What Makes an Addict? Smoking meth once a week?

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Do some people just smoke recreationally and then they can stop whenever they want?
No. IMHO. Meth will eventually, ever so slyly, ever so gently, GRAB AHOLD OF YOU AND NEVER LET GO. It is a progressive addiction. Each time you use you increase your tolerance level and you will always need/want more. Period.

From everything I've seen and heard, no, they can't use a few months and just quit.

On every interview and intervention I've seen, the addicts all say they were hooked on the first try.

I tried it once and hated it!! HATED IT!!

I never snorted or smoked it, but I did get a taste test once that sent me on a ride that I hated as well. I can't believe that some people LIKE that feeling and want more. For 4 days I thought my heart was gonna burst out of my chest.

I am sure that treatment centers will disagree, but only the addict can decide if they are an addict or not.
He could have not liked meth. That is possible. I hated cocaine and alcohol, so I didn't use them. Unless they were the only thing around- that's part of what makes me an addict. I can't use anything, whether I like it or not.

That's what I thought too. I said how the hell is this something u want again...STUPID. I thought I wa sgoing to have a heart attack, for real.

when I saw my husband at court today he looked a lot thinner and didn't look like he was on drugs, but what do I know. Mr Smooth talker seems like he can fool anyone.

I pray that tomorrow in court he will have to take a hair folicle test.

M,
They say that almost immediately they start putting on lots of weight fast when they stop using. Maybe he just cleaned up for court today? A hair follicle test is definately the way to go. I hope they will require one from him.

My husband started using adderall to pass drug tests. He told me he was going to get on adderall, then he told me he was taking drug tests to prove to me and everybody that he wasn't using drugs. All the while he's telling me all the ways to get clean and fake through a drug test. He took 2, showed me the second. Yep, amps. But he reminded me of the adderall.
His tests were on Fridays. He was able to use after that and on the weekends. He used adderall during the week to get through work.
Just so you know, they know all kinds of tricks.

the tricks of getting a clean drug test result is what scares me the most.
Don't get me wrong I would be thrilled if he really was clean, but we have a 2 year old son and if he cheats his way to a clean test then I will be terrified of what could possibly happen to our son if/when he is in his fathers care.

Just reading through some old posts and this one caught my eye....
I used for a few months and did not get addicted. I could take it or leave it.
Now I will always choose to leave it because I don't need it....not that I ever really did I guess.
But yes, you can use recreationally and not become addicted.
I should add, however, I did become addicted to my addict.

I am Not trying burst anyone's bubble ... I have read alot of people on this board over the years ... Push and hope and pray for hair follicle tests ... But from I have heard ...... the hair follicle test is one of the easiest to pass .... if that is ... you happen to know about the shampoo that is being sold to seal your hair ... not sure exactly what it is called ... but you wash your hair with it and it seals it so that it wont test positive for any drugs ..... Not alot of people know about this ... so there is a good chance that he won't.... But just wanted to give ya a heads up.

Did meth land him in jail?
If the answer is yes, I'd say he's an addict.
In my humble opinion, almost everyone who tries meth, tries it again, and with continued, even sporadic use, will eventually become addicted. This is the nature of meth, the drug, and the nature of the disease of addiction.

My boyfriend used for a few months as well. The fact that he chose to use makes me call him an addict. Sorry but he used it to have fun or whatever. In my eyes I call that addiction. Why cant you just have fun free of chemicals. And one more thing. He informed me last night and few other times that if he would have stopped he may have gone down that slippery slope. He was beginning to like Meth more than himself. He is a control freak and Meth was beginning to get the best of him.
Hope this helps.

I know someone who was a petty heavy user and quit cold turkey.
I feel addiction comes in many forms. People who are born an addict by genetics. They are probably addicts before even using.
Then those who are psycologically addicted; they do the drugs...it's fun for a while then ...the fun is over! Knew a few of these; could have been one myself but was too chicken to continue 'partying', (not meth). They may have a big problem with drugs, but once they get it in thier heads to quit it's easier than an genetically based addict.
Then there are those who have underlying chemical disorders that use drugs as 'medication' and think they can't function without it.
Just my .04$...inflation you know!

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Then those who are psycologically addicted; they do the drugs...it's fun for a while then ...the fun is over!

Hi Jacksmom! Good to hear from you! Have you posted lately and I've missed it?
Anyway, I don't know if I'm right or wrong here, because I am not a medical professional, but I disagree with your statement above specifically when it comes to meth.
I think meth is highly addictive, both physically and psychologically. I just don't think it's that easy with meth. Others probably know more facts than I do, but that's my meth addict experience speaking.
Is there an update on Jack???
Ps: by cold turkey, do you mean all by themselves, without a program, or do you mean without ever using again?

What is always thought was weird was how someone could quit a hard drug and still drink like crazy, to me its like your giving up one addiction for another, but someone else doesn't see it that way. Im over weight and jamie always telling that's what my addiction is, will she right. From coming here I've realize that food is my drug, I use it to feel better and to cope with stress, I admitt its become a problem, now I have to find away not to use food to make me feel better. Some addiction comes in many forms I think.

Michelle, your husband is using to the point of lying about his use.
If not an addict, he is mighty damn close to being one.
JMO.
What says an addict to me- lying. Lying about use, lying about how you use, lying.
If there is no problem, then why can't you be truthful about it?

What makes an addict? Using even when you have sworn you would not- it controlling you not the other way around.
Working your schedule around so you can use.
Finding products that will hide use.Justifications to use.
Just some of the things that say addiction to me.

I can agree with that Theresa, I think lying is so bad, lying to get that drug, or drink because its more important then anything, more important then the people who love you.

Yes, she quit on her own. No meetings, nothing. Just got the @#%$ scared out of her and quit! Saw where too many were going.
I've also known those who have used a couple of times and didn't like it; I did once and didn't like it. That was a long time ago. I guess my experience would be with other 'recreationals'. I did my share, and quite a bit but mostly a 'weekend warrior'. I had my fun. It got boring. I saw my friends becoming dependent. I quit. BOOM...OVER AND OUT!!! Never touched anything again.
I do like my beer though!
As far as Jacklyn goes, we've had our 'ups and downs'. She's not using, but we're dealing with BAD after effects. She's had some horrible rages, (happens at THAT time of the month), recently and I had to file assault and vandalism charges. We'll see what happens when she goes to court. We can't afford to send her away anywhere, but I'm going to take her this week, (time off work! ), to have her file for minor consent Medi Cal. Under this, she is entitled to mental health care and counseling. Her Zona Seca is going well and they will also offer extra help when she's on the Medi Cal.
She had recently aquired a really NICE, STRAIGHT boyfriend that knows of her issues, (crazy kid! ), but would not have a relationship with her if she uses and hangs out with her loser friends. This has been over a month and she's 'softening' a bit. No more Goth clothing, had me change her haircolor from black to blonde, and wants to dress 'pretty'. Even wants ME to dress pretty! UGH! I'm more interested in the Goth...
Anyway the past week or so has been good and I'm tankful for every ONE dya we don't have a HUGE 'in-home' blow-out!

the way i understand addiction is you have to have that type of personality already to become an addict.like me i was in love with the first high,same with booze,others i new could drink a little or do go every once in awhile and that was it for them.thats why people like me can't even gamble at the casinos,can get hooked on that too,i was even addicted to the rush of anger,gave me the same wire as meth.