[billbird]

I used Meth for years.I used hard and heavy. Been clean for 7 months now. How long will and why do I still crave it?

[Alty]

You'll likely always crave it. Meth is one of the hardest drugs to stay off. It's also one of the worst out there, people that use it have a very short life span.

Stay clean, continue your outpatient program if you have one. If not, find a support group for recovering meth addicts.

I wish you all the best.

[DrBill100]

I used Meth for years.I used hard and heavy. Been clean for 7 months now. How long will and why do I still crave it?

How did you stop using. Professional intervention or quit on your own?

Not trying to lead you to treatment, just trying to see where you are and how you got there.

Also what is your age and at what age did you start using meth regularly?

[billbird]

How did you stop using. Professional intervention or quit on your own?

Not trying to lead you to treatment, just trying to see where you are and how you got there.

Also what is your age and at what age did you start using meth regularly?

I was 18 when I first stated using. Went and done a little time in Oklahomas finest.

[DrBill100]

So it was confinement that got you off the drug?

What is your age now?

[billbird]

[QUOTE=billbird;3174630]I was 18 when I first stated using. Went and done a little time in Oklahomas finest. After getting home I stayed clean for a while. Then it was like the bottom just fell out. I started using again. Hard and heavy real heavy. Hid it very well for about 6 years from my wife. Out of the blue I got tired of using. Decided to just lay it down. So I did didn't look back till now. The cravings are strong and pretty often. Thank you for your support.

[DrBill100]

Craving is a vague term. Much overused and little understood.

Nonetheless, let's stick with it for simplicity. If you are experiencing an increased desire to use that is actually a good sign so long as you work through it. It's temporary.

It is a sign of a behavior nearing extinction. Can't tell you when it will peak but thereafter the desire (craving if you prefer) will subside. If you give in it will reactivate those old neuropathways and you will be right back where you were.

Keep in mind that craving is transient. It will pass. Become less intense and less frequent in the future.

By the way, quitting on your own, spontaneous recovery, is the way most people quit drugs. Far superior to medical intervention.

You're doing good so far. Just call on that personal reserve of determination and you'll be through this very shortly.

[Alty]

The cravings will be a part of your life forever. What you have to remember every single day is that you've come this far. You obviously don't want this to be a part of your life, so it won't be, because you have the control, you have the option to stay away from this powerful drug, or dig yourself a grave.

You've made the choice, you're making it every single day. One day at a time. Don't look at years from now, just concentrate on getting through tomorrow.

I have faith that you'll beat this, and you'll go on to live a long, happy, drug free life.

You can do it! You've been doing it!