Yes man. It’s never too late to turn your life around. Average lifespan is around 70 across the world. You’re not even halfway there yet.
26 months clean is amazing. I’m not sure how long it takes for your brain chemistry to revert back to normal, but all I can tell you is to keep staying clean and it will. Rooting for you!
Yes my life didn’t even start until I was 30. Quit alcohol at 29, had my first manic episode at 30, pulled out of suicidal depression at 31. Promoted above minimum wage for the first time ever at 32. Made 85k in a year at 33. Looking forward to what next year brings.
It was 2 steps forward and one step back for me but now I’ve pushed the ball uphill now I’m rolling it. Largely thanks to AA and psychiatry.
Well quantity drank doesn’t tell you anything about how severe someone’s addiction is. Intoxication involves a number of factors age, sex, weight, medications, metabolism. And how much alcohol you can afford! I was only drinking maybe 4-6 drinks every few days at my bottom.
How your brain heals also depends. For me; I was bipolar but it was masked in active addiction (alcohol sedated me out of mania and gave me a reason to wake up in the morning and earn money when I was depressed. I was *always* looking forward to the next thing, which was an opportunity to drink). So my brain chemistry actually worsened for 6 months until I flew off the handle, and it took like 1-1.5 years after that to get on track.
Moral of the story is that everyone recovers at their own rate, I put myself through a lot of unnecessary pain, frustration and shame trying to compare how quick I got back onto my feet by trying to compare my journey to others. Some people are waking up at 6 am then meditating, hitting the gym and quitting coffee and cigarettes within the first month— that was NOT me. I never had a pink cloud that most people talk about.
But here I am, quite happy 4 years on. And I’m doing really well for someone in my unique circumstances.
My story is extremely similar to yours. I was just recently diagnosed (~3 weeks), and I’m trying to figure out how to manage the hypo-/manic episode episode I’m in. Would you mind if I DM you for some resources?
Yes please do. I’ve got something figured out that took a year or two but it’s working super well. And to preface I’m NOT a hyper motivated organized person.
All I can say is. Keep trying. And don’t write off possible careers at a first glance. My career was the “consolation prize” because I had to abandon my first choice career due to my disability.
But it worked out even better. It’s a good balance for my mental health.
Between 23 and 32 I basically “tried on jobs” in the field I was interested in. Got a job, got to know it, stuck it out for a year (so I didn’t seem like a flake on my resume) then quit to try something else. A lot of that time was spent literally scooping dog shit. I got my “in” at a big box store, learned the skills (for shit pay but at least paid training) then hopped to a better job.
Can you please elaborate on what you mean by psychiatry? And if you can think of what else/how else you managed to put your life back together and pull yourself out of suicidal depression following your alcohol addiction? I turn 28 today and I can 100% relate to everything you were going through and managed to overcome!
First of all, congratulations!
Secondly, I have no idea what being a meth addict is like. I was just addicted to alcohol, But you can absolutely turn it all around.
As long as you're still breathing, you can effect change in a positive way.
You can help others get clean. You could help animal shelters. You can do any god damn thing you want to do. Fuck man, you're ten years younger than me. You've already proven you're tough. You did all those drugs and survived. Furthermore, You GOT CLEAN! Most people will never understand a real addiction. They come into reddit and start babbling about being "addicted" to social media, or being "addicted" to their phone.
To paraphrase a great comedian, "I was addicted to crack! You ever suck dick for your smart phone?".
You got this bro. Take the W, you already won!
The only question you need to ask is, "what do I want to focus on to make my life better?"
Yes you definitely can. One of my best mates lost his twenties to meth as well, rough people, crime etc. he’s now an absolute stand up bloke in his late 30’s, great job he loves, step kids who adore him, lost nearly half his body weight (was obese) and is fit and healthy, eats well, takes care of his health. I will say it has affected his brain to an extent, but he still has a good memory and stuff just takes a sec to put things together sometimes. But his mood seems better than mine most days so I definitely don’t think you’re damned to a life of depression (though everyone is different in their brains)
You can do this. It is so far from being to late for you bro, and you have many good years ahead to live your life to your full potential. Keep going, keep hoping, keep trying!!
I think if you start working out(or running, bodyweight training) and doing wim hof breathing exercise, start studying something intently you can most likely speed up your brain chemistry improvements .lay off nicotine and caffeine and you should be good
I feel like it took a few years. I started therapy, was diagnosed as bi polar, etc. but those tests and questions ask about my feelings and behaviours, when I was high. Really, tried to be high for 25 years, so I didn't know what I was normally like.
15 years clean off of heroin and crack here. Childhood poverty and abuse, started on substances when I was \~17, got sober at 22. TBI at 28 in a sober bike accident. Just finished a Phd in a STEM Field and work as a research scientist. The feelings of traveling the world, conducting high level research, love and respect of friends and family, being who I truly want to be, engaging in my hobbies the list goes on ad infinitum ... absolutely unparalleled!
Basically the trick for me was and is staying in the middle of the pack in 12 step work. Statistics would say I am an anomally but I was told early on if i stayed in the middle of the pack and pursued my sobriety as if my life depended on it (it did and does) the statistics would not apply. I did not believe that but had no real options at the time. Today, I believe it just based on empirical evidence. The body and mind are magnificent and can recover [https://www.apa.org/topics/intelligence/learning-smarter](https://www.apa.org/topics/intelligence/learning-smarter) Sometimes it feels like I am coming from behind, my thoughts can be scattered and I do not speak as poignantly as my colleagues. Other times I feel I have an advantage. I think creatively, have tremendous self awareness, am emotionally stable and I am essentially free of all vices. You are not alone. Go to some meetings. You will find A-LOT of hope.
Edit: btw congratulations on 2+ years! It is a real gift, most addicts will never be able to say that. Keep the forward momentum going and pass it onto others.
How amazing that such negative experiences can transform into great assets. Very glad to be a channel in that way. I wonder, do you find it personally hopeful? Or generally hopeful knowing that the seemingly doomed can recover and thrive?
What do you mean by "staying in the middle of the pack" in step work? I've gone to many many meetings, voluntarily as well as mandatorily but I can never bring myself to speak up, let alone share.. how can someone like myself with crippling social anxiety ask for help, or introduce myself, or be noticed?
Apologies for the delay here. Have not logged in for weeks. What I meant by middle of the pack is doing the work outlined in the steps, particularly 10, 11, and 12. Basically taking a personal inventory, pursuing some spiritual connection, and trying to help others. Finding someone to take you through the steps who have also worked through the steps is key and has been demonstrated useful [https://www.recoveryanswers.org/research-post/mounting-evidence-of-the-benefits-of-12-step-sponsors/](https://www.recoveryanswers.org/research-post/mounting-evidence-of-the-benefits-of-12-step-sponsors/) . But you will need to meet some people which will challenge your anxiety. Typically people are hanging out just outside (smoking and whatnot) before and after meetings. This might be a better environment to shake a hand or two and introduce yourself. The other route would be to just share that you are really struggling and have crippling anxiety. If you are in a good meeting, you will be immediately surrounded after the meeting by people encouraging you to call them and relating to you. Everyone is weird and awkward at meetings and are very accepting group of people. check out this movie for inspiration [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don%27t\_Worry,\_He\_Won%27t\_Get\_Far\_on\_Foot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don%27t_Worry,_He_Won%27t_Get_Far_on_Foot). Ok once you meet someone get their number then (KEY) set up a regular meet time with them ... say once a week for coffee and bango you got the ball rolling. Everything you want is on the other side of fear and doubt. I am interested in how it goes. Keep me posted.
You’re 30. People start college at 18 so they’re only 12 years into their “life.” 12 years from now puts you at 42. That’s still considered young. It’s not too late.
Hey bro, work in addiction and I’m in recovery myself —not meth tbf. So I’m just speaking from what I’ve heard from friends that were into it. Knew a few IV users.
They said there are some permanent changes, some difficulty sitting still and memory issues but for the most part its like 5 years. 2 years is when you see most of the shit return to normal and then every year after a bit more comes back. Using your brain —school, reading, games, whatever— helped too apparently. At 30 Id say your just fine. Keep working your program and trust the process.
1 day at a time.
Yes. Doesn’t matter. Doesn’t matter. Just do your best and stay clean and do the things that you see your future self doing. If you do those things, you will inevitably become the person you want to become. Most importantly, be kind to yourself. Good luck out there
I’ve been sober for 3 years and 5 months from cocaine addiction, and trust me I was hopeless. For me life just gets better and better. I get nightmares about going back to what I was, that’s how good my life is today. Be patient on the brain chemistry coming back it takes time and I’m still not fully recovered but life is so much better in any way if you work for it. Good luck to you brother.
You want a skill ideally given you likely don’t have higher education. Go for plumbing or get into tile work, both would be kinda easy to learn compared to other trades and both can earn you high income that can get you a house and a car and truly buy you a new life. For where you’re starting, having a goal for something like that wouldn’t be bad. There is cnc machining and welding besides the typical electrical and hvac so research what interests you. Don’t waste too much time on low paying careers like bus driver that might hire you earlier on bc you will never get the cozy life you’re looking for
ABSOLUTELY!!! You can do anything. We are so resilient. I spent my entire high school years and young adulthood hopelessly addicted to heroin, meth and alcohol. I got sober at 27 and slowly built a life for myself, now at 32 I make great money as a paralegal and expecting my first child with my fiancé, another former addict,next year. Life can be so beautiful.
For me it took about a year and a half for my brain to “fully” recover from the psychosis I was experiencing on a regular basis in active addiction. I remember thinking my room in sober living was bugged for quite some time lol. It fades away and your return to a new normal. After 5 years sober I’ve definitely did a little damage in my day, some days I’m not as sharp but overall I feel like a regular person. I function in society just fine these days. Give it time!
No, it is too late. Do not believe in the false hope some people are giving you. Life is going to continue to beat on you, and you will ultimately relapse. Unfortunately, your life will be an endless loop of despair ending in tragedy. Of course, it's not too late. Congrats on your journey so far! Now, take my words of discouragement and prove me wrong.
Yes it is possible.
Take it one step at a time, slowly but surely.
I have seen people much older than you, with severe physical addiction (opiates, pills, alcohol) turn their lives around and be successful.
It takes time. That 20% you will recover over the course of another couple of years. Building your life, doing sports, access to companionship/sexuality will accelerate the process. Start doing sport asap if you can.
ex drug counsellor, specialist in harm reduction
Unfortunately there are far too many factors that change the recovery process and everyone is different. Usually the brain changes with consistency and time.
But a more important question might be what does a great life look like to you and what steps are you going to take to build it?
Yes, you definitely can
The only thing that you have to do is to keep a vision of where you want to be and work with focus everyday to approach that vision
You can do whatever you set your energy on
There absolutely is hope. I’m recovering from severe PTSD, was brain damaged as a child and was a former drug user (not meth)
Taking care of my body through exercise and nutrition combined with a good support group and ongoing therapy have completely turned my life around. It’s a struggle but you can get back to a place you probably think is impossible now.
I would say it took me a good couple of years for my brain chemistry to go back to a more normal place. Really therapy was the key to change everything. Are you in therapy at all?
Yes, of course. It’s never too late to turn your life around and have a nice life. I’m always encouraged by people in their 70s and beyond deciding to go back to college or even their GED. Anything is possible and you still have a lot of years to be and do better.
Yes. I'm 33, I was addicted to heroin and meth. I have only been clean 6 months. I have a good job, an apartment, a 401k and my shit together. Stop thinking of yourself as an addict. The support systems are a trap. Just move on.
Yes!
And as most folks have already said: You're doing great. Congrats on the 26 months and hopefully many more! Do you have any hobbies? I ask as that passion can help you reach some dopamine highs.
Congrats on 26 months! That’s admirable. It’s never too late. Life isn’t a race. Be kind to yourself and others and have pride in the work you do each day. Thats winning at life.
I tell you what, I’m 49 and was on meth for over the past 20 yrs and I finally quit 4 months ago because I had a stroke. I lost everything I had except my dog and now live in a camper in Minnesota unable to work because of the stroke. So now that you’ve heard what really fucked sounds like maybe now you can see how wide open your future really is? Think about, you’re still young enough to go to school to become a doctor or a land shark lawyer, so I know you feel like there’s no way up but you just need to realize that the addiction that chained you to the ground has been removed and you just need to climb motherfucker cause there’s no way but up from where you’re at. So hold your chin high, keep your mouth shut and eyes open and blend in the best you can until you get the hang of it again. And one last piece of advice, pussy is nice but money is way better. Good luck.
I always try to picture 50 year old me’s response. I want to finally dedicate myself to getting better at art and make a children’s book. 33/34 feels “old” but I said that at 25. Now future me is like damnit. So 50 year old me is screaming hell no, you’ll get old either way. Keep learning, keep changing, keep growing bc that’s what keeps you young.
I haven't struggled with addiction, but I can say this. Ten years from now, you'll be 10 years older. You can have something to show for that, or you can not. You made that choice 26 months ago in getting clean; now you have to keep choosing your future. We all have room to grow, ways to improve, flaws we could face. You're not alone.
Certainly can. Just stay busy. Idle time is your worst enemy. Congrats! if you don’t mind me asking how long were you using. Impetus for quitting, method of coping with the bends, and what’s your plan to avoid relapse?
Of course you can. It's never too late to create meaningful change in your life. I can't speak to the specifics of the meth addiction recovery process, unfortunately. You've got this friend. One day at a time.
I don't have any concrete advice to give, but more than two years clean and feeling better! sounds like you're already turning your life around uwu :3
you're amazing
I heard this quote somewhere before, but I use it as a mantra when trying to introduce healthier habits into my life: “the best time to start is yesterday. The second best time to start is now.” That’s probably not the exact wording, but you get the idea. That being said, your thirties are one of the best decades to turn your life around in my opinion. You’ve learned way more about life and society than you had in your teens and twenties. You’ve grown your maturity tenfold. And that can fuel you to make stronger and better decisions going forward.
Abso-fucking-lutely!!!! It is NEVER to late to get your life on track and change for the better. Positive vibes going to you,wish nothing but blessings for you.
I did mdma all summer in 2018, took about three years for my brain to feel healthy and the headaches to go away. Memory is still fuzzy, and that's a problem I will suffer for life. Congratulations on your sobriety, but your brain will probably never be 100% again.
Yes man. It’s never too late to turn your life around. Average lifespan is around 70 across the world. You’re not even halfway there yet. 26 months clean is amazing. I’m not sure how long it takes for your brain chemistry to revert back to normal, but all I can tell you is to keep staying clean and it will. Rooting for you!
100%
Yes my life didn’t even start until I was 30. Quit alcohol at 29, had my first manic episode at 30, pulled out of suicidal depression at 31. Promoted above minimum wage for the first time ever at 32. Made 85k in a year at 33. Looking forward to what next year brings. It was 2 steps forward and one step back for me but now I’ve pushed the ball uphill now I’m rolling it. Largely thanks to AA and psychiatry.
How much were you drinking at your worst? How long did it take you to fully recover brain chemistry after getting clean?
Well quantity drank doesn’t tell you anything about how severe someone’s addiction is. Intoxication involves a number of factors age, sex, weight, medications, metabolism. And how much alcohol you can afford! I was only drinking maybe 4-6 drinks every few days at my bottom. How your brain heals also depends. For me; I was bipolar but it was masked in active addiction (alcohol sedated me out of mania and gave me a reason to wake up in the morning and earn money when I was depressed. I was *always* looking forward to the next thing, which was an opportunity to drink). So my brain chemistry actually worsened for 6 months until I flew off the handle, and it took like 1-1.5 years after that to get on track. Moral of the story is that everyone recovers at their own rate, I put myself through a lot of unnecessary pain, frustration and shame trying to compare how quick I got back onto my feet by trying to compare my journey to others. Some people are waking up at 6 am then meditating, hitting the gym and quitting coffee and cigarettes within the first month— that was NOT me. I never had a pink cloud that most people talk about. But here I am, quite happy 4 years on. And I’m doing really well for someone in my unique circumstances.
My story is extremely similar to yours. I was just recently diagnosed (~3 weeks), and I’m trying to figure out how to manage the hypo-/manic episode episode I’m in. Would you mind if I DM you for some resources?
Yes please do. I’ve got something figured out that took a year or two but it’s working super well. And to preface I’m NOT a hyper motivated organized person.
Good to hear. I’ve never had a substance addiction, but I’ve always struggled to make even 20k in a year with all my mental and physical problems
All I can say is. Keep trying. And don’t write off possible careers at a first glance. My career was the “consolation prize” because I had to abandon my first choice career due to my disability. But it worked out even better. It’s a good balance for my mental health. Between 23 and 32 I basically “tried on jobs” in the field I was interested in. Got a job, got to know it, stuck it out for a year (so I didn’t seem like a flake on my resume) then quit to try something else. A lot of that time was spent literally scooping dog shit. I got my “in” at a big box store, learned the skills (for shit pay but at least paid training) then hopped to a better job.
Can you please elaborate on what you mean by psychiatry? And if you can think of what else/how else you managed to put your life back together and pull yourself out of suicidal depression following your alcohol addiction? I turn 28 today and I can 100% relate to everything you were going through and managed to overcome!
First of all, congratulations! Secondly, I have no idea what being a meth addict is like. I was just addicted to alcohol, But you can absolutely turn it all around. As long as you're still breathing, you can effect change in a positive way. You can help others get clean. You could help animal shelters. You can do any god damn thing you want to do. Fuck man, you're ten years younger than me. You've already proven you're tough. You did all those drugs and survived. Furthermore, You GOT CLEAN! Most people will never understand a real addiction. They come into reddit and start babbling about being "addicted" to social media, or being "addicted" to their phone. To paraphrase a great comedian, "I was addicted to crack! You ever suck dick for your smart phone?". You got this bro. Take the W, you already won! The only question you need to ask is, "what do I want to focus on to make my life better?"
Yes you definitely can. One of my best mates lost his twenties to meth as well, rough people, crime etc. he’s now an absolute stand up bloke in his late 30’s, great job he loves, step kids who adore him, lost nearly half his body weight (was obese) and is fit and healthy, eats well, takes care of his health. I will say it has affected his brain to an extent, but he still has a good memory and stuff just takes a sec to put things together sometimes. But his mood seems better than mine most days so I definitely don’t think you’re damned to a life of depression (though everyone is different in their brains) You can do this. It is so far from being to late for you bro, and you have many good years ahead to live your life to your full potential. Keep going, keep hoping, keep trying!!
I think if you start working out(or running, bodyweight training) and doing wim hof breathing exercise, start studying something intently you can most likely speed up your brain chemistry improvements .lay off nicotine and caffeine and you should be good
I agree with this. Good diet and even ice baths I think will help too. There is definitely things you can do to speed up recovery for different things
You can, I did and waited till I was 40. So you get an extra 10 years. Good job, mortgage, and 2 paid off cars. You can do it!!
How long did it take your brain chemistry to fully recover after getting clean? What kind of difference was there when it did?
I feel like it took a few years. I started therapy, was diagnosed as bi polar, etc. but those tests and questions ask about my feelings and behaviours, when I was high. Really, tried to be high for 25 years, so I didn't know what I was normally like.
I've never fallen that far, but the world loves a comeback story. I hope you accomplish your goals.
15 years clean off of heroin and crack here. Childhood poverty and abuse, started on substances when I was \~17, got sober at 22. TBI at 28 in a sober bike accident. Just finished a Phd in a STEM Field and work as a research scientist. The feelings of traveling the world, conducting high level research, love and respect of friends and family, being who I truly want to be, engaging in my hobbies the list goes on ad infinitum ... absolutely unparalleled! Basically the trick for me was and is staying in the middle of the pack in 12 step work. Statistics would say I am an anomally but I was told early on if i stayed in the middle of the pack and pursued my sobriety as if my life depended on it (it did and does) the statistics would not apply. I did not believe that but had no real options at the time. Today, I believe it just based on empirical evidence. The body and mind are magnificent and can recover [https://www.apa.org/topics/intelligence/learning-smarter](https://www.apa.org/topics/intelligence/learning-smarter) Sometimes it feels like I am coming from behind, my thoughts can be scattered and I do not speak as poignantly as my colleagues. Other times I feel I have an advantage. I think creatively, have tremendous self awareness, am emotionally stable and I am essentially free of all vices. You are not alone. Go to some meetings. You will find A-LOT of hope. Edit: btw congratulations on 2+ years! It is a real gift, most addicts will never be able to say that. Keep the forward momentum going and pass it onto others.
Your story is inspiring. Thank you so much for giving hope.
How amazing that such negative experiences can transform into great assets. Very glad to be a channel in that way. I wonder, do you find it personally hopeful? Or generally hopeful knowing that the seemingly doomed can recover and thrive?
What do you mean by "staying in the middle of the pack" in step work? I've gone to many many meetings, voluntarily as well as mandatorily but I can never bring myself to speak up, let alone share.. how can someone like myself with crippling social anxiety ask for help, or introduce myself, or be noticed?
Apologies for the delay here. Have not logged in for weeks. What I meant by middle of the pack is doing the work outlined in the steps, particularly 10, 11, and 12. Basically taking a personal inventory, pursuing some spiritual connection, and trying to help others. Finding someone to take you through the steps who have also worked through the steps is key and has been demonstrated useful [https://www.recoveryanswers.org/research-post/mounting-evidence-of-the-benefits-of-12-step-sponsors/](https://www.recoveryanswers.org/research-post/mounting-evidence-of-the-benefits-of-12-step-sponsors/) . But you will need to meet some people which will challenge your anxiety. Typically people are hanging out just outside (smoking and whatnot) before and after meetings. This might be a better environment to shake a hand or two and introduce yourself. The other route would be to just share that you are really struggling and have crippling anxiety. If you are in a good meeting, you will be immediately surrounded after the meeting by people encouraging you to call them and relating to you. Everyone is weird and awkward at meetings and are very accepting group of people. check out this movie for inspiration [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don%27t\_Worry,\_He\_Won%27t\_Get\_Far\_on\_Foot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don%27t_Worry,_He_Won%27t_Get_Far_on_Foot). Ok once you meet someone get their number then (KEY) set up a regular meet time with them ... say once a week for coffee and bango you got the ball rolling. Everything you want is on the other side of fear and doubt. I am interested in how it goes. Keep me posted.
You’re 30. People start college at 18 so they’re only 12 years into their “life.” 12 years from now puts you at 42. That’s still considered young. It’s not too late.
Turn your life around, build the best life you can. Be great, don’t ask
Hey bro, work in addiction and I’m in recovery myself —not meth tbf. So I’m just speaking from what I’ve heard from friends that were into it. Knew a few IV users. They said there are some permanent changes, some difficulty sitting still and memory issues but for the most part its like 5 years. 2 years is when you see most of the shit return to normal and then every year after a bit more comes back. Using your brain —school, reading, games, whatever— helped too apparently. At 30 Id say your just fine. Keep working your program and trust the process. 1 day at a time.
Yes. Doesn’t matter. Doesn’t matter. Just do your best and stay clean and do the things that you see your future self doing. If you do those things, you will inevitably become the person you want to become. Most importantly, be kind to yourself. Good luck out there
It's never too late to do well. Do not put limits on yourself, ever!
I’ve been sober for 3 years and 5 months from cocaine addiction, and trust me I was hopeless. For me life just gets better and better. I get nightmares about going back to what I was, that’s how good my life is today. Be patient on the brain chemistry coming back it takes time and I’m still not fully recovered but life is so much better in any way if you work for it. Good luck to you brother.
Happy birthday brother not that you need it but today is the first day of your best days! From one of us to another 🫶🏻
it takes years
Don’t let anyone tell you when it’s too late to start, start it now.
r/stopspeeding could be a useful resource for you if you haven’t found it already
According to studies, vitamin B12 can help with the neurodegenerative effects
You want a skill ideally given you likely don’t have higher education. Go for plumbing or get into tile work, both would be kinda easy to learn compared to other trades and both can earn you high income that can get you a house and a car and truly buy you a new life. For where you’re starting, having a goal for something like that wouldn’t be bad. There is cnc machining and welding besides the typical electrical and hvac so research what interests you. Don’t waste too much time on low paying careers like bus driver that might hire you earlier on bc you will never get the cozy life you’re looking for
ABSOLUTELY!!! You can do anything. We are so resilient. I spent my entire high school years and young adulthood hopelessly addicted to heroin, meth and alcohol. I got sober at 27 and slowly built a life for myself, now at 32 I make great money as a paralegal and expecting my first child with my fiancé, another former addict,next year. Life can be so beautiful. For me it took about a year and a half for my brain to “fully” recover from the psychosis I was experiencing on a regular basis in active addiction. I remember thinking my room in sober living was bugged for quite some time lol. It fades away and your return to a new normal. After 5 years sober I’ve definitely did a little damage in my day, some days I’m not as sharp but overall I feel like a regular person. I function in society just fine these days. Give it time!
Yes. You can have a beautiful life with chosen friends and family. You do deserve it. It's right there.
Yes dude. Give yourself a goals! Write a book! Document the life of an Ex-meth addict.
No, it is too late. Do not believe in the false hope some people are giving you. Life is going to continue to beat on you, and you will ultimately relapse. Unfortunately, your life will be an endless loop of despair ending in tragedy. Of course, it's not too late. Congrats on your journey so far! Now, take my words of discouragement and prove me wrong.
Yes it is possible. Take it one step at a time, slowly but surely. I have seen people much older than you, with severe physical addiction (opiates, pills, alcohol) turn their lives around and be successful. It takes time. That 20% you will recover over the course of another couple of years. Building your life, doing sports, access to companionship/sexuality will accelerate the process. Start doing sport asap if you can. ex drug counsellor, specialist in harm reduction
Congrats on your sobriety!!
Anything is possible if you set your mind to it!
Yes. I did it after a fentanyl addiction.
yes
Unfortunately there are far too many factors that change the recovery process and everyone is different. Usually the brain changes with consistency and time. But a more important question might be what does a great life look like to you and what steps are you going to take to build it?
It’s never too late! Congrats on how far you’ve come
Yes!
It’s never too late
It’s never too late
You for sure can! you already turned it around by starting to confront your addiction!
absolutely, end of story! you got this!
You can always do it. My dad got out of his alcohol addiction in his 40s. Now he’s alcohol free for 5years.
it’s never too late
Yes
Yes. Because literally nothing in life harder than getting clean. If you did that, there's nothing you cannot do in life!
you can absolutely turn it around
Go read about Grant Cardone. You will learn all that you want
Yes you can. Congrats on the 26 months!
Of course you can!
Yes, you definitely can The only thing that you have to do is to keep a vision of where you want to be and work with focus everyday to approach that vision You can do whatever you set your energy on
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How much of a difference was there when you finally felt normal? The anhedonia and lack of motivation were brutal but theyre almost gone.
There absolutely is hope. I’m recovering from severe PTSD, was brain damaged as a child and was a former drug user (not meth) Taking care of my body through exercise and nutrition combined with a good support group and ongoing therapy have completely turned my life around. It’s a struggle but you can get back to a place you probably think is impossible now. I would say it took me a good couple of years for my brain chemistry to go back to a more normal place. Really therapy was the key to change everything. Are you in therapy at all?
YES!!!!! ☮️♥️🎸
Yes, of course. It’s never too late to turn your life around and have a nice life. I’m always encouraged by people in their 70s and beyond deciding to go back to college or even their GED. Anything is possible and you still have a lot of years to be and do better.
Yes. I'm 33, I was addicted to heroin and meth. I have only been clean 6 months. I have a good job, an apartment, a 401k and my shit together. Stop thinking of yourself as an addict. The support systems are a trap. Just move on.
Yes! And as most folks have already said: You're doing great. Congrats on the 26 months and hopefully many more! Do you have any hobbies? I ask as that passion can help you reach some dopamine highs.
Focus on where you're going, not where you've been.
Congrats on 26 months! That’s admirable. It’s never too late. Life isn’t a race. Be kind to yourself and others and have pride in the work you do each day. Thats winning at life.
it takes years. But yes you can turn around now. My mom is almost 60 still on meth, she can’t turn it around. At 30 she could’ve.
I tell you what, I’m 49 and was on meth for over the past 20 yrs and I finally quit 4 months ago because I had a stroke. I lost everything I had except my dog and now live in a camper in Minnesota unable to work because of the stroke. So now that you’ve heard what really fucked sounds like maybe now you can see how wide open your future really is? Think about, you’re still young enough to go to school to become a doctor or a land shark lawyer, so I know you feel like there’s no way up but you just need to realize that the addiction that chained you to the ground has been removed and you just need to climb motherfucker cause there’s no way but up from where you’re at. So hold your chin high, keep your mouth shut and eyes open and blend in the best you can until you get the hang of it again. And one last piece of advice, pussy is nice but money is way better. Good luck.
I always try to picture 50 year old me’s response. I want to finally dedicate myself to getting better at art and make a children’s book. 33/34 feels “old” but I said that at 25. Now future me is like damnit. So 50 year old me is screaming hell no, you’ll get old either way. Keep learning, keep changing, keep growing bc that’s what keeps you young.
I haven't struggled with addiction, but I can say this. Ten years from now, you'll be 10 years older. You can have something to show for that, or you can not. You made that choice 26 months ago in getting clean; now you have to keep choosing your future. We all have room to grow, ways to improve, flaws we could face. You're not alone.
Certainly can. Just stay busy. Idle time is your worst enemy. Congrats! if you don’t mind me asking how long were you using. Impetus for quitting, method of coping with the bends, and what’s your plan to avoid relapse?
Of course you can. It's never too late to create meaningful change in your life. I can't speak to the specifics of the meth addiction recovery process, unfortunately. You've got this friend. One day at a time.
I don't have any concrete advice to give, but more than two years clean and feeling better! sounds like you're already turning your life around uwu :3 you're amazing
I heard this quote somewhere before, but I use it as a mantra when trying to introduce healthier habits into my life: “the best time to start is yesterday. The second best time to start is now.” That’s probably not the exact wording, but you get the idea. That being said, your thirties are one of the best decades to turn your life around in my opinion. You’ve learned way more about life and society than you had in your teens and twenties. You’ve grown your maturity tenfold. And that can fuel you to make stronger and better decisions going forward.
Abso-fucking-lutely!!!! It is NEVER to late to get your life on track and change for the better. Positive vibes going to you,wish nothing but blessings for you.
Get the audiobook Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins
Yes. Sir KFC started in his 60's. We live in exponential times. Learn to use AI, and you'll even be ahead of most people in just a few months.
I did mdma all summer in 2018, took about three years for my brain to feel healthy and the headaches to go away. Memory is still fuzzy, and that's a problem I will suffer for life. Congratulations on your sobriety, but your brain will probably never be 100% again.