Just a quick note of encouragement for anyone out there that is struggling with Meth addiction that thinks there is no hope. You can quit! I did it! I was pretty much as bad as they get. I never injected it but I am sure that would have been a natural progression if I had not quit. Just know that you need not fear the withdrawl. It really isn't a physical one other than sleeping for a few weeks. You can look forward to eating again and not having to force it. The paranoia will subside. The depression will diminish over time. Just take that step and put it down! You can do it. If you are afraid of withdrawl just read some of the heroin threads. They have painful, horrible withdrawl and they even overcome it. I just wanted to post something on here in case there was someone reading that was struggling like I had been. Take care, and the first step is just putting it down.
Peace and Sobriety,
Valarie
Thank you so much. My brother is going through detox and I along with my family are soooo worried about him. Ive heard anti depressants help?? Is this true
Hi Yellow....I'm sorry that your family is going through this. I look back and can't believe that I put my family through what I did. They knew that it was the drug and not me.
I never took antidepressents. I pretty much just moved back to my parents home town for 6 months and cut all ties. I was at rock bottom though. I was DONE! If he isn't done with it himself all of the world can tell him to quit and it won't do any good.
Some people have serious withdrawl. I haven't used speed since
April of 2000. I know that alot stronger stuff has come aboard since I left that life. I.E. Ice is the most potent I believe.
I was dilusional and paranoid and was hearing voices. It was an aweful existence! I thought everyone was out to get me. No one could tell me different.
For a long time I had NO energy to do anything. My body was just sooo run down and depleted. My teeth were falling out. It was aweful. I since have gotten all my teeth fixed and my life has been on track.
It's a cunning bulls*** drug that still calls to me on occasion. I just always remember what it did to me and never want to go back to that life. If your brother hasn't lost everything yet....he will..That is the progression fo methamphetamines.
I wish you the best. Perhaps you and the rest of your family should go to an alanon meeting to learn how to deal and cope with an addict.
Take care! If you have any other questions I will do my best to answer them for you.
I never took antidepressents. I pretty much just moved back to my parents home town for 6 months and cut all ties. I was at rock bottom though. I was DONE! If he isn't done with it himself all of the world can tell him to quit and it won't do any good.
Some people have serious withdrawl. I haven't used speed since
April of 2000. I know that alot stronger stuff has come aboard since I left that life. I.E. Ice is the most potent I believe.
I was dilusional and paranoid and was hearing voices. It was an aweful existence! I thought everyone was out to get me. No one could tell me different.
For a long time I had NO energy to do anything. My body was just sooo run down and depleted. My teeth were falling out. It was aweful. I since have gotten all my teeth fixed and my life has been on track.
It's a cunning bulls*** drug that still calls to me on occasion. I just always remember what it did to me and never want to go back to that life. If your brother hasn't lost everything yet....he will..That is the progression fo methamphetamines.
I wish you the best. Perhaps you and the rest of your family should go to an alanon meeting to learn how to deal and cope with an addict.
Take care! If you have any other questions I will do my best to answer them for you.
Thanks for the info... Question for Valerie and Justin....
My bother did lose basically everything and then went to rehab for 30 days. He has been out 6 months and has his life on a decent track....( job apartment).
Hes been using again. then last week, he broke down and detoxed, slept. How do you feel after that? Are you miserable and depressed. Hes back to being happy and jolly and positive. Thats how I know hes using again. I hate never knowing what to expect.... He has been aggrevated and nasty and then fine and plesant. He hasnt gone to all the counseling and support groups I gave him numbers for. Just wanted a little insight as to your reactions and feeling when you were just coming off... like in the early weeks and months.
Thanks
My bother did lose basically everything and then went to rehab for 30 days. He has been out 6 months and has his life on a decent track....( job apartment).
Hes been using again. then last week, he broke down and detoxed, slept. How do you feel after that? Are you miserable and depressed. Hes back to being happy and jolly and positive. Thats how I know hes using again. I hate never knowing what to expect.... He has been aggrevated and nasty and then fine and plesant. He hasnt gone to all the counseling and support groups I gave him numbers for. Just wanted a little insight as to your reactions and feeling when you were just coming off... like in the early weeks and months.
Thanks
Valarie, congrats to you!! and I wish you continued strength, although I have my doubts you need it. you got your head on right and have a great attitude.
Yellow, I became very lethargic, doing nothing but sleeping for the first few days to a week, depression and anger were my mood for a long time after. I did need antidepressants, and still do after being clean for over 2 years. The first week was the worst, and it was probably a month before I felt anything close to normal. After that I would experience days that I felt on top of the world...almost euphoric. Wondering why I ever needed to use, Then crashing down into days where I wondered if life would ever get better.Anger was my best friend it seemed. I eventually went to a local mental health hospital to get help with my moods. A few changes and adjustments to my meds, along with an outpatient counseling program helped immensely.
There are no set symptoms to the detoxing of meth. A lot depends on how long and often he used. Some will debate the form of ingestion affects the quitting process (eating, snorting, smoking, injecting ) the quality of the meth, and the amount he would do at one time.
I quit (well, stopped for a while) years ago. I took very good care of my health, ate well, took a lot of vitamins, and started feeling so good around a month and a half of being clean my ex constantly accused me of using. Needless to say at 3 months clean some meth was offered to me, I thought I could do just a little, besides I was being accused of using anyway (ya, I know, it all boils down to it being my choice) so one line turned into two...... almost 20 years later I had enough. My point being is, are you sure he is using again? (ya, I think you are probably right, but there just isn't enough information to pass judgement) For instance, did he go to detox himself? or was he ordered to? I'm confused as to his happy carefree days and his bad days
My opinion is be straightforward, talk to him openly and honestly, talk to him as a sister that cares and is there for him regardless of wether or not he is using. Men are funny, (I know, I am one) many will not admit needing,or will seek out help.To admit addiction or in need of help is to be weak. Give him a non threatening, open line of communication.
I don't know if I answered your question with all my rambling, so ask away if I can be of any help.
ps, He's lucky that he has a sister that cares enough to seek out answers
Yellow, I became very lethargic, doing nothing but sleeping for the first few days to a week, depression and anger were my mood for a long time after. I did need antidepressants, and still do after being clean for over 2 years. The first week was the worst, and it was probably a month before I felt anything close to normal. After that I would experience days that I felt on top of the world...almost euphoric. Wondering why I ever needed to use, Then crashing down into days where I wondered if life would ever get better.Anger was my best friend it seemed. I eventually went to a local mental health hospital to get help with my moods. A few changes and adjustments to my meds, along with an outpatient counseling program helped immensely.
There are no set symptoms to the detoxing of meth. A lot depends on how long and often he used. Some will debate the form of ingestion affects the quitting process (eating, snorting, smoking, injecting ) the quality of the meth, and the amount he would do at one time.
I quit (well, stopped for a while) years ago. I took very good care of my health, ate well, took a lot of vitamins, and started feeling so good around a month and a half of being clean my ex constantly accused me of using. Needless to say at 3 months clean some meth was offered to me, I thought I could do just a little, besides I was being accused of using anyway (ya, I know, it all boils down to it being my choice) so one line turned into two...... almost 20 years later I had enough. My point being is, are you sure he is using again? (ya, I think you are probably right, but there just isn't enough information to pass judgement) For instance, did he go to detox himself? or was he ordered to? I'm confused as to his happy carefree days and his bad days
My opinion is be straightforward, talk to him openly and honestly, talk to him as a sister that cares and is there for him regardless of wether or not he is using. Men are funny, (I know, I am one) many will not admit needing,or will seek out help.To admit addiction or in need of help is to be weak. Give him a non threatening, open line of communication.
I don't know if I answered your question with all my rambling, so ask away if I can be of any help.
ps, He's lucky that he has a sister that cares enough to seek out answers
Hi Yellow.....well when I first "came down" I slept for like 2 weeks straight. I was a total jerk to everyone around me and really depressed. The depression lasted for probably3-6 months for me. When you do speed it floods your brain with dopamine and that is why you feel good. Pretty soon your own body quits producing it and relies on the drug to give the feel good feeling. When you come down there is no longer the artificial flood of dopamine. That is why the depression is sooo damn hard. He will feel like crap for a long time. No energy...won't want to get out of bed etc. It will get better over time though.
How long was he using? If it was a long time I would say there is no way in hell that he would be up and happy so quickly. I don't know him so I don't want to judge him if he is clean.
When he is really ready to quit your family should be prepared for severe mood swings and depression. It is just part of the walk he has to walk. The good news is that the brain can repair itself over time. He will get better. You should check out the new series on HBO called addiction. It is really good and will give you lots of answers. Also check out an alanon meeting and they can better help you deal with an addict in the family.
I wish you well.
If you want to email me you can at VLCHAVIS@hotmail.com...Just put from yellow from message board in the subject line so I know it's you,.
Take care! Valarie
JUSTONEMORE: Thanks for the kudos. Everyone needs encouragement from time to time. You are doing fantastic as well. I definitely think I have this drug beat. I never ever though I would get off of it but I did. I don't know anyone or anywhere to get it. That is the key for me. Had to cut ALL ties. I have one friend from those days but we only email eachother and talk via phone around the holidays. We both know that we are triggers for eachother so we know that we can't hang out anymore. You have to do whatever it takes to stay clean. So far soo good.
How long was he using? If it was a long time I would say there is no way in hell that he would be up and happy so quickly. I don't know him so I don't want to judge him if he is clean.
When he is really ready to quit your family should be prepared for severe mood swings and depression. It is just part of the walk he has to walk. The good news is that the brain can repair itself over time. He will get better. You should check out the new series on HBO called addiction. It is really good and will give you lots of answers. Also check out an alanon meeting and they can better help you deal with an addict in the family.
I wish you well.
If you want to email me you can at VLCHAVIS@hotmail.com...Just put from yellow from message board in the subject line so I know it's you,.
Take care! Valarie
JUSTONEMORE: Thanks for the kudos. Everyone needs encouragement from time to time. You are doing fantastic as well. I definitely think I have this drug beat. I never ever though I would get off of it but I did. I don't know anyone or anywhere to get it. That is the key for me. Had to cut ALL ties. I have one friend from those days but we only email eachother and talk via phone around the holidays. We both know that we are triggers for eachother so we know that we can't hang out anymore. You have to do whatever it takes to stay clean. So far soo good.
here's the short version, yes meds can help with depression and anger. Some regular doctors are able to help with prescribing. I recommend a psychiatrist, preferrably one that deals with substance abuse. Most counties have clinics where you can seek help
Wow I am really learning a lot! I watch that HBO special every chance I can and look at the website to! You are also wonderful souces of info from someone who has been on the other side. H
He used for about 6 yrs before rehab. He detoxed at home. Stayed at my parent for a week layed on the couch and that was basiacally it. He was quite nasty... quick answers, just layed around, slept. I would go over and try to keep him company, bring him a movie but he was unpleasant. I was actually fine with that because I knew at least he was clean. I told my parent to ignore that behavior it was part of stopping and they did, nobody took it personally! Now hes back at work and seem happy when I call (almost everyday) He did lie and say he went to counseling and I KNOW he didnt. We went there and waited for his car... he was home the whole time. I guess he is still in denial, doesnt want to admit he's weak.. .like you said justin! After rehab when he was clean... He gain so much weight and muscle and was so pleasant to talk to, looked at you in the eye when he spoke. So I know he can do it, the problem was he didnt keep up with any aftercare. He went to meeting for a few weeks. He would say "Im not like those people" at the meeting. He would say they were losers and he wasnt like that. I guess thats part of the denial. I want to help so bad, I have the time and patients and strength to do whatever it takes. I am 25 and hes 23. I wish he would just open up. He tries to act like all is fine when we talk. I feel like shaking him and saying... we all KNOW and we all LOVE you, so just talk about it! He still it telling lies so thats how I know hes using. I hate seeing him so skinny. I wont give up though... I'll keep trying, maybe one day hell want to get better more than anything and take our outstretched hand! I will never give up. One day I want to write to you and say hes been clean for year... I would give anything for that.
He used for about 6 yrs before rehab. He detoxed at home. Stayed at my parent for a week layed on the couch and that was basiacally it. He was quite nasty... quick answers, just layed around, slept. I would go over and try to keep him company, bring him a movie but he was unpleasant. I was actually fine with that because I knew at least he was clean. I told my parent to ignore that behavior it was part of stopping and they did, nobody took it personally! Now hes back at work and seem happy when I call (almost everyday) He did lie and say he went to counseling and I KNOW he didnt. We went there and waited for his car... he was home the whole time. I guess he is still in denial, doesnt want to admit he's weak.. .like you said justin! After rehab when he was clean... He gain so much weight and muscle and was so pleasant to talk to, looked at you in the eye when he spoke. So I know he can do it, the problem was he didnt keep up with any aftercare. He went to meeting for a few weeks. He would say "Im not like those people" at the meeting. He would say they were losers and he wasnt like that. I guess thats part of the denial. I want to help so bad, I have the time and patients and strength to do whatever it takes. I am 25 and hes 23. I wish he would just open up. He tries to act like all is fine when we talk. I feel like shaking him and saying... we all KNOW and we all LOVE you, so just talk about it! He still it telling lies so thats how I know hes using. I hate seeing him so skinny. I wont give up though... I'll keep trying, maybe one day hell want to get better more than anything and take our outstretched hand! I will never give up. One day I want to write to you and say hes been clean for year... I would give anything for that.
You seem to be on top of it as well as you can. You're right, a lot of denial on his part, not to mention he's following what I jokingly call the "manly man handbook" you know? the not needing help, the I can handle it, the I am in control attitude.
When people just confronted me, or "told" me I was using, I always seemed to use that as an excuse to get pissed off. I'll tell you what was most effective on me.... That subtle silence that told me my BS wasn't fooling anyone. It could just be how I am, I have always paid more attention to peoples body language and their actions more so than what they are saying. I guess from a lifetime of being around drug users. I was raised in a loving caring family, 3 older sisters, it hurt when I knew I wasn't fooling anyone. Being addicted it is easy to be blind to our own lies.... we'll believe our lies if allowed. Don't allow him to believe his lies. If he didn't go to a meeting, tell him you know....don't argue with him, just let him know. If you think he is using, tell him you do, and tell him why. He doesn't think he is like "those" people, well,.....I have gone to some meetings where I felt the same way. No two groups are the same, maybe try a different one. You might want to check them out yourself, find a good one you think he might like and take him there. the dynamics of the people in the group make all the difference in the world.
Bottom line is he will not stop untill he is ready to make the commitment. Ready to be honest with himself, I wish you and your family the best
When people just confronted me, or "told" me I was using, I always seemed to use that as an excuse to get pissed off. I'll tell you what was most effective on me.... That subtle silence that told me my BS wasn't fooling anyone. It could just be how I am, I have always paid more attention to peoples body language and their actions more so than what they are saying. I guess from a lifetime of being around drug users. I was raised in a loving caring family, 3 older sisters, it hurt when I knew I wasn't fooling anyone. Being addicted it is easy to be blind to our own lies.... we'll believe our lies if allowed. Don't allow him to believe his lies. If he didn't go to a meeting, tell him you know....don't argue with him, just let him know. If you think he is using, tell him you do, and tell him why. He doesn't think he is like "those" people, well,.....I have gone to some meetings where I felt the same way. No two groups are the same, maybe try a different one. You might want to check them out yourself, find a good one you think he might like and take him there. the dynamics of the people in the group make all the difference in the world.
Bottom line is he will not stop untill he is ready to make the commitment. Ready to be honest with himself, I wish you and your family the best
My family and I have agreed to let him know all together that we are fully aware of his out of control drug use and we can no longer have contact with him if he chooses drugs. I know relapse is a part of recovery, but like you said... He has to know we cant deal with his BS. When hes ready to get help we will be here with open arms.
Thanks for the advice about him beleiving his own lies... thats exactly it! Maybe when he sees hes the ONLY one beleiving them, it will hurt.
I know its a long shot... but, did ANYTHING anyone did or said get to realize???
Thanks for the advice about him beleiving his own lies... thats exactly it! Maybe when he sees hes the ONLY one beleiving them, it will hurt.
I know its a long shot... but, did ANYTHING anyone did or said get to realize???
What you are doing is about the best shot.I know it sucks, but that is really about all you can do. He can lie all he wants, to himself and others....but reality always bites us in the butt. He will be forced to make a decision, Life and family, or meth and an empty existence.
Valerie, you have no idea how your encouragement fired me up, thanks!
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margarette
Dual Diagnosis Treatment --Get more info on dual diagnosis treatment
_____________________________
margarette
Dual Diagnosis Treatment --Get more info on dual diagnosis treatment
Justin and Val -
Thanks for giving me an so many other hope! I have some good new! My brother came to us for help... call it a miracle, but it happed. We got him on a plane Monday night... he is going to rehab! His drug of choice is acually opiates. But either way... we never gave up on him or turned our backs and it paid off. I know rehab is just the beginning of a lot of work... but its a start. Just wanted to share the good news... we are all thrilled to know he is safe at night!
Thanks for giving me an so many other hope! I have some good new! My brother came to us for help... call it a miracle, but it happed. We got him on a plane Monday night... he is going to rehab! His drug of choice is acually opiates. But either way... we never gave up on him or turned our backs and it paid off. I know rehab is just the beginning of a lot of work... but its a start. Just wanted to share the good news... we are all thrilled to know he is safe at night!
Yellow that is fabulous news! I wish you all the best in the world. I don't know the opiate hell but I am sure it is just as tough as meth or alcohol or any other addiction. Make sure you all go to alanon meetings or some sort of support group to help you deal with the changes you will need to make.
Margarette! I am happy that it helped you! Take care!
Margarette! I am happy that it helped you! Take care!
