Lifestyle changes

[johnmedz]

OK. let me give a brief introduction before i get too ahead of myself. I am a 21 years old male who is a junior in college. I started smoking marijuana when i was 16 but the habit has progressively become an integral part of my daily routine. Most every day, often more than once a day, i smoke weed and until recently, i havent felt any negative side effects. More recently, i have found myself becoming anxious or depressed when i'm on it.

Well i have decided to put weed aside along with cigarettes to start a new life but it is much harder than I thought. We all know that weed is strongly psychologically addictive but I never realized the seriousness of these side effects. Its only been two days since ive stopped and ive become really sad, distanced from my girlfreind and family. Ive come out and admitted my problm to my family and girlfreind, and theyve done everything to help, but i cant stop feeling angry and agitated at them. Already having problems with my relationship, i think quitting might help me to realize that i might want someone else as my significant other.

Two years ago, i wouldve been the first to doubt someone who said they were "addicted" to weed but now as ive matured and done my research, it is a very addictive drug that is also a gateway drug leading to much harder and more dangerous drugs.

Right now, the hardest part is goin to be distancing myself from other users (my freinds). All of my pot smoking buddies are also into everything i'm into (i.e. graphics, cs, hl2, hiphop) but i feel like im going to lose them and i wont be able to find other people that have the same interests.

The reason for me posting this is for advice. i know a lot of people on this forum may be able to relate (either current smokers or ones that quit) and i would love to get some feedback or PMs of encouragement or maybe some advice on how to cope with such a major lifestyle change.

Thanks!
johnmedz

EDIT: also, i am going to continuously update this thread with my progress for those of you who are interested. im hoping this will help others to quit or slow down on their intake.

 

[Steve]

Can't relate in the slightest, friend. But it sounds like you're trying to better yourself and your life, and I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors.

 

[DarkStar]

Hmm.....

I used to smoke pot on a daily basis as well. I even owned a four-foot bong along with a roomate of mine. I managed to quit cold turkey because I relaized it was negatively affecting my schoolwork.

My advice? Don't try to quit smoking tobacco and pot all at once. Tackle them one at a time. I gave up smoking pot long before I gave up cigarettes, and I definitely couldn't have done both at once. Let pot go first then concentrate on quitting smoking. Hang in there.

 

[johnmedz]

Hmm.....

I used to smoke pot on a daily basis as well. I even owned a four-foot bong along with a roomate of mine. I managed to quit cold turkey because I relaized it was negatively affecting my schoolwork.

My advice? Don't try to quit smoking tobacco and pot all at once. Tackle them one at a time. I gave up smoking pot long before I gave up cigarettes, and I definitely couldn't have done both at once. Let pot go first then concentrate on quitting smoking. Hang in there.

darkstar, youre definatley on my lvl here. i havent totally quit cigarettes but i was smoking a pack a day and yesterday i only smoked 4 cigs and today, only 3.

The cigarettes are kind of helping me to quit weed or to control my cravings to smoke a bowl. i think its a great idea to quit them one at a time.

Also, a lot of my pot-smoking freinds also smoke cigarettes so thats something that i can socially do with them while im trying to quit.

Did anyone else go through withdrawl symptoms from quitting weed like depression or anxiety and what tips might u have to take control of these feelings. At least now that im sober, i can understand my previous dependence on the drug. I had no idea I would feel like this from quitting and it kind of scares me that i was so dependent on weed for my happiness.

Granted, its hard to let go of something thats become a major part of my life but im hoping its for the best. Its hard to let go of all the good times me and my buddies have had with weed. Ive met probably 100 people cuz of weed that have become great freinds. it sucks that its such a social drug because you form such great freindships with it. The problem is that some of these freinds will obviouslly also be into other drugs, and thus, any pot smoker is also going to be subjected to these more dangerous drugs.

I have heard so much over the past few years about how pot "isnt that bad" or how people "cant be addicted to pot" but I am beginning to wonder where these ideas surfaced.

My advice for everyone else right now is if you smoke weed, dont do it in excess. anything in excess can be harmful because you rely on that thing to make you happy. If you feel like you are holding back your feelings or emotions or that you dont feel like yourself, you should consider quitting. You may be ridiculed by your freinds but when it comes down to you, you have to do whats best for yourself.

Thanks for all the advice and keep it coming. Its been near impossible for me to sleep with my mind racing so much so id love to hear more from this community i love so much. It really helps to see people with the same interests who have been through this before and you guys are really great for encouragement and inspiration!

 

[Ikerous]

My advice for everyone else right now is if you smoke weed, dont do it in excess.

QFT

I only smoke a couple times a month
Obviously if someone is smoking daily its prolly gonna be hard to stop
I wish ya luck with that, sounds unpleasant :x

 

[AzzMan]

if your friends make fun of you for quitting smoking, pee on them. Then theyll learn that bitching will only get the mpeed on. Or when you smoke, pretend youre so high that you pee on them. That way they wont want you to smoke anymore, if it means getting pissed on. Either way, I'm sure they'll stfu.

 

[johnmedz]

if your friends make fun of you for quitting smoking, pee on them. Then theyll learn that bitching will only get the mpeed on. Or when you smoke, pretend youre so high that you pee on them. That way they wont want you to smoke anymore, if it means getting pissed on. Either way, I'm sure they'll stfu.

your kind of encouragement is a dime a dozen. i will keep the urination in mind as i try to quit...

somehow i feel that defecation might be more suitable or fast-acting.

 

[bliink]

If you're having serious trouble quitting, maybe theres a counsellor at your college you can talk to? I'm sure they'd have plenty of info designed exactly for this situation.

 

[johnmedz]

If you're having serious trouble quitting, maybe theres a counsellor at your college you can talk to? I'm sure they'd have plenty of info designed exactly for this situation.

great advice. ive already scheduled an appointment with a counselor i saw back in high school to kind of easy through the situation. i know this will help with the drug problem and will probably help with other problems that stem from shrouding emotions with pot but im jsut afraid theyre gonna give me a drug to deal with the drugs (that is the American way). It sometimes doesnt help that both of my parents are psychologists because it feels like a counseling session more than a talk with my parents but i know they know whats best. My dad has written a book on cocaine addiction and he has trained people worldwide on how to deal with addiction but for some reason, it is more helpful to hear it from the community, people i can really relate to.

I see often times, with myself and others, that pot is used to somehow avoid the realities of life. The truth is that life isn't always great and bad things happen. My parents divorced when i was in 9th grade and i started smoking in 10th but it didnt really become a habit till i was in my senior year. Now that i reflect on it, i see that i may have subconciouslly used pot as an avoidance of the divorce.

I know once i get past this damn insomnia and anxiety, that i will feel much better and have a clearer view of what i want. It will give me more time to focus on my goals in life and reevaluate some of the situations im in that ive been too stoned to deal with accordingly.

 

[Jintor]

I wish you luck. I'm too young to smoke pot, and i hope i never will. (Or smoke, in general).

Good Luck. Hang in there, it's the only way to quit! Counselling helps!

 

[h00dlum]

Oh i have a perfect "Quit smoking pot guide" but its in swedish!

 

[short recoil]

Just stop. period.

I can change my lifestyle instantly, change my sleep patterns, eating habbits, metabolism e.t.c very very quickly.
If you blame something on something else then it will never get solved.
For example before i was going to join the marines i had to trim some fat off.......i didn't think "oh its because of the fatty food" or because of anything else, i knew it was because of me.
Dont be weak.
People who dont blame themselves get nowhere in life.

If you cant quit yourself then you dont deserve to.

 

[baxter]

Right now, the hardest part is goin to be distancing myself from other users (my freinds). All of my pot smoking buddies are also into everything i'm into (i.e. graphics, cs, hl2, hiphop) but i feel like im going to lose them and i wont be able to find other people that have the same interests.

You never lose true friends.

I stopped the cigs last week, it's pretty hard but hey if I can do it anybody can.

Dont be weak.

QFE be strong.

 

[satch919]

Good luck dude. I knew a lot of kids in high school who smoked pot almost every day. Most of them went on to do harder drugs. It was sad to see these kids get progressively worse. Some would come to school looking like complete shit. Very few, if any, got clean.

Some of the kids were also dealing with divorces and other hardships. It takes a strong person, such as yourself, to see why they're doing it. Now that you know, you should be able to confront that problem head on. I'd also recommend seeing a counselor. Talking to someone about your problems always helps.

Get clean and enjoy life without self medicating. You can do it! :thumbs:

 

[ship]

Man, I'd throw in my advice for you but if I can be honest, I don't even have to. I'm not worried at all about you.

If your words are true, you sound like a great guy who knows exactly what he wants in life. You've already taken all the necessary steps to quitting. Seeking counseling is a big step, and I'm glad you're going ahead and going this.

The only thing I want you to know is this...
I suffer from an anxiety disorder (OCD, Agoraphobia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, whatever....) and I've been clinically depressed before. But you know what? I'm a perfectly happy and able guy who loves his life.

Always remember that life is good. Life is more than worth living. As long as you're happy with yourself and with who you are as a man, than everything else will fall into place. Take your time, it's not a race. Stay true to yourself and you'll feel great about this in no time.

 

[Calanen]

Maybe join Narcotics Anonymous?

 

[jondy]

You never lose true friends.

That's true... to a certain extent. I went through a stage where everyone was on weed and after a while, I realised that it wasn't doing me any good; so I stopped, and as such didn't fit in anymore. Giving up something social does involve an amount of alienation. Good luck, buddy, you sound like you really want to get this thing done

Oh, and Calanen, shut up.

 

[johnmedz]

Just stop. period.

I can change my lifestyle instantly, change my sleep patterns, eating habbits, metabolism e.t.c very very quickly.
If you blame something on something else then it will never get solved.
For example before i was going to join the marines i had to trim some fat off.......i didn't think "oh its because of the fatty food" or because of anything else, i knew it was because of me.
Dont be weak.
People who dont blame themselves get nowhere in life.

If you cant quit yourself then you dont deserve to.

well.. its a lot harder than you think to just quit man. Everyone else had great words of encouragement that are helping me every minute when i think about smoking.
NOT EVERYTHING CAN BE DONE ALONE! It is important to have freinds, counselors, or parents that you can talk to while youre trying to quit. If I had tried to do this alone, it wouldve surely ended in failure. it helps to talk to people.

As for narcotics anonymous, i dont think i need it to stop. Hell, this thread is almost the same thing because im getting such good advice from complete strangers and people who hae gone through the same type of thing (and i really value every one of your opinions).

Right now, im on day 3 of no pot smoking. i know it doesnt sound like much but after doing it daily, 3 days is a significant amount of time. Im starting to feel better already but my sleep problems are bad. last night i didnt fall asleeep till about 6AM and slept through my class today. It kind of feels that once i try to fix one thing, another thing goes awry. I hope the sleeping problems go away soon!

NOT :smoking:

 

[baxter]

Im starting to feel better already but my sleep problems are bad.

If it's any comfort I am the same coming off the ciggies. I can't seem to settle down at night and switch off. I'm told and hoping that it is short term.

Keep it up.

Also not :smoking:

 

[PvtRyan]

Cancer cures smoking

 

[johnmedz]

Cancer cures smoking

if i wanted that kind of response, i wouldve posted this on hl2world, not here.

 

[jondy]

Right now, im on day 3 of no pot smoking. i know it doesnt sound like much but after doing it daily, 3 days is a significant amount of time. Im starting to feel better already but my sleep problems are bad. last night i didnt fall asleeep till about 6AM and slept through my class today. It kind of feels that once i try to fix one thing, another thing goes awry. I hope the sleeping problems go away soon!

NOT :smoking:

Keep at it It's gonna be worth it

 

[DarkStar]

Cancer cures smoking

What a totally heartless response. I expected better from you Ryan.

 

[oldagerocker]

Is there a good reason for starting to smoke pot? Whats the attraction other than peer pressure and doing something abit naughty? I've never had the stuff, probably will but i wouldnt get addicted to it.

Addictions are hard to beat, but you'll get there. anytime you feel a craving, jsut find something else to do... anything. like play cs. and you'll go whole periods of not even thinking about it because you'll be so engrossed, eventually you'll be fine.

 

[johnmedz]

Is there a good reason for starting to smoke pot? Whats the attraction other than peer pressure and doing something abit naughty? I've never had the stuff, probably will but i wouldnt get addicted to it.

Addictions are hard to beat, but you'll get there. anytime you feel a craving, jsut find something else to do... anything. like play cs. and you'll go whole periods of not even thinking about it because you'll be so engrossed, eventually you'll be fine.

i guess its kind of hard to see the attraction if you have never tried it. to be honest, it was a great way for me to relax. i was never pressured to use by anybody except for myself. me and my freinds have had many fun times and i will continue to say that marijuana is the safest and least harmful drug around. Also, i met a lot of good people by smoking. it also helped to met girls as nearly every girl in my high school used to smoke pot too... seeking to meet more freinds and women (which i did), i began smoking pot. it has been great to meet people but ive realized that ive lost out on a lot of others great relationships because of it.

 

[TinyKilbasa]

Cancer cures smoking

As heartless as that statement may be, it does bring out a good idea:

Keep in the forefront of your mind all of the negative side effects that smoking (both cigs & mj) can cause. Do tons of research on what smoking does to you. This way, the next time you get a craving, think to yourself: As much as I want this right now, all of the effects later on in life aren't really worth it.

Also, maybe get a hobby to keep you side trracked from cravings?

 

[Homie]

That is wonderful to hear.

 

[Foxtrot]

I hope you suffer, that is what you deserve for smoking pot (kind of joking here, don't take it too seriously...). Trying to be cool and doing something illegal because all your friends did it, toughen up, I have friends that do drugs and I just tell them to **** off if they ever want me to get involved.

 

[oldagerocker]

i guess its kind of hard to see the attraction if you have never tried it. to be honest, it was a great way for me to relax. i was never pressured to use by anybody except for myself. me and my freinds have had many fun times and i will continue to say that marijuana is the safest and least harmful drug around. Also, i met a lot of good people by smoking. it also helped to met girls as nearly every girl in my high school used to smoke pot too... seeking to meet more freinds and women (which i did), i began smoking pot. it has been great to meet people but ive realized that ive lost out on a lot of others great relationships because of it.

True i guess, we in britain recently declassed the drug... and this week some medical reports said that Cannabis has a link to scitzophrenia... so that was all hyped up by the BBC.
Now i can see where all these new friends came from

 

[Hectic Glenn]

Cancer cures smoking

Shock tactics work, he's not wrong, its what most NHS adverts these days use, and it works well, so i don't see what was bad about this statement.

Back on the topic of weed, i have several mates at school who have started to smoke it. I don't associate with them anymore, they are losers in simplistic terms. I also have another friend who is stoned about 90% of the time, hes become a total recluse, so from what i see giving it up can only benefit you in those areas rather than put you at a disadvantage. Oh and if you ever feel temptation don't please please don't. You will undo everything, and if you don't have self control then what do you have left? Good luck, at least you have passed the step of 'seeing the error of your ways'

 

[willyd]

I totally understand what you're going through. Don't listen to these people who are saying mean things to you about smoking pot, just keep your eyes on what you want to accomplish. I quit for the same reasons, (paranioa, anxiety) and i know exactly what its like, a lot of my friends though not heavy users, still users and there was social issues.

edit: wow closeminded people really can be assholes and well... close minded.

 

[johnmedz]

Shock tactics work, he's not wrong, its what most NHS adverts these days use, and it works well, so i don't see what was bad about this statement.

Back on the topic of weed, i have several mates at school who have started to smoke it. I don't associate with them anymore, they are losers in simplistic terms. I also have another friend who is stoned about 90% of the time, hes become a total recluse, so from what i see giving it up can only benefit you in those areas rather than put you at a disadvantage. Oh and if you ever feel temptation don't please please don't. You will undo everything, and if you don't have self control then what do you have left? Good luck, at least you have passed the step of 'seeing the error of your ways'

Well shock tactics have proven to not work actually. most every drug program in the united states has proven to be a failure. Through the D.A.R.E. program there was actually an increase in marijuana use among youth.

part of the reason for this is that they claim the drug is really horrible when in fact, it is one of the more safer drugs and if used with a vaporizer, has ZERO negative health side effects.

Also, your freinds may have been losers but I would consider myself to be fairly popular when I was in high school and all the so called "popular" kids smoked pot as well.. i know this isnt always the case but it is the case where I live. To tell you the truth, most people ive met who smoke pot are cooler people than the ones i know who dont. You can see how that would make it harder to quit.

I appreciate all the positive feedback, and even some of the negative feedback. I think any advice is good advice as long as you are giving me something to work with.

Im almost through my third day of not smoking pot and id have to say the cravings are the worst today and my old habits are creeping up on me. I have found myself trying to cheat (I HAVENT, DONT WORRY), like telling myself i can just smoke a bowl and then ill stop again but i know that wont work...

Keep the comments coming because believe it or not, each post i see on here is bringing me one step closer to getting the drug out of my life.

 

[Foxtrot]

I totally understand what you're going through. Don't listen to these people who are saying mean things to you about smoking pot, just keep your eyes on what you want to accomplish. I quit for the same reasons, (paranioa, anxiety) and i know exactly what its like, a lot of my friends though not heavy users, still users and there was social issues.

edit: wow closeminded people really can be assholes and well... close minded.

I agree, I love how you are "weak" or just plainly a loser for not smoking pot.

 

[johnmedz]

temptation is a tiger
fiercly clawing at my psyche,
sinking its teeth into my skin.
I have succumb to its force.

 

[DarkStar]

temptation is a tiger
fiercly clawing at my psyche,
sinking its teeth into my skin.
I have succumb to its force.

OHHHH!

You gave in.

That's okay, you'll eventually grow out of pot. That's basically what happened to me. Quitting tobbacco was a lot harder to be honest.

 

[johnmedz]

im trying not to sweat it too much... i began smoking a bowl and i got part of the way through and basically felt really bad about it and trashed it along with the rest of my weed.

i guess i kind of feel it now but i think i would like it better if i had stayed clean... im back on track now though...

cant let that stop me from my goal!

 

[VirusType2]

OK. let me give a brief introduction before i get too ahead of myself. I am a 21 years old male who is a junior in college. I started smoking marijuana when i was 16 but the habit has progressively become an integral part of my daily routine. Most every day, often more than once a day, i smoke weed and until recently, i havent felt any negative side effects. More recently, i have found myself becoming anxious or depressed when i'm on it.

Well i have decided to put weed aside along with cigarettes to start a new life but it is much harder than I thought. We all know that weed is strongly psychologically addictive but I never realized the seriousness of these side effects. Its only been two days since ive stopped and ive become really sad, distanced from my girlfreind and family. Ive come out and admitted my problm to my family and girlfreind, and theyve done everything to help, but i cant stop feeling angry and agitated at them. Already having problems with my relationship, i think quitting might help me to realize that i might want someone else as my significant other.

Two years ago, i wouldve been the first to doubt someone who said they were "addicted" to weed but now as ive matured and done my research, it is a very addictive drug that is also a gateway drug leading to much harder and more dangerous drugs.

Right now, the hardest part is goin to be distancing myself from other users (my freinds). All of my pot smoking buddies are also into everything i'm into (i.e. graphics, cs, hl2, hiphop) but i feel like im going to lose them and i wont be able to find other people that have the same interests.

The reason for me posting this is for advice. i know a lot of people on this forum may be able to relate (either current smokers or ones that quit) and i would love to get some feedback or PMs of encouragement or maybe some advice on how to cope with such a major lifestyle change.

Thanks!
johnmedz

EDIT: also, i am going to continuously update this thread with my progress for those of you who are interested. im hoping this will help others to quit or slow down on their intake.

You sound exactly like me friend.

More recently, i have found myself becoming anxious or depressed when i'm on it.

i cant stop feeling angry and agitated at them

Yes, anyone who says marijuana is not addictive is wrong. I smoked marijuana for over 10 years almost every day. I quit about 4 years ago, after being arrested for driving under the influence. The legal system will absolutely reem your ass out. Do not drive on the same day you have smoked it.

Now, after I quit, I still had cravings to this day(about 4 years), but they get less and less powerfull. They can only be described as an itchy feeling throught my body, like crawling through my skin. Its withdrawl. You are addicted. Its panic, irritation, anxious, etc., etc.

This is nothing compared to the withdrawl you will experience from quiting smoking, which is impossible unless you are locked away from it, or you havnen't smoked long. (if you ever go to jail as a smoker, when you come out never touch another one. This is your only chance to quit smoking cigarettes)

You can do it man, you are still young.

Oh and by the way, I quit for periods of time before, probably for lack of money, but you can quit smoking pot, and still keep your friends. You have to convince them to quit too, or just hang out with them when they aren't smoking it. Find something nice to spend that extra money on. You will love being able to concentrate and focus again.

And yes it is a gateway drug like they say. I tried other drugs after using it.

Pot is so stupid. It makes you feel kind of good for a few minutes, and then you feel down for the rest of the day. Lazy, stupid, tired, irritated, depressed, sad, crazy, unhealthy, trouble breathing, getting in arguments or avoiding people. - and its illegal

 

[VirusType2]

One more thing I want to remind you is that "humans are creatures of habit"

and Habits are hard to break, but you can get into good habits.

Instead of picking up that bowl, you can pick up a beer. LOL

no seriously though, change ur habits. You'll be ok. Just seriously, Dont test yourself - quit smoking cigarettes. Those will be my dying breaths Ill be saying that

 

[johnmedz]

One more thing I want to remind you is that "humans are creatures of habit"

and Habits are hard to break, but you can get into good habits.

Instead of picking up that bowl, you can pick up a beer. LOL

no seriously though, change ur habits. You'll be ok. Just seriously, Dont test yourself - quit smoking cigarettes. Those will be my dying breaths Ill be saying that

thanks for the advice... im starting to get in better habits. me and a buddy of mine are gonna go back to the gym 4 or 5 times a week to keep our mind off the grass.

I think weed becomes more of a serious habit than an addiction. If you do something that often, it will become second nature to you and it makes it much harder to deal with your emotions.

i am trying to find other interests instead of weed but its been tough.

Also theres an update: :O
my girlfreind is now starting to question our relationship. she doesnt smoke or drink but when i say that from now on, i may smoke once in a while, she goes through the roof. deep down i know i shouldnt pick up a joint ever again but is it so wrong to smoke once in a while, once a week or every other week or something?
Maybe its the habit grabbing at me...

Anyways, now shes talking about how she wants to get married and she doesnt know if ill be a good husband and clean and all that.
Ive told her many times i didnt want to get married for a few years (hell im only 21) but now shes saying shes "not sure about our future" . The truth is, neither am i. I often feel like breaking up with her and see someone else. This brings up a few issues regarding the whole weed habit thing

1. She's been pretty supportive so far with the habit and if i break up with her, im afraid i wont be able to handle it on my own

2. I think maybe finding a girl that i feel that i completely LOVE with my whole heart that i can devote my time to, i will be less likely to use weed again

3. The stress and pressure put on me by her expecting me to be perfect and the pressure of her wanting me to marry her might cause me to relapse if i get angry or frustrated (ive read that relapses often occur during these feelings)

maybe someone could advise me further. Thanks again

*waiting for a response*

 

[johnmedz]

well...

i decided to post in here because i havent seen a response in a while. today has been really rough on me and i think its the weed thats causing a lot of depression right now.

a lot of my freinds are graduating college at the end of this semester and i shouldve been finishing now but instead, because i slacked off, i have about another 2 years left. it just feels like it will never end.

I also havent seen any of my freinds in 5 days. I dont know if it is because i quit but i dont think my freinds would do that. Im used to seeing them everyday hanging out till midnight playing games together and have a great time.

Im not happy and i just want to be happy again. i had so many great times with my buddies smoking and stuff but now that ive given it up, i have had a bunch of negative thoughts and my self esteem is falling through the floor. I jokingly talk about suicide but i know i would never do it. Its just a selfish act and i couldnt see how anyone could do it but ive also never even joked about something like that. maybe someone can help me out a little more.

o ya, and ^bump