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Stimulants Dexamphetamine saved me from Crystal Meth addiction

dcMonsta

Greenlighter
Joined
Feb 7, 2011
Messages
7
Location
Sydney, Australia
Back in October 2011 I was certain I was playing the end-game of Crystal Meth addiction. I was psychologically, emotionally and physically broken after about 15 years of chronic Meth abuse. I had tried everything to quit - NA, CMA, psychiatrists, psychologists etc. but nothing seemed to work.
Then I started on a dexampethamine substitution pharmocotherapy program which in combination from ongoing counselling has helped me achieved recovery I would never have thought possible. As 2012 draws to a close my life is fundamentally different. I have stable employment and am a reliable employee for the first time in my life. I am able to manage money. Behaviour I used to think compulsive and unavoidable I now see as a series of thoughts, feelings and decisions over which I do in fact have control if I apply focus and discipline.
In short I now believe a full recovery from Meth addiction is my most probable future. I am now in the process of a gradual dose reduction off dex which was voluntary - I came to the view I am confident I have the recovery momentum to continue without the dex safety net.

I am curious if anyone else out there is on or has been part of a dex based recovery and what their experience has been?
 
I remember reading about this online a few months ago and wondering if anybody had tried it.

I feel like its a great idea. Opioid addiction is treated with prescription opiates in opiate replacement therapy (Suboxone, methadone, etc) so I don't see why it couldn't work for stimulant addiction.

I moved this thread from Basic Drug Discussion over to Other Drugs because I feel it deserves the higher level of focus the Other Drugs regulars have in regards to amphetamines and amphetamine addiction.
 
IME with stimulants, tapering/weening doesn't really work, and just makes the cravings worse than when I just quit cold turkey. YMMV.
 
glad it's working out for you. hope when you taper off completely you can continue to manage your life despite not being on a stimulant.
 
IME with stimulants, tapering/weening doesn't really work, and just makes the cravings worse than when I just quit cold turkey. YMMV.
Honestly if you cannot handle Methamphetamine withdrawals theres something wrong with you. I did not read your story poster but using amp for Crystal addiction is trading one for another. I actually knew more than 1 meth ex addict who did this and it got them right back to.square one from what I saw. I never thought meth withdrawals were Bad until you start to IV or do MAssive sized lines just to get off for example if you need 5 points for one go......Honestly its just sleep. Dextroamphetamine is equally as much of a bitch to discontinue after a long period of time. I think Dexedrine is better than Adderall for maintenance on Meth just because Adderall gives a kick in the pants. I just hope you know poster that whenever you taper its going to be a longer gradual crash. If you still think tapering is best make your doses far apart or as far apart as you can when you get doqn to 10-15mgs.
 
Honestly if you cannot handle Methamphetamine withdrawals theres something wrong with you. I did not read your story poster but using amp for Crystal addiction is trading one for another. I actually knew more than 1 meth ex addict who did this and it got them right back to.square one from what I saw. I never thought meth withdrawals were Bad until you start to IV or do MAssive sized lines just to get off for example if you need 5 points for one go......Honestly its just sleep. Dextroamphetamine is equally as much of a bitch to discontinue after a long period of time. I think Dexedrine is better than Adderall for maintenance on Meth just because Adderall gives a kick in the pants. I just hope you know poster that whenever you taper its going to be a longer gradual crash. If you still think tapering is best make your doses far apart or as far apart as you can when you get doqn to 10-15mgs.

The problem isn't, I'd imagine, the withdrawals, it's the massive fatigue and depression that generally follows extended, heavy meth use.
 
I agree with OP.

Pharmaceuticals like vyvanse give even hard meth addicts enough energy to go through the day and be proactive. Without amphetamine, performing day-to-day activities is not just a chore, but a living hell. Imagine trying to interview for a job while having mononucleosis and dealing with your significant other having an affair. Lying in bed is easy, but not everyone has the option to spend 1-2 weeks in bed recovering.

Honestly if you cannot handle Methamphetamine withdrawals theres something wrong with you. I did not read your story poster but using amp for Crystal addiction is trading one for another. I actually knew more than 1 meth ex addict who did this and it got them right back to.square one from what I saw. I never thought meth withdrawals were Bad until you start to IV or do MAssive sized lines just to get off for example if you need 5 points for one go......Honestly its just sleep. Dextroamphetamine is equally as much of a bitch to discontinue after a long period of time. I think Dexedrine is better than Adderall for maintenance on Meth just because Adderall gives a kick in the pants. I just hope you know poster that whenever you taper its going to be a longer gradual crash. If you still think tapering is best make your doses far apart or as far apart as you can when you get doqn to 10-15mgs.

I'd rather go through benzo withdrawals again, than have to go through meth withdrawals. Tapering does work, especially with things like vyvanse, and no drug is fun to taper off of.
 
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Wow I've never considered methamphetamine THAT much worse than amphetamine... Attributed most of it to urban mythology and the u.s. WoD propaganda machinery. Especially now after having used MDPV which many consider a comparably severe threat to a structured life as meth/coke and being able to draw the amphetamine comparison, having been a daily user for 2.5years now.

I read a study that found there is much less tolerance to the appetite decreasing effects of meth. Is that a big problem with regular use? I imagine the longer half life could make maintaining a proper sleep/wake schedule impossible. Most of amphetamine's problems seem to be attributed to A lack of sleep B a hypocaloric, irregular and unhealthy diet C bipolar disorder as a predisposing factor for manic episodes which intesifies and adds to problems caused through the former two side effects.
 
Wow I've never considered methamphetamine THAT much worse than amphetamine... Attributed most of it to urban mythology and the u.s. WoD propaganda machinery. Especially now after having used MDPV which many consider a comparably severe threat to a structured life as meth/coke and being able to draw the amphetamine comparison, having been a daily user for 2.5years now.

I read a study that found there is much less tolerance to the appetite decreasing effects of meth. Is that a big problem with regular use? I imagine the longer half life could make maintaining a proper sleep/wake schedule impossible. Most of amphetamine's problems seem to be attributed to A lack of sleep B a hypocaloric, irregular and unhealthy diet C bipolar disorder as a predisposing factor for manic episodes which intesifies and adds to problems caused through the former two side effects.

The problem I see with meth, isn't necessarily the drug in individual doses, but how easy it is to redose and not feel any immediate side effects.

Also ROAs like smoking(vaporizing) only make it worse.
 
The problem I see with meth, isn't necessarily the drug in individual doses, but how easy it is to redose and not feel any immediate side effects.

Also ROAs like smoking(vaporizing) only make it worse.
I see yeah. That phenomenom has forced me to stay awake all night when amphetamine was seemingly just not working for hours after getting outta bed until I found myself completely tweaked out. Same happened when smoking mdpv and I had to realize after 12h that I am and have been stimulated far more than I realized. The belief was confirmed by the next 40h spent in waking dead state.
 
IME with stimulants, tapering/weening doesn't really work, and just makes the cravings worse than when I just quit cold turkey. YMMV.

I agree it probably doesn't work for everyone. I think maybe it works better for those who like me were in a situation where they used Meth every day and experienced severe cravings without it.

glad it's working out for you. hope when you taper off completely you can continue to manage your life despite not being on a stimulant.

Thank you. Obviously I can't know for certain what lies at the tail end of my tapering schedule but I am confident I have the right coping mechanisms in place now. I eat healthy. Go to the gym 6 days a week. And have a solid network of family and close friends who are very supportive.

Honestly if you cannot handle Methamphetamine withdrawals theres something wrong with you. I did not read your story poster but using amp for Crystal addiction is trading one for another. I actually knew more than 1 meth ex addict who did this and it got them right back to.square one from what I saw. I never thought meth withdrawals were Bad until you start to IV or do MAssive sized lines just to get off for example if you need 5 points for one go......Honestly its just sleep. Dextroamphetamine is equally as much of a bitch to discontinue after a long period of time. I think Dexedrine is better than Adderall for maintenance on Meth just because Adderall gives a kick in the pants. I just hope you know poster that whenever you taper its going to be a longer gradual crash. If you still think tapering is best make your doses far apart or as far apart as you can when you get doqn to 10-15mgs.

Ok I think first you need to understand firstly that I have to consume my dex dose orally at a treatment clinic every day. The dose and route of administration are strictly controlled. As for swapping addiction this sounds like classic 12 step dogma. I am currently on 60mg/day down from 80mg/day two weeks ago and doing fine so far. This reduction was at my own request as I know that I have enough recovery momentum in my life now that I do not need a stimulant to cope with life. I made the decision to come off the dex. No one is compelling me. I know it might not be smooth sailing all the way but I'm prepared for what lies ahead and I know in my heart the only way I will live the life that was meant for me is to live it drug free - does that sound like someone who is addicted?

The problem isn't, I'd imagine, the withdrawals, it's the massive fatigue and depression that generally follows extended, heavy meth use.

This is exactly right. Before starting dex I would plunge into a pit of despair and be physically incapable of even getting out of bed without meth. Dex allowed me to remain functional and hopeful even at times when I was relapsing. I started to learn valuable lessons from those relapses and using that knowledge I developed strategies to change whatever behaviour it was that was leading me back to relapse.
 
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Dude people are generally being unsupportive here, and I think that's not right. I believe if you are SUCCESSFUL in the taper and then quitting completely, then this method seems to have some merit. I have faith in your ability to overcome the addiction. You have taken the first step which is stopping your DOC completely and using a much less harmful, and more controlled dose ( no redosing even possible.) this seems viable. Good luck man!
 
Back in October 2011 I was certain I was playing the end-game of Crystal Meth addiction. I was psychologically, emotionally and physically broken after about 15 years of chronic Meth abuse. I had tried everything to quit - NA, CMA, psychiatrists, psychologists etc. but nothing seemed to work.
Then I started on a dexampethamine substitution pharmocotherapy program which in combination from ongoing counselling has helped me achieved recovery I would never have thought possible. As 2012 draws to a close my life is fundamentally different. I have stable employment and am a reliable employee for the first time in my life. I am able to manage money. Behaviour I used to think compulsive and unavoidable I now see as a series of thoughts, feelings and decisions over which I do in fact have control if I apply focus and discipline.
In short I now believe a full recovery from Meth addiction is my most probable future. I am now in the process of a gradual dose reduction off dex which was voluntary - I came to the view I am confident I have the recovery momentum to continue without the dex safety net.

I am curious if anyone else out there is on or has been part of a dex based recovery and what their experience has been?

Dex could be the methadone for meth were the same protocol used. Certainly life improvs with more cash, sleep, etc etc

But I question whether the dex used for maintenance is viable.i can't believe my 16 yrs on dex for ADD hasn't permanently effected my dopamnergic system. Just an opinion though as long term effects aren't all that forthcoming. Studies focus more so on outcomes like benefits in concentration but no drug company is going to sponsor large scale studies looking at after-effects
 
Dude people are generally being unsupportive here, and I think that's not right. I believe if you are SUCCESSFUL in the taper and then quitting completely, then this method seems to have some merit. I have faith in your ability to overcome the addiction. You have taken the first step which is stopping your DOC completely and using a much less harmful, and more controlled dose ( no redosing even possible.) this seems viable. Good luck man!

Not to be pessimistic, but the taper needs to end. And any methadone patient will tell you the gulf between even 1 mg and 0
 
Wow I've never considered methamphetamine THAT much worse than amphetamine... Attributed most of it to urban mythology and the u.s. WoD propaganda machinery. Especially now after having used MDPV which many consider a comparably severe threat to a structured life as meth/coke and being able to draw the amphetamine comparison, having been a daily user for 2.5years now.

I read a study that found there is much less tolerance to the appetite decreasing effects of meth. Is that a big problem with regular use? I imagine the longer half life could make maintaining a proper sleep/wake schedule impossible. Most of amphetamine's problems seem to be attributed to A lack of sleep B a hypocaloric, irregular and unhealthy diet C bipolar disorder as a predisposing factor for manic episodes which intesifies and adds to problems caused through the former two side effects.

Methamphetamine encourages the body to break down sugars rapidly, so you can eat well on methamphetamine but still be skinny as hell. That's the problem with prolonged, chronic use of methamphetamine. Then again I have seen users who are overweight and have used methamphetamine extensively... don't really know how to explain that lol.
 
Dude people are generally being unsupportive here, and I think that's not right. I believe if you are SUCCESSFUL in the taper and then quitting completely, then this method seems to have some merit. I have faith in your ability to overcome the addiction. You have taken the first step which is stopping your DOC completely and using a much less harmful, and more controlled dose ( no redosing even possible.) this seems viable. Good luck man!

Thanks buddy! Appreciate the support. It is a shame about the scepticism but it doesn't bother me as one of the recovery miracles I've had this year is realising I believe in myself now so I don't really care what others think and in fact it would be arrogant of me to just assume they should understand where I'm at as my journey, like anyone trying to recover from drug addiction, is unique to me.

In a broader sense though it highlights the kind of "moral" impediments to setting up such treatment programs which is a shame because I can say without qualification dex saved my life. Before I started taking it I had spent 3 months sitting in my lounge room alone with the blinds drawn smoking meth. I only left the house to go to the dealers place. I had frequent suicidal ideation and had doubts I would see 2012.

Now when I think about those times I just do not identify with that person. Almost like it happened to someone else.

I lost a friend to Crystal Meth a few years ago who was a lot like me - having tried everything else he felt like it was hopeless and he was beaten. I can't help but wonder if he had gone onto dex he might still be here...

Not to be pessimistic, but the taper needs to end. And any methadone patient will tell you the gulf between even 1 mg and 0

I get what you are saying and I am under no illusion that it will get harder. But considering the massive difference in my life from 12 months ago I now believe anything to be possible. I just need to remain focused and disciplined and to understand that if and when I start to experience withdrawal it won't last forever.

Dex could be the methadone for meth were the same protocol used. Certainly life improvs with more cash, sleep, etc etc

But I question whether the dex used for maintenance is viable.i can't believe my 16 yrs on dex for ADD hasn't permanently effected my dopamnergic system. Just an opinion though as long term effects aren't all that forthcoming. Studies focus more so on outcomes like benefits in concentration but no drug company is going to sponsor large scale studies looking at after-effects

I agree and I'm sure my own dopamine reward system is still down-regulated although no where to the extent it used to be. We have to remember the brain is an amazing organ and never underestimate its neuroplasticity. ;)

Methamphetamine encourages the body to break down sugars rapidly, so you can eat well on methamphetamine but still be skinny as hell. That's the problem with prolonged, chronic use of methamphetamine. Then again I have seen users who are overweight and have used methamphetamine extensively... don't really know how to explain that lol.

In my experience initially I lost weight but then I too started to pack it on. My theory on this is Meth causes calcium deficiency and dairy calcium is now known to help metabolise fat as well as prevent storage of fat.

Wow I've never considered methamphetamine THAT much worse than amphetamine... Attributed most of it to urban mythology and the u.s. WoD propaganda machinery. Especially now after having used MDPV which many consider a comparably severe threat to a structured life as meth/coke and being able to draw the amphetamine comparison, having been a daily user for 2.5years now.

I read a study that found there is much less tolerance to the appetite decreasing effects of meth. Is that a big problem with regular use? I imagine the longer half life could make maintaining a proper sleep/wake schedule impossible. Most of amphetamine's problems seem to be attributed to A lack of sleep B a hypocaloric, irregular and unhealthy diet C bipolar disorder as a predisposing factor for manic episodes which intesifies and adds to problems caused through the former two side effects.

Yes Crystal Meth is a lot worse than regular amphetamine. A single puff of Crystal Meth will release approx. 600 times more dopamine into the synapse than is possible by any natural means. The human brain is not designed to cope with that. It is also fat soluble allowing it to hang around in the cells of the body for a relatively long time.

Dexamphetamine in oral form has a half life of 8-10 hours AT BEST. Being a sulfate and relying on heptic uptake it is very sensitive to both digestive tract and blood pH. Acidity in either will cause a more rapid excretion of the drug.
My personal experience is that I can only discern its effects for 2-3 hours after dosing. During that time it does slightly suppress my appetite but after that I generally experience intense hunger as any amphetamine will rapidly exhaust blood glucose.
 
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I get what you are saying and I am under no illusion that it will get harder. But considering the massive difference in my life from 12 months ago I now believe anything to be possible. I just need to remain focused and disciplined and to understand that if and when I start to experience withdrawal it won't last forever.

I reread your original post. You're taking the initiative to taper so I dare say you might be closer to recovering than you ever would've been had you gone cold turkey. And you're right when you say the oral dosing is more conducive yo a normal life where you are getting sleep and can afford to buy necessities with money which would otherwise have gone to buy meth. Clearly you've taken big steps towards getting your life back, so congratulations! Look, daily dex dosing is unnatural, it's all relative... Clearly dex is the lesser of 2 evils - functional amphetamine use is possible, methamphetamine isn't.

Keep us posted on your progress as it's great for other people to know quitting meth is possible"
 
I'd rather go through benzo withdrawals again, than have to go through meth withdrawals. Tapering does work, especially with things like vyvanse, and no drug is fun to taper off of.

with respect to your opinion have you had an extensive benzo habit and gone through the extended withdrawal process?

i had a heavy IV meth addiction for a few years and it was a cake walk to stop than to go through months of physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms i've experienced a few too many times withdrawing/upon cessation of benzo's, sometimes cold turkey. meth wd's were always a few days oh physical pain, depression and catching up on lost sleep and getting the appetite back. then it was dealing with cravings.

i traded my meth addiction for pain killers when i started getting the good shit and then the benzos started. and hypertension has me using extremely infrequently.

the meth vs benzo wd's, they're apples and oranges really.
 
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