Golden Mend
Welcome to Golden Mend – a modern, holistic approach to therapy
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Dear Margie - Blog

Besides helping to answer your questions, the Dear Margie blog will give you an idea of how our sessions may run.

Dear Margie

“Addiction is not a choice. It originates in a human being’s desperate attempt to solve a problem. The problem of emotional pain, of overwhelming stress, of lost connection, of loss of control, of a deep discomfort with the self.”
— Dr.Gabor Mate

You can send me any questions and I will do my best to answer them. I love to hear from you. Send your problems through to me - margie@goldenmend.com.au
No question is too little, too big or too silly.
Besides helping to answer your questions, the Dear Margie blog will give you an idea of how our sessions may run. It’s so important you feel heard and listened to, that you no longer feel like a victim of your past. Know that you are not alone and it is possible to be free of shame and guilt. You are worth it!

 

My partner is an ice addict: I can't take it anymore!

Dear Margie,

My partner has a huge methamphetamine problem and I can’t take it any more. I’m so scared it’s going to end badly for all of us. When he’s coming down he’s horrible to be around.

ANSWER

Meth withdrawal is really uncomfortable and can be intense. Fatigue, depression, anxiety and insomnia are common. In someone who has been using for a long period of time, the methamphetamine repeatedly increases the amount of dopamine – the neurotransmitter that controls feelings of pleasure – in the brain. 
When the drug is removed, so is the dopamine, and the resulting loss of pleasure is distressing and painful. This often results in depression and may cause a relapse to seek relief from the emotional distress… and, sadly, the addiction cycle begins again.
In withdrawal your partner may also experience an intense craving for the drug. As ice suppresses both appetite and sleep, many people will spend a majority of their first two weeks without the drug, eating and sleeping and it can take a few months before they balance out.
I’m really hoping your partner might show just a tiny bit of willingness to come and have a chat to me. I have a lot of experience in helping people with drug addiction.
If he is motivated to seek treatment, I can help him find a suitable detox unit or rehabilitation centre and educate him about the process.
Relapse is a huge part of the addiction process and I will work with the person for as long as they wish to ensure they embrace and understand their recovery. 
Boredom, loneliness, guilt, remorse, shame and self-hatred are common causes of relapse and we work with these in depth.

margie Bauer