Question Title: Crystal Methamphetamine

Freeing oneself of an addiction has to do with a lot more than just will power. Potently addictive substance like methamphetamine have a way of taking users places where they really don't want to be. Your brain's so-called "Pleasure Center" now relies on the drug for you to feel normal; without, you crash, feeling bummed out, lethargic, and unable to function. As a single parent, it is not simple continuing to function and freeing yourself of such a powerful addiction.

What is important is that you have the desire to stop using and that you are beginning to look for help. Your experience has already taught you that your problem is a serious one in that you are in not able to solve it on your own. You've come to the same place where millions of addicts who have successfully given up their drug or drugs of choice have also been. The next step is to share your burden with other people, and to use their experience and expertise to help you figure out how to eliminate the drug from your life for once and for all.

Serious addictions like yours generally benefit from 2 kinds of help: Skilled professional help from clinicians and clinical programs with a track record of success in helping people who suffer from addictive disorders; and, the support available in self-help groups such as AA, NA, Cocaine Anonymous, Women for Sobriety, and Smart Recovery. Take a look at my web site (Ask DrSteve: The Real Story About Smoking, Drinking and Getting High - http://www.DrSteve.org ) which is hyperlinked below. Pay particular attention to the section on drugs, the section on Self Help Groups listed under Drinking, and the questions and answers about drug use listed in the "Q & A Archive." You may be able to locate a competent addiction specialist in your area by contacting the American Society of Addiction Medicine ( http://www.ASAM.org ).

Please try not to fall in the trap that you can do it your way, on your own. Too many addicts have been there and done that, and almost all of them learn (usually the hard way, I am sorry to say) that the path to Recovery involves tapping into the support and experience of other people. Addicts are sneaky, secretive people who keep things to themselves; people who strive to recover from addiction need to be just the opposite: Willing to open up to others and avail themselves of all available help. Don't fall into the trap of using being the single parent of a young child as an excuse for not getting treatment. Your addiction, more than anything else, is detrimental to your relationship with your son. I have met a number of young women who have lost custody of their children because they were addicted to drugs; this is not a pretty site and you need to do everything in your power (including letting others help you) to avoid getting to that very unfortunate place. Good luck!

Steve Adelman, M.D. (a.k.a., DrSteve)

This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and
treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition.

Keywords: amphetamine, methamphetamine, speed, stimulant dependence

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