doing a detox. that can be in the community, or in hospital. But as youve never IV'd and only ihaled. Your not likely to suffer too badly.
GET SOME NUTRITION!!!! Your body has starved for the last couple of days, start eating, as soon as possible.
Milo, sustagen, weetbix, bananas, toast, rice, eggs, little and often, sleep loads, you can worry about your body clock later, and you will feel so much better in 7days.
Have a telephone number for day 8. Local help line/support group/GP. and use it. now is the time to take take take all the care you can get. Prioritise yourself, your woth it.
Learning to go out with your mates, and have a great night straight? Thats what takes the time. Not the hanging out, that goes fairly quickly, but lifes a bit shit after youve been caning the chemical enhancers- but this is only temporary. But think positive, your erections will be firmer, youll be able to come quicker, you'll get less of a sore prick when having sex, you will be able to stay for dinner round your mums of a sunday, without throwing up in the loo.
Substitute your addiction: This is the normal method for giving up. ie. change it for religion. an organised belief system. Any one will do, they all come out similar in clinical trials, the 12 steps programme being the most common. But, Catholasism will do at a push, or a new girlfriend, or job.
Just something new too. Cant really go clubbing for the rest of your natural can you? And 5am just doesnt look the same without the rose tinted glasses does it?
For every 'recovered' addict ive had the privaledge to know and nurse and counsell, most of them tried a few times before success. Sometimes, everything just seems to be the 'right time' for them. Theyve suffered ill health, theyve lost a mate/gf etc. If this turns out to not be the 'right time' for you. Thats fine, you can at least begin to think about how you'd like your recovery to be, and plan for that day. You will always be welcome and encouraged in case this is, 'your time'.
Only you will know if this is then.
i wish you, and everyone that is trying to give something up strength.
blimey, that rambled a bit.
 
I just discovered this thread and I'm glad that its here. I have a great deal of experience in 12- step programs and can tell you that the 12 steps have saved my life and helped me to become a happy, content person.

All AA groups are different. Some are strictly for alcohol abusers, but I find that more and more groups are accepting of other addictions as well, subscribing to the idea that all drugs do pretty much the same thing. NA (narcotics anonymous), though meth is not a narcotic, might also be appropriate. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable where you are.

Without help, though, there isn't much life for the addicted person. You can't do it alone....please find someone to help guide you to recovery.
 
All the things I have learned and read about meth addictition agree with the poster who said about support for withdrawl.

Here is a link for support for meth support.
 
Back
Top