If you sincerely want to stop using, we recommend that you seek professional help to find the way out of your addiction. If money is a problem there are links on the site to free counselling and rehabilitation services. Most users will try many times on their own to quit, and it is important that you don't beat yourself up every time you start using again. You are still a valuable and important human being...it is just your behaviour that needs an adjustment. There are a few things however that you can do now.

Thinking about quitting?

Or reducing your use? Here are a few TIPS to try.

Set small goals for yourself. They are easier to achieve.Don't think in terms of months or "forever." Think in terms of days, hours or even minutes. Not using for one day is much easier than not using for a whole month. Cold turkey just does not work for many people.

Get rid of your drugs and drug paraphernalia. This includes everything; spoons, bleach, mirrors, light bulbs, pipes, needles. Anything you use when you get high. If alcohol or porn is a trigger for you, get rid of that too! Don't give up. This is hard and you want to get well.

Throw out phone numbers that trigger thoughts about using. Change your phone number. Get rid of the pager. Make it hard to for your dealer and acquaintances to reach you. Make it hard for YOU to reach THEM.

Be aware of your patterns around use. Like when, where, why and with whom do you use most often. Whenever you can, avoid these situations and substitute another activity. Go to a movie instead of a bar. Hang out with non-using friends.

Schedule your day thoroughly. Boredom is your enemy.Try to keep yourself occupied all the time. Napping, shopping, videos, hobbies, and volunteering are great ways to keep busy. One day YOU may be the person that helps someone else to quit. Exercise also speeds up the detox process, as will a sauna or deep tissue massage.

Anticipate withdrawal symptoms. You will likely have severe mood swings, irregular sleep, deep depression, anxiety, restlessness, irritability, and feelings of hopelessness. These are very common and will ease up over time. This is why you may need a qualified physician, holistic doctor or therapist. They will help track these changes and perhaps prescribe anti-depressants or other meds to get you through the effects of a physical addiction. Be good to yourself! YOU ARE WORTH IT. Remember to eat nutritiously if possible. You likely need to gain a little weight back!

Make a plan. You will need back-up to help you when you are tempted to use. Know what you are going to do. If you have a friend to call for help, have their number handy and with you at all times. If you are using a support group, keep a copy of your meeting schedule with you and post it around your house. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Others DO care.

Watch your eating habits. Limit your intake of caffeine, sugar and white flour products like pastries and cookies. We all love sweets but you have likely been consuming so much of them that your sugar cravings will mimic a meth craving. Read labels. Sugar affects the same brain chemicals as meth. The highs and lows of heavy sugar consumption may make you feel like you are "crashing" sort of like when you come down off crystal. Eat some protein instead and always have it available. Cheese, natural peanut butter, beans, burritos, burgers, and yogurt are all good.

Try alternative therapies to ease withdrawal. Acupuncture, herbal remedies and nutritional supplements may help reduce cravings, balance your mood and regulate sleep. Health clinics and health food stores are good sources of information.

Am I addicted to crystal meth? Ask yourself these questions as honestly as you can, then decide.

1. Do you lose time from work due to using crystal? Yes No

2. Is using crystal making your home life unhappy? Yes No

3. Do you use crystal because you are shy with other people? Yes No

4. Is using crystal affecting your reputation? Yes No

5. Do you use crystal to have sex? Yes No

6. Do you need crystal to have the kind of sex you want? Yes No

7. Have you ever felt remorse after using crystal meth? Yes No

8. Have you ever gotten into financial difficulties as a result of using crystal? Yes No

9. When you’re using crystal, do you hang around people or place with whom you wouldn’t normally be associated? Yes No

10. Does using crystal make you careless of your family's welfare? Yes No

11. Has your ambition decreased since you began using crystal? Yes No

12. Do you feel a regular urge to use crystal meth at certain times of the day? Yes No

13. Do you ever use crystal when you wake up in the morning? Yes No

14. Has your efficiency decreased since you began using crystal? Yes No

15. Is using crystal jeopardizing your job, school or business? Yes No

16. Do you ever use crystal to “escape” from worries or problems in your life? Yes No

17. Do you ever use crystal when alone? Yes No

18. Has your physician ever treated you for your crystal use, or for any problems related to your crystal use? Yes No

19. Do you use crystal in order to boost your self-confidence? Yes No

20. Have you ever been to a hospital or institution because of your crystal use? Yes No