jeeves

So I've recovered from a 6 year meth addiction that essentially stripped my life away. I was living with my parents, my fiancé left me, I had no money nor a job. I burglarized my neighbors home when heavily under the influence of meth and assorted prescription drugs. I woke up with a collection of her valuables scattered around my room, my dad forced me to bring them back to her and tell her what happened. I complied and when I was returning her stolen property, I had an emotional break-down when I was attempting to illustrate my methamphetamine addiction to this elderly woman. By some stroke of serendipity it turned out the woman was a recovering alcoholic, she was unimaginably understanding, she said she wouldn't press charges or even make me pay for her broken windows if I attended a 90 day rehab. That seemed preferable to going to jail for around 5 years or more. Rehab was a success and attend three A.A meetings a week.
So I haven't touched drugs(except for weed) or booze for a year and a half now.I have a steady job at a hospital, I am in college and planning on becoming a physicians assistant. The problem is meth had an extremely detrimental effect on my sleeping patterns. I simply don't get tired and cannot initiate sleep. I feel the physical effects of sleep deprivation which was effecting my grades and well being. I've seen a number of sleep specialists, and made a number of lifestyle changes. I've tried a variety of sleep medication, but these only provide short term relief and I do not want to risk a benzodiazepine addiction. And Deseryl, Remeron and Seroquel are no good. I live in a medical marijuana state, I have a card and smoking a small amount of cannabis before I go to bed is able to help me get a restful sleep. I have tried and still meditate and have improved my sleep hygiene, but I found this is the most helpful when I'm truly in a state of high anxiety. I don't ever smoke during the day-time and my use is limited to around 3 times a week. Since getting my card I have found my quality of life has improved. My question is whether or not this constitutes a relapse or sorts. I did not smoke weed when I was dealing with my meth addiction because I didn't have the money to spend nor the desire. Does anyone have similar experiences? Or is in a similar situation?

Olive1

I live in a medical marijuana state that also now lets you have non-medical marijuana. I do not use marijuana.
It is my opinion that medical marijuana has a place in treatment for certain issues.
It is also my opinion that if you are prescribed this by a legitimate physician for a legitimate reason and you use it as prescribed, than you have not relapsed.
If you are completely honest with yourself, deep down honest with yourself, you will know whether you are using this as an excuse and whether it constitutes a relapse or not.

wiscsober

Jeeves to SR

I"m sure you know the answer to your question.

Yet, it is not my place to give you medical advice concerning sleep nor marijuana.

FozzyBear

Hi. THC stays in the blood, 3 x a week is enough for a perma-stone, right? (Don't smoke it, but this is sober observation of other people and what I read). I have insomnia. I urge you to continue trying other therapy for sleep. For me, changing sleep pattern to early to bed, early (5 a.m.) to rise meant sleeping consistently well for the first time since I was a kid. Did you see the stat that more alcoholics die from lung cancer? I have been told to watch all chemicals, legal or illegal, even cold medicine and coffee while in recovery and anxious. However, as a long term insomniac myself, you have my sympathy and sleep is essential. It sounds as if weed is a solution - for now. But not too often, maybe? As a last resort?

jeeves

Yeah I understand it probably isn't a viable long-term solution, I definitely do my best to limit my intake of chemicals, I don't drink coffee nor do I take medicine unless completely necessary. My psychiatrist recently prescribed me Ambien which I am apprehensive to take. My hope is I can implement some good sleeping patterns and eventually no longer need a crutch of any sort. I am glad to hear your sleeping issues are in check!

soberhawk

I have no knowledge about cannabis and no advice to offer.

But concrats on giving up the methamphetamine - that is strong.

FozzyBear

I have to admit - I hate pot. Had a brother and a promising friend who got their life sucked out by it. Too dulling and persistent in the blood. There has not been enough medical research on it - I don't think you have to be a "head" to have an opinion, this is not a forum for medical experts anyway. Sometimes a objective observer can be best.

jeeves

People who become psychologically dependent on weed definitely tend to be lazier and less productive. But in contrast I have met a large number of successful productive people, who smoke regularly. It's all about the person using it, some can handle others can't.

lizwig

I can't speak at all to your use of mj or sleep problems but I want to say "WOW". Good for you on giving up meth. I believe a divine intervention took place with your neighbor. That could have totally gone another way. I think it's awesome that you used this encounter as a catalyst to turn yourself around. Stick with it. You'll never regret it. Please tell me you mow her yard every week ? Amazing. I needed this today. My son is addicted to meth...I needed to read your post. Thank you.

least

to SR! I'm glad you joined us.

FozzyBear

Fozzybear is the name of my kitty, but I loved my pups too...