• NMI Moderators: M!$TER-ED

Help with tapering off of crystal meth

Worriedfriend

Greenlighter
Joined
Jun 16, 2014
Messages
3
I could use some advice. My friend has been using crystal meth daily for about 5 years. She finally admitted to me that she has been using and that she wants to stop completely. She says that she hates what it has done to her but needs to take a hit once every 2 or 3 days to stop the withdrawal pains NOT to get high. She says the pains and sickness are awful and she doesn't have the ability to miss 2 weeks of work to go cold turkey, so she's "tapering". She has gone from using daily to using every couple of days (2 or 3 days) and says she's measuring her amount so as not to take enough to get her high. She eats well every day, sleeps well most nights, works every day and never looks high. I have no reason to doubt her as Ive seen her in the past and Ive heard all the lies hiding her use when I first suspected it (Im a non user and never have used, so Im a bit green) so for her to open up, I have no reason to doubt her. She has no insurance and cant afford to lose her job going into rehab so she's trying to wean herself before she stops completely hoping that the withdrawal time and symptoms will be less intense and more manageable.
My questions are, is this possible? Has anyone reading this completely stopped using by tapering and if so, what was your schedule and how long did it take? What can I do to help her? She doesn't talk about it often as she's embarrassed as hell and Im afraid to approach it too often in case I make it worse by making her think about it more. Do you believe that hating it and wanting to stop is enough to do so, as I think thats a great start? Is there anything besides Tylenol and multi vitamins she can take to better prepare herself and her body for the impacts of going cold turkey when the time is right? Ive researched and read that L Tyrosine is a good go to to ease the depression, but the pains and vomitting? What worked for you, PLEASE?
 
I have been an addict for 6 years... meth is my drug of choice, i slam and smoke it and i never really had those "withdrawl" symptoms... maybe once wen i was coming down off some dope that was cut wit heroin but other than that no. Ive had the body soreness and achiness but not pain...and never vomited... r u sure shes using meth? Well regardless of what drug she is doing, the best bet would to go admit into a drug program. Preferably one that is a 6 month inpatient program. I have completed a 6 month inpatient program before and was clean for a year and a half before i relapsed. Some people stay clean the rest of their lives. But honestly that program was the best thing thats happened to me as far as any type of treatment. She will get the counseling she needs and attend classes that will in the long run help her in so many ways... they all give u the time u need to detox off ur drug also.. if she doesnt wanna go to a program, then i think somewhere in her heart shes not ready and doesnt want to stop using yet. As for not wanting to lose her job for going to rehab, its an excuse. Alot of drug programs help with job readiness and try to give as much resources possible to getting a job after discharge. If she has the courage, she can be honest with her boss and let them know whats happening and that she is thinking of going to rehab. Some places are understanding and might even rehire upon completion. Especially with a letter or certificate. Just something to let her know. Otherwise, its hard to taper off or stop cold turkey. Rarely does it happen. Meth is a psycological addictive drug, not so much physical... in my experience i found that every time i tried to taper off or stop completely, with no professional help, it fails. That depression that follows, or the Post Acute Withdraw Syndrome (look that up) its just flat out hard to stay clean..... she needs help. Professional help. And i would let her know that. If she lets her addiction stay active, it will only get worse. She might have to reach her lowest rock bottom a couple of times. And some people dont even get it then... theres many things that can happen if she doesnt get the help she truly needs. Find her a good 6 month or longer inpatient drug program and do what u can to help her realize its whats best.
Good luck....
 
Also, as i re read ur post again.. i was at the point not long into my addiction to where i HATED IT. I COULDNT STAND IT! Still cant. I wanted to stop all the time, just couldnt.... so no, hating it and wanting to stop isnt enough to actually quit. As ive said, she needs professional help.
 
Top