Meth/Amphetamines: Serious Discussion Only

[drug_wench]

^fucking awesome quote mia!!

 

[footscrazy]

Mia - it doesn't make me high like it used to either - I don't feel like I've been 'properly' high since last year. Sometimes it gets so bad that taking a big puff will make me high for only 30 seconds before making me even more depressed than before....hmm, I'm not getting what I want from it but still can't seem to stop

zephyr - Maybe you need a different therapist? I say that because I remember I used to get so embarrassed around my drug counseller - I never used to tell her the truth. I'd come in and before I'd told her that I was using again she'd have started on how great it was that I was stopping and how fantastic everything was - and I just couldn't be fucked telling her that no, everything wasn't fantastic In the end I stopped seeing her and I've found a guy I get along with really well now - I actually feel like I'm learning something for the first time.

drug_wench I think you should be so proud of yourself for not letting your lapse turn into a relapse - it shows a lot of strength. I can understand you feeling guilty about it - but that's also a good thing in a way - it means your not in the least complacent about it and are in a good position to continue your recovery

I'm having trouble stopping...I have an appointment with my doctor because I'm thinking about starting on an antidepressant or something to help with my withdrawal... I've been doing a lot of research on this and have come up with a list of things to ask my doctor about. I HATE SSRI's so they're definitely off, but I'm thinking wellbutrin, baclofen, modafinil are all things I could try. I'm also interested in the studies on methylphenidate (ritalin or concerta) though I know this could be really risky and I really doubt I'd get pescribed it anyway.
If anyone has any experience with medications that have eased withdrawal and help you stay off meth... I'd be really interested to hear about it

 

[zephyr]

I did not get cravings for at least a month after I went cold turkey. Coming up to 5 months and Im hit by waves and waves of wanting it.

I think I have to change tactics in my dealing with it. . . Also medication and lifestyle.

I want to come off seroquel, Ive been on it for too long I reckon and it is causing me to have spasms and tics that I cant control, and I just cant get out of bed except to go to work. At work I cant concentrate, Im either too happy and not being able to be serious or very glum.

Something is wrong, it could be the Effexor though. Im seeding my doc at the end of the month. If he just bumps me up a dose I think Im going to have to refuse. I still have very bad social phobia, still have audible hallucinations, not seeing anything weird though that I know is a hallucination for real.

All I know is- this is not me. There is something that has not returned about me that I had before I went into addiction. Its like Im just playing along in some fictional story instead of just living normally.

I dont think my problems are drug related much anymore having had this time off it. And that is scary.

 

[n3ophy7e]

zeph, I think it would still all be drug-related. It can take a while for the brain to fully recover.

You need to explain all this to your doc, I'm sure there are other meds he can trial you on. You can feel normal!

Although I haven't battled a meth addiction, I have been on anti-depressants my whole adult life, and I definitely know what you are describing as being too happy to take anything seriously, or being too glum to do any work. I felt the same way, it was like the meds were making me bipolar!

Now I'm not on anything and doing pretty well, but the point is that my psych tried me on a lot of different things that worked well for me for a while. So there are heaps of other options for you.

Good luck hun

 

[mrs_mia_wallace]

Mia - it doesn't make me high like it used to either - I don't feel like I've been 'properly' high since last year. Sometimes it gets so bad that taking a big puff will make me high for only 30 seconds before making me even more depressed than before....hmm, I'm not getting what I want from it but still can't seem to stop

I'm having trouble stopping...I have an appointment with my doctor because I'm thinking about starting on an antidepressant or something to help with my withdrawal... I've been doing a lot of research on this and have come up with a list of things to ask my doctor about. I HATE SSRI's so they're definitely off, but I'm thinking wellbutrin, baclofen, modafinil are all things I could try. I'm also interested in the studies on methylphenidate (ritalin or concerta) though I know this could be really risky and I really doubt I'd get pescribed it anyway.
If anyone has any experience with medications that have eased withdrawal and help you stay off meth... I'd be really interested to hear about it

Same, I just need it to get through the day now and I'm constantly hoping somehow that first high will come back. Hah. 8)

You'll most likely have some serious difficulties getting the Concerta or Ritalin... I was diagnosed with ADHD many years since meth addiction and my psychs have refused to give me meds for it after meth. If you get put on anything that helps, send me a message, I'm yet to be prescribed anything that does

I did not get cravings for at least a month after I went cold turkey. Coming up to 5 months and Im hit by waves and waves of wanting it.

I think I have to change tactics in my dealing with it. . . Also medication and lifestyle.

I want to come off seroquel, Ive been on it for too long I reckon and it is causing me to have spasms and tics that I cant control, and I just cant get out of bed except to go to work. At work I cant concentrate, Im either too happy and not being able to be serious or very glum.

Something is wrong, it could be the Effexor though. Im seeding my doc at the end of the month. If he just bumps me up a dose I think Im going to have to refuse. I still have very bad social phobia, still have audible hallucinations, not seeing anything weird though that I know is a hallucination for real.

All I know is- this is not me. There is something that has not returned about me that I had before I went into addiction. Its like Im just playing along in some fictional story instead of just living normally.

I dont think my problems are drug related much anymore having had this time off it. And that is scary.

Is anything super stressful or hurtful going on in your life?

I get heroin cravings randomly, there is no rhyme or reason to them so I think it just works that way, even after months clean. But this change might not be drug or med related but just your body's response to something else going on in life and with the history of drug abuse this is the way it comes out.

I agree with the Seroquel, it's a horrible drug for sleep and I would do anything to get off it, I just can't fall asleep on anything else but, meth or no meth.

I was on Effexor and for the first few months it made me super manic, then just sort of stopped doing anything period. Was not a fan of it and getting off of it it is so no fun.

 

[3dmusic]

I long for a shot of methamphetamine, but I can't muster the strength to bother, the psychosis and misery and addiction after years has destroyed the inner good in me.

Methamphetamine, amphetamine, any speedy drug, we all start off taking it because it gives us the illusion we can muster up enthusiasm, motivation, confidence, get-up-and-go, and so on.

It was amphetamine for me, (UK base) and your post really relates to something I have been trying to get my head around.
I never took it daily, too strong, couldnt handle that, needed days off to rest.
I did take it a few times a week, however, as those days off it were depressing as hell.

I didn't make the decision to quit, (5 weeks since last bomb of base) I just don't have the willpower, and I didnt want to quit anyway, but felt like speed quit me, in the end.

I can't be arsed with the psychosis. It turns darkside, and I am not the best at negotiating the borders of my consciousness on a comdown.

I have been getting killer toothache for about a week after base too, anyone else notice teethaches on comedowns?
Dentist appointment booked though, just waiting.

I can't even get my drug of choice, I don't want to anymore.
but I'm still just as miserable

Me too.
I even turned down free stuff a couple of times, and when asked why, I said with a puzzled look on my face "Depression"
Depression was my reason for taking the stuff, and here I am, citing it as a reason why I cant face the base no more.

 

[3dmusic]

The smiley especially for speedfreaks

I've just discovered this smiley and it's cracking me up - hahahhahahahaahhaahah
The speedfreak smiley
that'll be all.

 

[drug_wench]

I have been getting killer toothache for about a week after base too, anyone else notice teethaches on comedowns?

yes, its usually cos of the fact that we tend to clench our jaws wen were tweaking (often without even noticing it)
i found it helped to start chewing gum
however eventually ur teeth start to rot anyway from excessive use of amphetamines so yes a dental visit is always a gd idea

footscrazy, as ur in aussie, u shud ask about concerta
over here (NZ) theyre doing studies where theyre using concerta as a substitute for methamphetamine addicts (sort of like a meth users methadone)

sadly for me, im allergic to methylphenidate
however i never had any trouble, even after telling my psychiatrist i was a chronic P user, getting prescribed various stimulants for ADHD
i eventually found that dexamphetamine works the best for me

i wasnt allowed to resume treatment for ADHD until id bn off the P for 6 months then reassessed for ADHD, but i hav found that wen i take my pills i hav little in a way of cravings for P/meth

sadly, now im coming off benzos, as im epileptic, the doctors hav decided its too risky to hav me on dexamphetamine any longer (until im off the benzos and no longer suffering withdrawal)
also the methadone doctor doesnt like me combining it with suboxone for some reason so i am having to get by without it for awhile while im detoxing from valium and on sub maintenance

probly partly why my heads going crazy over the need for P atm.....

 

[footscrazy]

^^^ I asked my doctor about meds today - including concerta. I did heaps of research and even printed out heaps of journal articles suggesting that it can be effective for people trying to recover from meth addiction. She definitely didn't seem opposed to it but it seems GP's aren't allowed to pescribe ritalin or concerta so she's given me a referral to a psych specialising in addiction... I don't know what my chances are though. I'll go armed with all my journal articles and suggest I could do a daily pick up or something, so we'll see how that goes

 

[3dmusic]

^^^ I asked my doctor about meds today - including concerta. I did heaps of research and even printed out heaps of journal articles suggesting that it can be effective for people trying to recover from meth addiction. She definitely didn't seem opposed to it but it seems GP's aren't allowed to pescribe ritalin or concerta so she's given me a referral to a psych specialising in addiction... I don't know what my chances are though. I'll go armed with all my journal articles and suggest I could do a daily pick up or something, so we'll see how that goes

That sound a good idea.

As for me, I can't face the day without drugs, but lately I haven't even been able to face the drugs.
I'm only out of bed because I woke and couldnt get back to sleep.
Its nearly 3pm here, and sunny, so none of this makes sense, I know, so sorry about that.
I 'want-to want' to feel enthusiastic about going out into the sunshine, but I just don't.
The absence of speed has caused all this confusion, but speed needs to be absent in my life right now, for reasons unknown.
I'm just glad that horrible jonesing for it isnt with me today.

Positive vibes to all who are struggling.

 

[n3ophy7e]

^^^ I asked my doctor about meds today - including concerta. I did heaps of research and even printed out heaps of journal articles suggesting that it can be effective for people trying to recover from meth addiction. She definitely didn't seem opposed to it but it seems GP's aren't allowed to pescribe ritalin or concerta so she's given me a referral to a psych specialising in addiction... I don't know what my chances are though. I'll go armed with all my journal articles and suggest I could do a daily pick up or something, so we'll see how that goes

footscrazy, your chances are pretty good I'd say. You've done your research and you've got some good supporting evidence to say that you could do with some meds to help you. If the psych is anything like mine, they'll be happy to at least try you on concerta. But make sure you're honest with them and you keep up the appointments. It also sounds encouraging that this particular psych specialises in addiction, you're already on the right track!
Best of luck hun, let us know how you go *hugs*

 

[footscrazy]

Thanks n3ophy7e I'm just hoping this psych is a bit more understanding than some I've had in the past - I've had a bad run when it comes to psychiatrists.

3d music - I'm battling with a fucked up sleep cycle myself! I got up at 1.30pm today which is actually an improvement for me. Getting up at 5pm when it is already getting dark is so depressing.

 

[rangrz]

I'm coming down now.

the biggest loss from today was being too nice to strangers pying for peoplse drinks and cab rides home.

goddamn, sometimes it brings out the nice guy in me...which is bad for wallet.

 

[footscrazy]

^^ Oh I do that so badly. Don't have have money for a drink? Here, about how about I buy a $50 bottle. You all want to have a hotel party but have no money? Don't worry, I'll get this 5 star one for a few nights. I spend sooo much money when I'm high.

 

[claire22]

And cigarettes too, I'll buy a packet for people for no reason.
Usually I have a lot of cash in my wallet and people always ask me for money.
I rented out a room at Grand Hotel (Spencer st, Melburnians will know which one..) FOR FIVE NIGHTS last year. My god, so costly. Had a sweet time but at the end I was so poor from blowing thousands upon thousands on drugs and room service alone.

 

[footscrazy]

^^ Ohhh the Grand! That is definitely up there with my fav hotels. I spent a few days there for my 18th birthday - it was a crazy few days! The good thing about the grand is it has an entrance on the side so all your friends can sneak up without having to go past reception
We almost got kicked out with all the drug affected randoms wandering up to our room, as well as setting off the fire alarms, then I left lines of nurofen all over the table just to tease the cleaning lady...

 

[rangrz]

haha, will, I counted my total for a day running from 3pm to midnite

drugcosts: 50 bucks.
TTC and cab money=25 bucks
snacks/candy/smokes for me.= 20
pool table time for me= 5 bucks
drinks for me=15
drinks for 4 hawt girls (my gf lieks teh girls)=70
cab fare for stragers. =80 bucks
pool table time for said girls- 12.50
--------------
$277.50

about 1/2 of what I make with my own company per day, so qute resonable imo.

ah,thats not too bad....most $$ day was impulse buying my ducati 999..but no regrets...its all been more fun the a wad of dirty green stuff.....I paid myself back in less then two months...so I suppose that wasnt to bad either

 

[claire22]

Hahaha
My friend has a room there permanently, lives there.
It's also very easy to drive into the little private car park hehehe, sneaking in.
It's a nice place but we got told off so many times for being so loud, Carlton Crest never tells us off though it's great!
Although they know I am fucked off my nut 'cos whenever I go to reception I have eyes bugging out of my head and huge baggy eyes. Quite funny, they give me the weirdest looks.
I am paranoid about smoke alarms though I always blow away from them, the f1 (I think it is) hotel in Dandenong fined me shitloads of money for setting off the alarm even though it was a smoking room, wtf is a smoke alarm doing in there?
They said it is because 'you're instructed to smoke out the window'.. ?
I had a very, very close call in Grand Hotel. I accidently left a baggie of shards there on the dressing table when I left and was halfway home before I realised. I freaked out and drove back and the cleaning lady was JUST ABOUT to clean it.
Soo bad.
2 friends got charged for having baggies of coke on the Goldie that they left in the room. Drove back and weren't allowed back in. Hotel called police and everything.

 

[footscrazy]

Rangrz - it could have been worse! My crazy weekends usually cost thousands of dollars Actually I think if I just managed to spend only $300 in a weekend I'd be counting that as a success!

The Grand has pretty good rates to live there - I was looking into it at one time. The smoke alarms don't usually get set off by ciggerette smoke I didn't think? I think it usually has to be black, rather than white smoke. Anyway my friend had bought me a cake full of sparklers and that's how it happened.

And lol for formulae one. Those have to be the funniest, shittest hotels around. I've stayed at the one in Tulla and the bed just about takes up the whole room.

Saville ftw

 

[rangrz]

300 bucks was a short weekday out...my weekends can push 700.

back in the day, doing coke instead of speed and RC's, itwould soar into the 1000's