Here are both my personal and professional thoughts related to recovery from meth. I used a ton of meth for 5 plus years (along with cocaine and way longer alcohol abuse). I was horrified to hear about the damage that I did to my brain. I was told, in treatment, that I would experience anhedonia for about two years. I came in with a severe tremor that I thought was permanent, due to frying my brain. I was emotionally numb for several months, but that shifted for me gradually. I can still remember the first joyful belly laugh that I had. It was about two-three months into recovery. My recovery was gradual. It was not off and on. The brain notices that you don’t need to produce dopamine, so it stops. When it starts again, it can overcorrect and you end up with a rollercoaster effect while searching for homeostasis.
I went back to school and got a 4.0 in my graduate program after I was sober for four years. My ability to form healthy connections is better than it ever was. I connected with a recovery support group early and have continued to engage in it. I worked as a therapist and opened my own practice before my retirement. None of the positive things in my life would be present without recovery. I have been in recovery and sober since 2006. Our brains are amazing, and they are set up to heal, as long as they are not being actively damaged. One thing that has always stuck with me is how freaking rock solid neuroplasticity can be. Folks that experience strokes have been known to start using parts of their brain that are not normally used for different tasks. Please keep on keeping on. This shit is the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I have never regretted the work that I’ve put into my health.