Getting addicted to ice, otherwise known as methamphetamine, can destroy a person’s ability to lead a fulfilling life. Along with the many physical detriments of addiction which can corrode your physical health, ice can do terrible damage to your relationships, finances, and overall life prospects.

As with any drug addiction, there is always a path out of it to sobriety. It may be the most difficult undertaking in your life, but the rewards when you emerge on the other side free of addiction are simply incredible.

Recovering from ice addiction will involve following a number of steps. How exactly you respond to these steps will differ from person to person, but the chance to live a drug-free life is always there if you are dedicated to rehabilitation.

Managing Withdrawal

The very first step meth addicts will need to take is ceasing consumption of the drug. This initial step proves to be one of the most troublesome, as addicts have developed a powerful dependence on the drug, both physiologically and psychologically. When withdrawing from ice, it can be incredibly helpful to have as many supporting friends and family members around as possible.

Receiving emotional support and getting help with basic daily routines can prove the difference between a successful and unsuccessful recovery. However, it’s still important to recognize that your personal willpower will be the determining factor in kicking your habit. You could also consider the option of reaching out to experts at clinics that specialize in overcoming ice addiction.

Avoiding Cravings

After the initial period of cutting out ice consumption, addicts can still experience strong cravings which prove difficult to resist. Your brain neurotransmitters will still be thirsting for the drug for months after complete withdrawal, as methamphetamine usage rewires the way your brain processes sensations of pleasure.

After cutting out ice, addicts can initially find little in the real world that gives them the same kind of pleasure that they experienced with meth. Fortunately, evidence suggests that the brain does eventually recover from long-term ice addiction, although it can take anywhere from 6 to 18 months before signs of improvement become apparent.

Keeping Away From Triggers

Even after months have lapsed since your last meth hit, environmental triggers can create a sudden craving for the drug which causes many people to relapse. This can include everything from visiting old addict friends to seeing the drug taken in a movie. When experiencing a powerful urge to consume meth again, be aware of the fact you’ve experienced a trigger that will weaken your resolve.

If you find the desire irresistible, quickly tell a close friend while you still can so they can help you. Alternatively, ring a hotline and seek immediate advice, as this can mean the difference between staving off cravings or sinking back into addiction.

Seeking Professional Help

While friends, family, and strong willpower will prove vital in your battle against ice addiction, it’s highly advisable to get help from professionals who have experience in dealing with methamphetamine addiction. A dedicated rehabilitation center is ideal, although not everyone has the financial resources to afford this. Failing this, there are plenty of charitable organizations and clinics capable of providing vital assistance and care for addicts.

There are several potential lines of treatment to consider, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which aims to restructure your thought patterns to bring about healthy changes in life. If you’re struggling mentally with the difficulties of addiction, there are also plenty of helplines available (some are 24-hour ones) which provide immediate access to advice and moral support.

Developing A New Life

A lot of ice addicts will experience the after-effects of their addiction many years after quitting the substance for good. This is partially because your brain suffers from permanent damage due to meth consumption, but it’s also about a failure to replace the prior thrills of addiction with meaningful things in life.

This stage can counter-intuitively be the most difficult stage of all, as it involves developing an entirely new approach to life in order to feel happy and fulfilled. Therapists can prove very helpful in this final stage, but ultimately it is up to the individual to enact meaningful changes in their lives so that methamphetamine simply isn’t missed any longer.

Conclusion

Kicking ice addiction is an extremely challenging ordeal, which will require every ounce of your strength. Methamphetamine is a particularly addictive drug which brings about significant structural changes in your brain, making it even more difficult to overcome. The most integral factor in overcoming addiction is recognizing and strongly believing in the importance of doing so.

Addiction can completely ruin your quality of life and make things difficult for loved ones around you. Along with personal strength, it’s important to seek out professionals who can offer much-needed support and advice. Staying completely away from meth is crucial, even if it’s just one hit, as it allows your brain’s pleasure center to recover adequately.