Ice addiction

[Ronoc]

I tried it just before I turned 18, had used other drugs never really went out of control, was a daily weed smoker. Wanted to try it to see what it felt like thought I could just do it once for an expirense as soon as I did it I knew I was gonna do it again but didn't know how bad it was going to get did it here and there for about 6 months then every weekend or 2nd weekend for about 2 months then next thing I know I'm using it everyday for about 6 months it started after a weekend on it and still had a lot left on Sunday and had work Monday used it before work because was so tired from the weekend then used it after work cause was tired after work and wanted to relax I would sleep every 2 or 3rd night sometimes I would sleep after sleeping the previous night after using I was that tired took its toll on me deffently affected my work. My parents had absolutely no idea that I was using this drug everyday in there house. If I didn't have any I could barley work I just walk around dragging my feet just trying to get thru the day ended up not showing up to work because I just wanted to use the drug In stead of goin to work. Quit my job cause I couldn't be bothered working anymore still used alot spent about 10 grand I'd say within these 6 months maybe even more when I ran out of money I had to stop using as much and I realised that I actually had a problem I spent all money that I had saved the past 2 years still found ways to get on it abit had a pre good break using maybe once or twice a month for a few months. Got a new job and started to use quite abit again cause I had money again. Then I realised that I really need to change what I was doing cause i I didn't want to be doing this all my life. Told my parents that I had been using they completely understood and helped me I went about 4 months without using then thought I could just have it one time and stared using pretty much every weekend. This relapse was only about a month and a half ago I can feel it getting bad again I have used the past 6 days. That's all that led up to this moment of me writing this. I don't know who to talk to I don't feel like I cant talk to my friend's about anything they all know I use, none of them use. I keep telling myself that I gotta stop but keep doing it. I'm afraid of what's goin to happen to me in the future if I keep going down this path. I don't wanna loose my friends because I keep using and they start to think that I don't care about them or anything else

[geoff]

Hello Ronoc, and a warm welcome to the site.

Ice addiction is that once someone starts taking it, find themselves unable to stop it unless they get the professional help to overcome this addiction and a 24/7 drug line is available 1300 85 85 84 which can begin the help you need, however, it doesn't address the issue you've posted about at the moment.

The Victorian phone number is 1300 022 760 and will direct you to another phone number for each state or you could google 'https://adf.org.au › help-support.'

Any addiction is different for each person, sure they do have similar consequences and the demand they put on someone is also very strong, for a while alcohol dominated my life when I was in depression, so I know the strength, the pull it has on us, and it's possible we may refrain from using any addiction but having a relapse is also possible, especially when we hit a bad period we're unable to cope with a situation.

One problem with being addicted is that it costs us a great deal of money, but at some point, we don't worry about this because cash is available.

It's fortunate that at some stage you had help from your parents, other people don't have this, which makes the situation more difficult, but parents have to be aware of your situation and realise that a relapse is possible, and when it happens, know what needs to happen.

When you have friends who aren't using it they become distant, only because your personality changes to being someone else and that's who they don't want to be friends with, but that's what you just can't understand because you yourself feel no different, but an intoxicated person, as well as someone using drugs, change which you are unable to realise.

I'll leave it there for the moment and hope to hear back from you.

Geoff.

[Summer Rose]

Hi Ronic

Welcome to the bb forum and congratulations for having the courage to share your story.

I know two young people who have struggled with ice addiction. It’s a really tough road but the good news is that they both made it through with family support.

You should be so proud of your efforts to stop using. I want to encourage you to keep trying because you are 100 per cent right—if you keep using ice it is going to take you places you don’t ever want to be.

I would like to suggest that you speak with your parents and let them know you are struggling and need their further support.

They love you and I’m hoping they will understand that relapses are common and part of healing. They also might already suspect something’s up (despite your efforts to hide it) and do deserve your honesty and respect.

You could also call the number Geoff has provided, with or without your parents’ support (if you don’t want to tell them). Another option would be to have a chat with your GP, who may be able to assist you to find a local treatment program.

If you reach out and don’t get the response you need, just keep trying. There is help available and there is always hope for recovery.

Kind thoughts to you