Recovery: Longterm Chronic IV Methamphetamine Withdrawal Blueprint

The Long Hard Road Out of Hell - Part 2 (Re-issue)

Feb 18, 2025

Read part one here

So, recovery is impossible?

No, it is possible. But it is a long, hard road out of Hell. When I have the capacity, I will post updates here - just in case someone else is in a similar situation and feeling as bleak as I am right now. Did I mention that I’m scared shitless?

I have no idea how to be myself. I have not tried since I was 12 years old. What if I do not like the person I am without drugs? I did not like her before, that is why I started using in the first place! How do grown-ups make new friends without drugs? Wild! I have no idea; I’ve never had to try.

Fuck. I have never been this scared of doing anything in my life.

What am I afraid of? Below, I have created a basic timeline of what to expect.

As you read it, I invite you to keep the following in mind:

I’m a single mother to a young boy who has Autism, ADHD and a PDA profile. Kids require presence and care.
My support system mainly consists of 2 good friends who still have their own demanding lives to navigate.
I cannot afford childcare.
Therefore, rehab is also not an option.

Phase 1: Immediate Recovery (0-3 Months) – The Struggle to Stabilise

What I Can Expect Mentally & Emotionally:

Extreme fatigue – My body will crash as it tries to adjust to life without methamphetamine artificially stimulating dopamine and norepinephrine.
Depression & anhedonia – My brain’s reward system is offline; nothing will feel enjoyable.
Irritability & mood swings – I may lash out at loved ones or feel emotionally unstable.
Poor focus & brain fog – Concentrating on work or conversations will feel impossible.
Intense cravings – My brain will seek a quick fix to restore lost dopamine.
Overwhelming stress response – Even minor tasks (getting groceries, making meals, tending to my son’s needs) may feel impossible.
Sleep disturbances – I might experience insomnia, nightmares, or excessive sleep.

Challenges I Will Face:

Parenting my child will feel overwhelming – I will struggle with patience and energy.
Holding a job will be difficult – My ability to focus, stay motivated, and handle stress will be severely impaired.
My relationships will suffer – Mood swings and social withdrawal may make it hard to connect with others.

Action Plan for This Phase:

Nutrition & Supplements:

L-Tyrosine – To aid dopamine synthesis.
NAC (N-Acetylcysteine) – To reduce cravings and oxidative stress.
Magnesium, Omega-3s, Vitamin B Complex – To support adrenal and brain function.
Protein-rich diet – Essential for neurotransmitter recovery.

Exercise & Movement [eye roll]:

Short daily walks to regulate dopamine and reduce stress.
Light resistance training to rebuild physical and mental resilience.

Cognitive & Emotional Recovery:

Journaling, ie ‘Substacking’, to process emotions and track progress.
Find a support group to rebuild coping skills.

Parenting & Work Considerations:

Ask for help – Errrm... right...
Lower expectations – Focus on survival, not perfection.
Simplify routines – Meal prep, schedules, and planned rest will help.
Consider light work if possible, but avoid overwhelming stress.

Phase 2: Intermediate Recovery (3-9 Months) – Rebuilding Executive Function

What I Can Expect Mentally & Emotionally:

Slight improvements in motivation and energy – Small bursts of clarity.
Reduced cravings but persistent anhedonia – I still won’t enjoy things fully.
Better emotional stability – Fewer extreme mood swings.
Stress tolerance begins improving – Less panic over small tasks.
Brain fog starts clearing – I can focus for longer periods.

Challenges I Will Face:

Holding a job will be more manageable but still difficult under high stress.
Parenting will improve slightly, but patience will still be limited.
Relationships will require rebuilding after previous instability.

Action Plan for This Phase:

Advanced Physical & Cognitive Recovery:

Increase exercise intensity (resistance training, longer walks, light jogging).
Start structured problem-solving activities (puzzles, journaling, planning routines).

Mental Resilience Training:

Practice delayed gratification (The 10-Minute Rule) to retrain decision-making.
Risk assessment exercises before making big choices.
Social re-engagement – Build healthy relationships and avoid isolation.

Work & Parenting Considerations:

Part-time work could feel manageable.
Plan activities with my child that require minimal emotional effort (reading, watching a movie together, light outdoor activities). Does anyone else notice the problem here? 3 -9 months?! What is he supposed to do until then?
Continue leaning on (an imaginary) support system.

Phase 3: Long-Term Recovery (9-24 Months) – Full Cognitive Restoration

What I Can Expect Mentally & Emotionally:

Dopamine levels stabilising – A return of natural motivation.
Anhedonia improves – Enjoyment returns in small moments.
Impulsivity is under control – I can think before acting.
Emotional resilience develops – Stress doesn’t feel overwhelming anymore.
Increased ability to handle responsibilities – Work, parenting, and relationships improve.

Challenges I Will Face:

Learning to enjoy life without artificial stimulation will take time.
Avoiding overconfidence – I must stay consistent with my recovery habits.

Action Plan for This Phase:

Mastering Decision-Making & Impulse Control:

Advanced problem-solving tasks – Learning new skills, and setting long-term goals.
Practising self-discipline daily – Structured work/life balance.

Optimising Cognitive & Emotional Stability:

Reintroducing complex tasks (career advancement, financial planning).
Mindfulness & emotional mastery techniques.
Long-term exercise, a healthy diet, and structured sleep.

Work & Parenting Considerations:

Work stability should be fully achievable – I can hold a job with full responsibility.
Parenting will be significantly easier – Emotional stability allows for patience.
Reconnecting with my child emotionally – I can be present, engaged, and nurturing.

And that’s a wrap, folks.

Wish me luck.

Thanks for coming to my party.

Don’t be a dick.