Ask yourself: How much time are you devoting to your habit? How much money are you spending to support your habit? Focus on accepting the reality that you may be spending a lot of time and money using amphetamines. The more you accept it, the more likely you will be motivated toward positive change. [2] X Research source This is perhaps due to the idea that acceptance helps us admit and own our weaknesses, which is necessary to modify our behaviors.
Ask yourself: Have you lost friends or let important relationships suffer? Have you been performing poorly at school or work? Is your health suffering as a result of your amphetamine use? Is your habit likely to cause legal problems (or has it already)?
You may have an Amphetamine Use Disorder are if you are: taking amphetamines in larger amounts or for longer periods of time than you intended, wanting to reduce your use but not being able to, spending a lot of time or energy getting/using/recovering from amphetamines, and craving amphetamines. [5] X Trustworthy Source National Institute on Drug Abuse Agency in the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services devoted to researching drug and drug abuse and educating the public Go to source Tolerance is another symptom of Amphetamine Use Disorder. This means you are tolerating higher amounts of amphetamines over time and needing more in order to get the same effect. [6] X Trustworthy Source National Institute on Drug Abuse Agency in the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services devoted to researching drug and drug abuse and educating the public Go to source Another symptom of Amphetamine Use Disorder is if you experience symptoms of withdrawal (you experience unpleasant mental and physical side effects when you stop taking the drug). Additionally, if you are not able to complete work or home obligations due to amphetamine use, or you are having relationship problems due to your use, you may have a substance use disorder. [7] X Trustworthy Source National Institute on Drug Abuse Agency in the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services devoted to researching drug and drug abuse and educating the public Go to source Have compassion for yourself and accept that you have a problem. Having self-compassion and thinking about your weaknesses can actually motivate you to make changes. [8] X Research source
If you do not currently have a physician, contact your medical insurance company to find one. If you do not have medical insurance you can find a free or low-cost clinic in your area. Also, check with your local government for medical services or benefits for low-income families. If you are prescribed amphetamines by your medical doctor or psychiatrist, discuss your issue with the doctor who prescribed it. If you are using methamphetamine, an illegal substance, you can usually discuss this openly with your doctor without fear of legal issues due to doctor-patient-confidentiality laws. Make sure you ask the doctor about the limits of confidentiality (if you are a danger to yourself or others).
Consult with your primary care doctor or psychiatrist.
Speak to a clinical psychologist (PsyD, PhD), marriage and family therapist (MFT), or other licensed clinician. You can typically get contact information for therapists via your medical insurance company.
Think about the possibility of a detoxification program - an inpatient unit where therapist and medical professionals can evaluate you closely through the process of detoxification. Rehabilitation and detox treatment centers can be the best places to detoxify your system, but these solutions are not for everyone as they can be costly. Consider looking for a support group in your area. These groups often meet at community centers and other locations to talk and offer mutual support. Find out what is available before you start detoxing, so that you’ll have a plan in place once things get tough.
Consider choosing a major change of scenery. If possible, go to a supportive friend’s or relative’s house, rather than staying at your own place. It can be easier to break the cycle of addiction if you are in unfamiliar surroundings. Consider going to a drug treatment facility or rehab program.
It may be helpful to make a list of all of the people you can contact during your detox. Make sure you have emergency phone numbers available, as well as doctor’s contact information, and your closest hospital address.
Expect these withdrawal symptoms, and try to spin them in as positive a light as you can by thinking thoughts such as, “This is my body getting clean; these are the obstacles I have to face to get to the other side. I am strong enough to get through it. ”
If you are prescribed medication, take it as scheduled, and follow up regularly with your doctor.
Eat and sleep on a regular schedule. Make sure you are eating healthfully (plenty of fruits, vegetables, and protein). Sleep at least 8 hours per day, but try not to sleep more than 10 hours. Have a plan to fill the other hours, too. Make a to-do-list or a schedule for your day. Take this time to complete tasks that you normally don’t get to (cleaning out a closet or sending emails you’ve been avoiding).
If your craving is very strong and you fear you might give in, try telling yourself to wait just an hour. Then try for another. Breaking up withdrawal into shorter, more manageable periods of time may help you cope. Be strong, and know that it will get easier with time. Distract yourself, try to think about something else, and be proud of whatever self-control you can manage to exert. Try prayer or meditation. The initial withdrawal period can be very difficult. You might find that prayer or meditation helps you stay calm and feel stronger and more at peace.
Try relaxing activities like reading and gardening. Engage in positive physical activities such as exercise and cooking. Focus on whatever activities keep you occupied without exposing you to people and places you associate with your amphetamine use.
Make sure you continue to manage any medications you are taking and have regular trips to your medical doctor. [16] X Research source
If this begins to feel burdensome, try thinking of it like eating right or exercising. It’s something you do regularly to stay healthy, even when you’d rather not.
After even a day or week sober you can treat yourself to something you enjoy like a nice dinner or a trip to the beach. Focus on what you have done well and take the time to set goals for the next week. After a month of sobriety you can celebrate by having a clean and sober party (with no alcohol, drugs).
You can set specific boundaries with individuals who use amphetamines by saying something like, “I am focusing on my sobriety and am still in the early stages of recovery, so I can’t be around people who use right now. It is too risky for me and I hope you will understand that. " Cultivate new relationships with individuals who do not use alcohol or drugs or any kind. Try signing up for a gym, dance class, church group, or any other social activity.
If you do use amphetamines again and regret it, try not to beat yourself up – that won’t help. Remember that you stopped once; you can do it again. Get help immediately, and get back on track.
