Like other stimulants, crystal meth can make you have intense memories and thoughts about what life is like when you are high. Anything and everything loosely associated with the drug can increase your thoughts about using crystal meth.

These memories and thoughts are called triggers. Triggers can lead to craving – an intense need or feeling that you want to use. Much of the work of quitting crystal is learning how to deal with triggers and cravings. They are automatic, natural and inevitable. But you can learn new ways to deal with triggers and reduce your cravings.

If you use crystal meth on a regular basis and decide you want to quit, here are some tips that might help you reach your goal. Don’t be overwhelmed by everything on this list. These are merely suggestions from other users who have quit successfully. Do what feels right for you and make changes where you can. Quitting crystal is an on-going process.
Don’t give up!

TIP # 1. SET SMALL GOALS THAT ARE EASY TO COMPLETE.
Be realistic about what you can get accomplished in one day. Avoid thinking in terms of “for the rest of my life.” Think in terms of small measures of time: minutes, hours and eventually days. Not using for one minute is much easier than not using for an hour. Not using for an hour is much easier than not using for a day. And, not using just for today is much easier than not using for a month. Quitting ‘cold turkey’ is not for everyone, and you might decide to detox from the drug in a medical setting. Try to decrease your use in steps. Some, although not everyone, can cut down on how much is used each time, stopping a little each day.

TIP # 2. GET RID OF YOUR DRUGS AND DRUG PARAPHERNALIA.
This includes all products, baggies, spoons, needles, pipes, mirrors, and any other things you use when you get high. Be sure to get rid of stuff you might have stashed in your car, house or at a friend’s house. If adult videos, magazines, leather and/or toys are a trigger, pack them up for now.

TIP # 3. THROW OUT PHONE NUMBERS THAT TRIGGER THOUGHTS ABOUT USING.
Change your phone numbers. Make it hard for your dealer and drug acquaintances to reach you. Make it hard for you to reach them. Toss out all drug-driven-sex-related phone numbers.

TIP # 4. BECOME AWARE OF YOUR USING PATTERNS.
Become aware of when, where, why and with whom you use most often. Change your playgrounds and your playmates. Whenever you can, avoid these situations and find other activities to substitute for using. Hang out with friends that don’t use and go to the movies instead of a bar, a club, or a gay resort.

TIP # 5. AVOID EVERYTHING, ANYPLACE OR ANYONE THAT MIGHT TRIGGER YOU TO USE.
It doesn’t have to be forever. Triggers might include specific objects, places, special events, certain sexual behaviors or strong emotional situations. Avoid internet sex networking sites as they produce strong drug cravings.

TIP # 6. SCHEDULE YOUR DAY THOROUGHLY.
Boredom is the #1 enemy for most crystal users because it can tempt you to use. Try to keep yourself occupied with exercise, hobbies, shopping, volunteering or even a 12-Step meeting. Try taking a long bath and a nap.

TIP # 7. ANTICIPATE WITHDRAWAL.
Symptoms may include severe mood swings, irregular sleep, anxiety, boredom, irritability and feeling very hopeless about everything in life. These symptoms are common for everyone who stops using and they will ease up over time. These symptoms are your body and brain’s attempt to get you to use again.

TIP # 8. MAKE A PLAN.
If you get into a situation where you feel like using, have a plan about how you are going to deal with it. Are you going to call a friend? Then keep those phone numbers with you all the time. Are you going to a 12-step meeting or a support group? Also, keep the schedule of these with you at all times too.

TIP # 9. WATCH YOUR EATING HABITS.
Limit your intake of caffeine, sugar, and white flour products like pastries, cookies and white bread. Initially after using, you will crave these items, and give yourself a week to indulge. After that, start to limit them. Sugar affects the same brain chemicals as meth and eating sweets will start a cycle of highs and lows. The best way to regulate this is to eat a lot of protein-rich foods. Try eating protein shakes, eggs, meats or cheeses.

TIP # 10. EXERCISE.
Exercise produces endorphins and ‘feel good’ chemicals in your body. It also stimulates your immune system, relieves boredom and improves energy. There is nothing like a good sweat to help detox! Try walking, yoga, or working out.

TIP # 11. GET A HEALTH CHECK-UP.
Quitting or cutting back can be hard on our body. See your doctor or go to the local clinic to make sure you don’t have any untreated health problems, including sexually transmitted diseases. Get a friend to go with you for an HIV test if you haven’t had one or don’t know your status.

TIP # 12. TRY ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES.
Acupuncture, nutritional supplements, reiki, massage and chiropractic treatments can be helpful for reducing the symptoms of withdrawal and cravings.

TIP # 13. BE PATIENT.
Give yourself a break and take it easy on yourself. Dwelling on the past can be a trigger to use. Focus on the progress you have made and go on from there. You didn’t get to where you are in a day and it will take more than a day to make positive changes in your life. Give yourself credit for what you have achieved and get on with living a life filled with real adventure and hope.

TIP # 14. GET SUPPORT.
Don’t do it alone! Ever! 12-Step groups work for a lot of people. Crystal meth support groups work for others. Spending time with friends who don’t use drugs or seeing a counselor may also be helpful. Review the resources listed on this website for more ideas.

TIP # 15. EXPLORE YOUR TREATMENT OPTIONS.
If you find it difficult to quit crystal on your own, you may need additional support in an environment designed to reach your goals. There are ever increasing types of treatment programs available in south Florida, including newer programs like SMART Recovery. Making a decision to seek treatment can be scary and stressful, so call one of the treatment resources and talk to someone