TIPS FOR QUITTING CRYSTAL METH USE

Trying to cut back on or quit using methamphetamine can be very
difficult if you're not ready to change or if you're not prepared to
experience some discomfort as a result of adjusting your habits.

If you are committed to making changes to your substance use patterns
but aren't sure where to start, consider these practical steps toward
reducing your use or living methamphetamine-free.

When you consider how and why you started using methamphetamine, you
might find that your reasons for continuing are quite different.

This may be because both the high and the positive effects you
experienced when you first started using the drug turned into
negative ones with ongoing use, yet you still keep chasing the original high.

If your experience of using methamphetamine has changed in some way,
make a time line featuring these changes.

Now that you've recorded why you started getting high and how your
experience might have changed over time, think about the costs and
benefits of continuing your current use pattern versus making some changes.

Start by asking yourself: Is my concentration better or worse?

Are my relationships improving or deteriorating? Has my sex life
improved or is it suffering? Is my overall health better or worse?

Do I feel confident and strong or anxious and shaky? Am I in control
of my methamphetamine use or is the drug controlling me?

If you think the costs may be outweighing the benefits, create a list
of reasons why you want to change your current habits.

Centre For Addictions Research BC