Helpful Ways To Cope With Meth Withdrawal As A Gay Person


Helpful Ways To Cope With Meth Withdrawal As A Gay Person

Many people may say the hardest part of methamphetamine addiction recovery is recognizing there's a problem in the first place. Actually, that part is pretty simple. When meth addiction gets out of hand, its effects are clear to see. The hard part comes in the transition from its abuse to the beginning stages of recovery. This is when the effects of the meth withdrawal sets in. Withdrawals vary depending on the level of severity of its use. Still, there's nothing easy about this stage of recovery, but there are ways to help yourself as a gay person through this time. Not sure what way to cope with the withdrawal phase of meth recovery? This blog post is here to provide some helpful tips.

What to Know About Meth Withdrawal As A Gay Person

How can we explain meth withdrawal to you? Okay, imagine your body and mind in chaos;  that's what meth withdrawal feels like. Meth withdrawal involves both physical and mental symptoms that occur a few hours or days after not using meth or lessening your use of it. When you stop taking the substance, your whole body may seem to protest violently. Your body and brain would have gotten used to the presence of that substance in your system. When the substance is suddenly removed, your body reacts with a variety of symptoms ranging from difficulty in concentrating to extreme mood swings to shakiness and tremors to chills to body aches to fatigue or exhaustion down to depression or anxiety. The way you experience these symptoms can vary extensively with the way the other gay person experiences their own symptoms. You may have a few mild side effects or a long list of severe symptoms. It all depends on the quantity of meth you've been taking, how long you've used it, and your body chemistry. Meth withdrawal is a sign that your body has grown physically dependent on a substance. Getting it out of your system alone as a gay person can be difficult, even dangerous. Professional, medically supervised meth detoxification can help remove the substance from your body, ease the pain, and manage withdrawal symptoms safely.

Ways to Cope With Meth Withdrawal As a Gay Person

While as a gay person, you may face difficult meth withdrawal symptoms, recovery is possible. These tips can help you cope with the withdrawal symptoms.

  • Use Relaxation Techniques 

    Several relaxation techniques can help reduce your anxiety and keep you calm as you go through the meth detoxification process. One of them you can use to help relax your mind and body when the withdrawal symptoms start setting in is yoga. Yoga is a form of meditation that was created to awaken the muscles and the mind of an individual. If you feel weak during your meth withdrawal period, there are several forms of gentle, slow yoga and stretches to try. You can create a space at home to do it. Another relaxation technique to help you cope with meth withdrawal is to have a massage therapist come to your house and give you a professional massage. 

  • Find a New Hobby 

    When you’re ready for meth detoxification, it’s wise to develop a hobby that can take your focus off the severe meth withdrawal symptoms and help you pass the time until all the methamphetamine has been eliminated from your body. Try doing crossword puzzles, playing an instrument, reading, playing online games, or even improving your drawing skills. A new hobby can improve your mental health as a gay person and make the meth withdrawal timeline more manageable. 

  • Try Journaling 

    Writing down your feelings will help you handle the meth withdrawal symptoms. Getting your thoughts and emotions written in a book can be therapeutic. As a gay person, journaling can occupy you when you are feeling overwhelmed and can also keep your hands busy. It can help you to keep a record of why you want to detox and why you want to manage your methamphetamine addiction. Revisiting your whys may be helpful when triggers happen or when the meth withdrawal symptoms are severe. 

  • Ensure You Adjust Your Lifestyle 

    During the meth withdrawal process, it’s important to avoid triggers that may cause you to relapse and start using again. Avoid going to places you know methamphetamine will be available; basically, anywhere there may be selling or consumption of meth. Let your friends and family members know that you can’t be around them if they’re going to be using meth. For best results, stay away from high-risk places where you know meth will be available. 

  • Speak to Your Healthcare Provider Even if You Are Not Experiencing Meth Withdrawal Symptoms 

    Before you start the meth detox process, ask your health care provider if anything can be prescribed to manage the withdrawal symptoms that you may face. Depending on your age and history of medical conditions, your health care provider may recommend   medications to reduce the anxiety and improve your mental health or prevent and relieve other symptoms of the nervous system. It’s important to seek medical advice before taking any medications. Take into consideration your own mental and behavioral health too as a gay person. 

  • Have a Support System 

    The thing about clearing your mind while experiencing meth withdrawal is that some form of temptation to give in is bound to come up. It doesn't matter how well you think you're doing; the experience can overwhelm any gay person with its intensity. One moment, you're fine, and the next, you could be experiencing a stronger symptom than you may have never anticipated. That's why having a support system is important to getting through meth withdrawal. In fact, this is one of the most crucial tools you'll need throughout your meth addiction recovery. Talk to your close friends, gay allies, and family about your decision to quit. Have someone hold you accountable and maybe even be there with you as you take on the first few steps in dealing with your meth withdrawal. 

Pride Detox Can Help You Manage Your Meth Withdrawal Safely

Knowing how to deal with meth withdrawal symptoms as a gay person is a step in the right direction; however, getting professional help is the best way to handle the withdrawal. At Pride Detox, we have a team of experienced, compassionate staff on hand to monitor your health and keep you as comfortable as possible during the meth withdrawal stage. We offer medically assisted detox at our facility in California. Our team includes medical experts in addiction recovery, providing individualized treatment plans and medication adjustments. If you or your gay loved one is struggling with an addiction to methamphetamine, there is no time like the present to seek help. Call 1-562-525-5501 today to learn more about our addiction treatment programs and how they can help you or your gay loved one recover from meth addiction.

After completing a meth detox program, individuals typically transition to outpatient therapy, counseling, or rehabilitation programs to address underlying issues and develop coping strategies. This phase helps maintain sobriety, manage triggers, and rebuild daily life. For long-term recovery, folks become active in CMA. Crystal Meth Anonymous is free and it is a life-long support. Often treatment is a gateway to 12-step programs like CMA.

Professional medical supervision is highly recommended to ensure safety and comfort during withdrawal. Medically assisted detox programs, like Pride Detox, provide 24/7 support, medication management, and individualized care to minimize withdrawal symptoms.

When quitting meth, it's important to learn what your triggers are, and what you can and can’t do, especially involving dating apps. Each individual may have different triggers. Joining support groups like CMA (Crystal Meth Anonymous) can help you manage cravings and find healthier ways to cope.

Yes, CMA meetings provide a safe space to share your story and get support for addiction-related issues, including sexual compulsivity. Through CMA's 12-step program, you'll find help managing triggers and developing self-awareness.

Call us today for LGBTQ+ affirming substance use detox?

Our team of compassionate professionals understands the unique challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community in seeking treatment, and we are here to provide the support and care you need to begin your journey towards recovery.