How to Get Off Meth and Overcome Your Addiction

Reading Time: 3 minutes

One of the most painful experiences a person can go through in their life is battling a meth addiction. Here are seven tips on how to get off meth:

1. Accept that you have a meth addiction

The first step to take when you want to overcome a meth addiction is to accept that you have a problem. Being in denial or downplaying your addiction will only prolong the recovery process. Accepting you have an addiction to meth is a necessary step.

2. Ask for support from family and friends

When you are ready to overcome your meth addiction, building a support system can improve your chances of recovery.  At inpatient centers, patients can find support systems in fellow patients, therapists, and doctors.

Family and friends will be an important resource through the recovery process. Support will also help you transition from the treatment environment back into independent living.

3. Remove negative people and triggers

Not all of your friends and family will have a positive effect on your recovery. People you previously used meth with may undermine your recovery due to jealousy. If you spend time with friends who continue to use while you are sober, it may trigger you to relapse.

You should also clear out your home and car of all drug paraphernalia and objects that remind you of using. Try to avoid going places where you often used meth. Objects, people, and places can all be potential relapse triggers. It is especially important to avoid these triggers early in recovery when your drug cravings are strongest.

4. Seek out treatment

Substance use disorder is a medical disease that requires professional treatment. Although there are meth addiction treatment programs available at outpatient clinics, you’ll get your best chance at a full recovery at an inpatient treatment center. There you will be immersed in addiction treatment 24/7.

In many cases, long-term inpatient treatment of 28 days or more is necessary because meth is highly addictive. Side effects can linger in those who chronically use meth.

Counselors, doctors, nurses, and other individuals who want to help you get well will need ample time to guide you through your initial withdrawal phase and then through the longer treatment phase.

5. Attend therapy or counseling sessions

Therapy or counseling will be central to your treatment plan, no matter which rehab program you choose. Your therapist will work with you to diagnose and treat any co-occurring mental health problems. They will also address and heal any past traumas contributing to drug use.

Therapists will guide you through the process of setting goals and outlining a workable plan to achieve them. Therapy is also a safe space where you can work through any current problem you may be facing. It is advisable to continue some form of therapy even after you have completed a rehab program.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for meth addiction. CBT can help you rewire negative thought patterns, identify and avoid drug use triggers, and develop new, healthy coping mechanisms to use in the face of triggers you can’t avoid.

6. Join support groups

Joining a support group, which could be an official 12-step group such as Crystal Meth Anonymous or some other peer support group, is a crucial part of most people’s recovery. Support groups help you connect to other people who have an insider’s understanding of your addiction experience.

Sharing and listening in this kind of group setting will encourage you to continue being open about your addiction. It will also allow you to connect to a larger, supportive community. These groups are usually free and can be found across the United States.

7. Understand that recovery is a journey

Although many people in recovery do eventually get to a point where living a healthy, substance-free life feels natural to them, they are never “finished” recovering from meth addiction. Recovery is an ongoing journey that doesn’t end and continuously evolves. You will need to keep traveling on this path by continuing to learn and grow. Try to remember that even when you encounter obstacles, the challenge is just another part of the process. One day the journey will smooth out again.