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Sleeping problem after 11 months clean from Crystal Meth
ex drug
star |
Continual sleep problem, clean from meth
I am 11 months clean after abusing meth for 5 years
and I still cannot sleep. Does any one else have this continual
sleep problem? Any ideas that may help sleeping would be
appreciated or feedback on how long it took others to regain
normal sleep. |
| Replies... |
UCL
Angel |
Re: Continual sleep problem, clean from meth
Funny you should mention that. I just got done
posting something on another site about "being nocturnal."
Even as naturally-nocturnal as I've always been, sleep has not
come easy for me post - meth, even 19 months since getting clean.
And I only used it for four months total.
The sh*t plays havoc with your liver and fries your adrenals,
both of which have a part in the sleep/wake cycle...and it
really seems to affect the hypothalamus in a very weird way -
even after being clean for almost two years, it's still tough to
regulate my body temperature, and to have normal hungry/full
reflexes.
All I can suggest is a healthy diet, perhaps an herbal detox
program for the liver/adrenals, and, when absolutely all else
fails, docs can prescribe a non-addictive sleep med. That's what
mine did - and even at that, I don't feel comfortable taking it
every night.
SO......end result is.....
...I can't sleep either.
Maybe we can start a club.
Counting sheep as we speak... |
| Penel0pe |
Re: Continual sleep problem, clean from meth
It took me a while - I suggest you get yourself
into a routine and stick with it - go to bed at the same time
every night, and get up in the morning at the same time. If
worse comes to worse, a doctor can give you something to get you
started. Try not to sleep late or sleep during the day.
Insomnia sucks - mine has passed - now the challenge is staying
awake for me |
Jamie
J79 |
Re: Continual sleep problem, clean from meth
I have sleep problems too. Part of it is due to
being 8 months pregnant and unable to stay in a comfortable
position all night long. That and the fact that I have to get up
to urinate every single hour all night long. I can't wait to
have this baby!
Seriously though--I've had sleep problems even before I got
pregnant. I never thought it had to do with my prior drug abuse.
I just thought it was a symptom of depression or something. I
usually take antidepressants, I'm just off them right now
because of the pregnancy. I will most likely need them again
after baby is born. I HATE being awake all night, stuck watching
stupid late night TV. Even with Direct TV there still is nothing
decent on to watch, I swear! Lately I've been taking 1 Tylenol
PM to help me sleep beter. It helps me get to sleep but I still
wake up all night long, I believe I'm waking up because of the
pregnancy more than anything else. I wish I could stay asleep
all night long, I miss those days.
What do you women think, is my insomnia caused by pregnancy or
prior drug abuse? This is my first pregnancy so I'm just
assuming that insomnia comes with being 8 months pregnant. I'm
small for being 8 month. I only weigh 140lbs. I usually weigh
110, when I got pregnant I was 105 though. I take a walk in the
early evening, not close to bedtime. So I don't think exercise
is what's keeping me up. All I know is that I hate it.
I've been prescribed sleeping pills in the past, before I was
pregnant. Medications like Ambien, it works well but like any
sleep aid if you stop taking it you go back to sleeping badly.
I've also taken a controlled substance, a benzo called
Flurazepam. That knocked me out but really left me doped up.
This is not a good medication for long term use because you do
become physically dependent and you cannot just stop taking it
without experiancing withdrawal.The withdrawal of
benzodiazapines can be fatal. I was addicted to Xanax before,
Xanax is also a benzo. When I was strung out on the stuff and my
dealer got busted I went into severe withdrawal. I was only
taking 3mgs total per day which isn't too much, many doc's
prescribe that amount to people for anxiety. I remember having 2
seizures, pissing myself, hallucinating--I thought someone was
trying to get into my window, shakes, chills, sweats, vomitting,
all this before I was rushed to the hospital. My Mom finally
called the paramedic's after my 2nd seizure. Sometimes
prescription drugs are the hardest drugs out there. If anyone is
taking a benzo for anxiety be careful, even normal use is enough
to become physically dependent. Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, Ativan,
these are some examples of benzodiazepines.
Whenever I take benzo's I end up craving speed. The last time I
used a benzo I ended up using speed to "wake up" because I was
so sleepy and down from the benzo. |
le
grumps |
Re: Continual sleep problem, clean from meth
I had the same problem.
I was finally prescribed Rozerem, which is a sleeping pill that
is non-narcotic. It has worked great for me. I guess it
stimulates the production of melatonin. My doctor said that
melatonin supplements aren't the same, but if you can't get to a
doctor you may want to try that too.
Regular sleep schedule is important, too. They tell folks with
insomnia don't go to bed until you are tired, but I think that's
a crock.
Even if you aren't sleepy, go to bed at a reasonable hour and do
things that "wind you down". Sometimes it even helps me to
remember that all day when I am at work, I am wishing that I
could be in my bed. So when I am in my bed, I really try to
"enjoy it", and un-tense my muscles, try to think about nothing.
TV is too distracting. Try to make your environment as
comfortable as possible.
I hope this helps. |
| deeeCA |
Re: Continual sleep problem, clean from meth
I have some input on this... again something I have
done research on lately because I have the same problem when not
drinking. I'm wide awake and wired and even sleep medication
(prescriptions) can't keep me asleep for more than 2 hours.
Do you do any kind of therapy? I know that for me personally...
the not sleeping issue at first is possibly a physical withdrawl
but the real root of it is the mental part behind WHY you used
drugs... the feelings and emotions that you weren't dealing with
when you were high. Not self-medicating causes you to deal with
the issues, whether you are aware of them.
I'm not saying this is the case with everyone, and certainly not
you because I don't know you, but let me know what you think. |
See also:
Insomnia
Sleep apnea common with meth users?
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