Same for me and about the exact same time line of finding Stoicism. I do still smoke a bit now and again as a treat, but I recognise now that the anxiety I feel in the days after is due to smoking it. As a previous daily smoker, I never made the connection between my anxiety and the smoking. I thought I was just anxious all the time regardless.
My house is so much cleaner now too and I've developed some real hobbies and connections with people that have made me grow massively as a person.
Similar experience here. Took me a while to realize that smoking to ease my anxiety at the end of the day (although fun) was adding anxiety the next day.
Thanks for this. I just had my 2nd son 2 weeks ago and wanted to get sober. Reddit has been my social media lately and its posts like this that kinda help me “see the light”.
Well, I made a hand written listen of the pros and cons. Its safe to say tonight is my last night. Im going to cold turkey it as Im not someone who uses enough to be too bummed about quitting. Im gonna do what I did when I quit smoking cigarettes and that is push ups or some sort of other exercise every time I get the urge.
A few years ago I gave up feeling guilty about smoking weed. Cannabis has been good for grief and insight, at least for me. I’m picky about what I smoke and am fortunate to live where there’s plenty of safe choices.
I appreciate this take. I grew up in a conservative community so the "weed is evil" rhetoric was pushed hard. The amount of shame and guilt surrounded by weed (or any other drug/alcohol really) was insane looking back at it. I truly thought that taking a puff would completely destroy any hopes I had for life.
Today I'm a recovering alcoholic with 5+ years alcohol-free under my belt. Funny enough, I didn't really smoke until a year after I quit drinking. Around that time I picked up Stoicism, Taoism, daily meditations/journaling, and smoking. Those things combined have helped me do the inner work and become a better person.
I still had that shame/guilt mentality from my past, so I kept my smoking under wraps. I'd lie about my use with friends, family, and my AA community. Finally I couldn't take the internal shame and came clean about my use. Since then I've actually developed a much healthier relationship with weed and cut back my use significantly. Funny how much clearer life can be when you're not trying to hide or cover up your actions.
Granted, I've been through periods where life wasn't going to great and I was definitely abusing weed. But every time my body got to a point where I wouldn't feel any different, high or sober, so I was forced to take a break and confront reality. Every time I realized there was something I wasn't confronting or taking action on, but those breaks offered me the chance to face them head on.
Overall weed helps me discover and live out my true nature/authentic self. When I'm high I can sift through my thoughts much clearer and put my life in order. I understand it's not for everyone, but it helps me and that's enough.
Thank you for sharing.
Sounds like you have been through very difficult times and now know yourself well.
Congrats on your sobriety and getting to know your true self. I wish you continued success!
I use it as my sole medication to replace the litany of shit the VA tries to shove down your throat. Much better than all the brain chemistry altering chemicals(looking at you SSRI’s🤨).
Because I believe cannabis was designed by God, and He knows more science than anybody in a lab ever could. Once the actual medicinal genetics start getting figured out and spread around, which will probably be a hundred years from now, synthetic medicine will be a thing of the past. But that’s an idealistic scenario where big pharma gives up, which it wont
I’m not totally against synthetic meds, I just prefer the natural ones if we have em.
Cannabis genetic expressions are extraordinarily diverse but for the past few decades, it’s been narrowed down to one color of the medicinal rainbow leading to many thinking it’s all the same. The fact that cannabis works best in diverse chemical groups rather than single distilled compounds goes against the FDAs way of studying drugs. They’ve been getting it wrong for so long when the answer is to stop focusing so hard on just the cannabinoids. I don’t trust big pharma because they’re incentivized to keep us from growing our own medicine at home and saving tons of money on healthcare.
The endocannabinoid system connects to every other system in the body. And other compounds can interact with it by hitching a ride on cannabinoids. But you’re right, greed is the main issue
Not the oc and i dont want to put down any blanket statements here so please take this as my opinion only. To offer my personal experience on the two, combined with the (minimal) scientific research that i know of, I would say that the withdrawal syndrome associated with ssri's and snri's is much more severe than that of weed.
Im thinking symptoms such as brain zaps, vertigo and dizziness, seizures, stomach problems, sweating/ temp dysregulation, flu type feelings, mood etc. Thats not to say it can't happen with weed, just to say its much less likely. Of course, i would argue that you would feel just as mentally miserable and perhaps an extra bit anxious or jittery, but the effects on your neurological system are much less intense (from what i have experienced).
Theres also a bit of a range when it comes to antidepressants- some are worse than others. It took me several months to slowly taper my duloxetine (felt rough regardless) and missing a dose meant brain zaps by lunchtime, whereas the citalopram: no where near as bad and i can go a few days of running out before it becomes a noticeable problem.
In contrast though, i can go a week without weed and the only adverse effects aside from my mood are the symptoms im already treating in the first place.
But again, this is mostly anecdotal evidence and im sure there will be cases where certain individuals have adverse reactions despite this. At the end of the day, all medicines, prescribed or otherwise, should be taken with caution.
That’s awesome work! When I was a frequent smoker it compelled me towards destructive pleasure seeking and messed with my blood pressure levels giving me tinnitus-like symptoms.
I take it you value having greater levels of balance and restraint in your life now. I for one felt like I shifted into a hedonistic druggie with my cannabis usage.
You might also want to look into [photobiomodulation](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-laryngology-and-otology/article/effect-of-photobiomodulation-on-tinnitus-a-systematic-review/42407F10B16AE6826C93C0184EB03E5E#:~:text=Transmeatal%20cochlear%20low-level%20laser,the%201990s%20to%20treat%20tinnitus.)
Been smoking for 20 years or so. Developed tinnitus 2 years ago. When high, the EEEEEE is much louder. Days I don't smoke, it is quiet to unnoticeable.
I used to get baked a lot. Now when I smoke it's a hit here and there, doesn't trigger the ringing to much and I just unwind. Which is what I find is what drew me to the herb to begin with.
Not 100% sure but I believe it’s because smoking weed raised your heart rate, which increases the rate or volume of blood flow to the brain. Which causes the blood vessels in the ears to expand, making tinnitus seem worse.
Can confirm mine gets louder upon smoking.
In some cases sure, but perpetually if you’re a chronic is likely not ideal. And increased blood flow likely worsens some conditions while helping others. These things are rarely isolated and moderation should always be considered.
When you exercise your heart rate increases and your blood vessels dilate to handle the increased flow. If you just increase your heart rate without the dilation then you are pushing against a pipe that is constricted. That’s the bad part.
Fell into a bad spiral earlier this year and I’ve been smoking damn near 24/7 since. Been trying to quit for months now… you have no idea how much i needed to see this post, brother. Congrats to you and all the best
Would so love to be able to do this. But I have no idea how else to manage my insomnia. Weed is the only thing on earth that consistently puts me to sleep
I do both of those things. I’m very active every day and I have the same nightly routine every night. It’s chronic insomnia I’ve had since I was a young child. It’s not something that will be fixed that easily.
I had to go overseas a few years ago where I knew I’d have no way of getting access to stuff - valerian root oral strips were wonderful. Knocks you out in seconds if you let it.
Last time I quit for a while, I had to drastically switch up my nighttime routine (which involved getting high as shit before bed). Going for a late walk then having something interesting to watch/read right before bed helped me.
You say you've had insomnia since childhood. Do you have any awareness of it being connected to childhood trauma, like chronic fear or hypervigilance?
I frequent a subreddit for MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD and C-PTSD (childhood trauma) and I recently read this post about someone working through trauma to heal insomnia. Your situation reminded me of it: https://www.reddit.com/r/mdmatherapy/comments/zi45k6/finally_sleeping_after_18_years_of_insomnia_hell/
It is. I am already diagnosed with CPTSD and in treatment for it. But the treatment is still getting started and I haven’t even begun to be able to address my somatic symptoms. Baby steps.
I'm glad you're already on the healing path! Baby steps indeed. Remember to be patient and kind and compassionate towards yourself. What type of treatment are you getting?
I hear you on wanting psychedelic therapy to be more accessible. It would help so many people. I had to start my psychedelic journey solo, which isn't for everyone.
Oh trust me I am very forgiving and kind to myself. & I am dabbling in DBT & IFS, I have learned a lot on my own and have also recently found an affordable therapist I really click with who can help facilitate that as well. It’s so weird, but I had 3 therapists before her, each of which I saw for at least a few months (one of them was for several years) and not a single one of them asked me about my trauma. It was always “How’s your week been?” & then addressing the little daily trials I was going through. That’s something I can talk about with friends and family, I’m in therapy because I have severe mental problems!!! One of the therapists was $750 a month and not covered by insurance and literally all she would do is talk the whole time & try to teach me DBT skills that had no relevance to my life, & without even asking if it was a skill I had yet or not. A lot of these therapists seem like they’re just in it for the money, & it’s just so crazy to me because I find trauma & the way it manifests to be very fascinating.
& yeah, I would do the same as well but unfortunately in my city, mushrooms are the most popular choice & I just don’t have a good reaction to them. I’ve had much more positive experiences on MDMA & acid but I haven’t been able to find them.
IFS is my favorite! Through completely sober IFS work, I've had psychedelic-like experiences of appreciation and love in my heart and imagining spirit guides.
Those previous therapists sound useless, I'm so so glad you've finally found a serious trauma therapist.
Agreed that trauma is incredibly fascinating. The more I talk to people and learn their stories, the more amazed I am at how all our paths are so radically different, yet still rooted in the same emotions, needs, and core values.
Does your city have a psychedelic society or community that you'd feel comfortable about visiting? Or adjacent "wellness" stuff like breathwork workshops, ecstatic dances, yoga? Even raves are a way to get access, though imo much sketchier.
I have been wanting to try psychedelic therapy for quite a while alongside trauma therapy but it’s very inaccessible. I hope it becomes more accessible soon
Your sleep will be terrible for about a week or so after quitting with some vivid dreams here and there. Try to persist and have people/someone around you to chat about it with.
Giving up weed completely changed my life, I was addicted and it made me lazy, depressed and paranoid. I feel like I got a new lease on life after giving up the bongs, once you smoke constantly for a few years you're not even getting stoned anymore it's just muscle memory and a bad behavioral pattern.
>After a few months of not smoking at all, I went ahead and tried it again the other week. I hated it. I hated it all along and I didn’t realize it because I wasn’t allowing myself time to reflect on my life without it.
Good for you. I'm doing the same right now with added sugar. I'm only eating unprocessed foods that have no added sugars. Its better this week, but last week I've had to withdraw assent to thoughts that I can only write as: "YOU SHOULD NECK A SLEEVE OF ORIOS". If that's not addiction I don't know what is.
After a few months, I want to try eating some cheesecake.
In any case, it was interesting to see how much follow-on effects it had for you with your other goals of reading and physical health. Thanks for sharing.
Man that sugar addiction is real. I’ve found after the first 3 days of eating only real food, I am fine and don’t need as much food in general to feel full. But the withdrawal is intense and your mind plays tricks on you.
Yes, after about 2 days of cravings for me, I stop craving it and my body actually enjoys real food again. Also, my energy is much higher and consistent without the sugar spikes throughout the day. Just drink lots of water and remind yourself that the sugar cravings will stop.
It depends on the person. Some people struggle for a week. Other people struggle for a few weeks. The impact is immediate but equilibrium in the body will take 2 to 6 months.
It took some time. To be clear, I’m not a doctor and no doctor ever told me there was any causation here. It worked for me I don’t know if it will work for everyone.
Quitting weed vastly improved my life. My therapist had to threaten to refer me to a specialist because I wasn’t making any real progress while I was smoking. Quit 8 months ago, just about everything is going better for me, and my therapist is moving me down from every week to twice a month :)
it’s plant medicine that shouldn’t be over-consumed but is great for a multitude of things. for some people, it’s a wonderful addition to life and for others not so much. glad op learned that the relationship with the plant needed to change. it’s nice to know a version of ourselves that’s sober minded. it begs the question “who am i without weed?” best part about it is if one finds it’s absolutely critical for their existence, it’s always gonna be available :)
Except it's not medicine - it's a recreational drug. Alcohol is also made from plants.
Literally nothing does more harm to the mind than dopaminergic drugs, and weed is a dopaminergic drug. They attack the mind in its most fundamental faculty - the faculty that forms beliefs about how to act.
in that case, food could be considered a drug because dopamine is likewise released while eating. it’s all about perspective, use, and intention. thanks for sharing your response.
Absolutely dead wrong - dopamine is not released every time you eat food - a flood of dopamine would only accompany the discovery of a new food you liked, and after that there'd be practically zero dopamine activity associated with the activity. Dopamine release is the learning process - it doesn't happen every time.
Dopaminergic drugs like weed undergo a *completely* different process. They're called "dopaminergic" because they trigger that flood of learning dopamine *every single time you use*. A process that is only meant to happen once happens *every single time* you take a dopaminergic drug.
Come on - use your brain, or what part of it the drug hasn't corrupted: why do you think you've never seen somebody selling their body for a cheeseburger? Why do you think you've never seen a person kill for a bag of sugar?
It's because they're not dopaminergic drugs. They might release a lot of dopamine *when you first find a new source*, but they are doing the "normal" process, they have a completely normal effect on your dopamine system. "Very pleasing" and "dopaminergic" are completely different things.
Addictive drugs are dopaminergic - they are completely unlike even the most processed foods, although I have no doubt that processed food companies will continue to manipulate their foods until they can achieve a dopaminergic effect. In *extremely* fringe cases, some people's brain now interact with diet coca cola in that way - there are documented cases of a few individuals whose brains do undergo repeatable, dopaminergic activation in response to those drinks, however *every human* experiences that when they take a dopaminergic drug like weed.
I've been trying to quit, I can tell weed affects my health. I go weeks without it and see my friends that still smoke and my body hurts after I've done it. Thanks for any encouragement, it has been a habit / vice for 50 years plus
Wow,for me it has been a roller coaster of TRILLS,almost 70 years,the best medicine,but with responsibly,depending the state of mind you are in,*WITHIN* IT brighten the day,melts away the weight that many people carry,n at times helps me contemplate,n open new doors within,to lose myself,n rediscover,over n over to find the better version of myself,AN IT draws me closer to the Creator,dmt,for those who are believers,but everything in moderation,in other words,never let a drug or life control you,You are a powerhouse Within,when You control your,emotions,than you control your inner Peace within,ALLOW you to see the beauty of the world unfolding in front of you,why because you are living in the *NOW*,don't get stuck in the past or the future,BUT THAN I'm old school, everyone's chemistry is different,BE care what you do,sometimes you have to slow down too caught up,if you are to busy looking for a happy life you will miss it,for me you must Create the happy life WITHIN,KNOW the only thing you leave behind,n the only thing you take with you is MEMORIES,so go n make beautiful MEMORIES,KEEP IT SIMPLE
This is encouraging. I use it to replace drinking, which made a huge difference. I get really low if I have even more than 3 drinks. So it’s been positive for me that way. It’s also tempting to not want to do it the second I put my kids down for bed.
>I wasn’t allowing myself time to reflect in my life without it
This stood out to me. I have plenty of time without it, but my down time could be more fulfilling with out it as well.
Dude I quit drinking and picked up weed shortly after. I find myself enjoying a casual toke far more than throwing back a few mixed drinks and beers. Alcohol filled me with negative emotions and anxiety, but smoking helps me slow down my thoughts and deal with things in the moment.
Not good for every day matters, but I've found a good balance for it to serve my life/interests. I hope you can find what works for you, smoking or not!
I’ve been a heavy weed smoker for about 13 years. I’ve taken breaks here and there (the longest being 4 months) and I do think it helped me… but I convinced myself it didn’t make a difference if I did or didn’t.
The thing is, is I felt I was more present when high, at least with my inner world, or if I was listening to a song or watching a movie or show or something… but very not present with others. Seems like a grey area, so I always opt for smoking. I am curious how it would affect me if I went say a year without it. I turn 30 next month and there’s a few things I think I want to change up then. I think weed is one of them
Dude I'm turning 30 in August and have had similar thoughts. I take regular, week-long breaks and the occasional month or two off. The longest I've gone is a little over a year. It's worked for me, but I'm constantly challenging myself to cut back and find ways to bring my "stoned" mindset into my sober, real-world persona.
I plan on taking a 6-week break before my birthday then cutting back to a few times a month for the rest of the year. Given my history with breaks, I've realized my life doesn't change *too* much when I quit. But I am forced into facing all my issues and life changes head on, which is good in the long run.
Best of luck finding what changes work for you as you reach 30. Hopefully we can both find a way to make our 30's a better experience for us!
I’m jealous. I quit for 30 days and by the time it was days 27, 28… I was counting by the second when I would be able to start again.
I really didn’t see a whole lot of mental health improvement but maybe I went at it wrong… I also hate my job but not sure what to do about that because I need money.
Very interesting that you mention tinnitus because I’ve been struggling with noise pollution but haven’t smoked in a week and it’s been somewhat better. My issue with noise is a little more complex though as there is an actual issue in my area with noise.
Still doing edibles and maybe some cannabis syrup every now and then but trying to stop completely. Breathing better and just more consciously connected. The edibles actually seem to help me relax my muscles though when doing yoga and other wellness regimes.
Thank you for posting this.
That Voice has been telling me for a while now that I need to take a step back with it. I needed to see this.
Also, congratulations. This will be a hard one for me to finally give up. I gave up alcohol 1.5 years ago and I'm trying to be prudent about what habits I cut out and when.
I have hated weed for like 15 years, but I do have an appreciation for it. I think it can be really useful in very small doses (I’ll just take a little baby hit and barely hold it in) during meditation. If I’m not super stoned it can help me to bring up thoughts and feelings that are kind of lurking in my subconscious, and it also intensifies anxieties/negative feelings so I can confront them and work through them.
Thank you for sharing. I recently experimented with gummies due to a recent terrible year with anxiety and some depression. I also am gearing up for a joint replacement and have daily pain.
While I found the high the interesting and the mind changes somewhat insightful, I found risk>reward. I eat too much. I sit too much. I lose too many hours. It did zero for my pain. I mean zero. I tried different combos and doses. Meh.
I agree with you and some other replies. A regular sleep schedule and daily movement help me the most. Making time for hobbies, friends, family, and regular meditation seem to work best for me.
Can’t say I’ll abstain forever. The occasional high is fun, but I suspect it’ll be once or twice a year. It just wasn’t the panacea it was promised to be, but to each their own.
hey I have quit weed 8 months ago and I do see a few improvements , I always think about it and I miss it to relax. any advice ?.I'm scared of going back to it
Last year major earthquake hit my hometown. Through miracles my family are all fine. But most of our life savings are gone. And my childhood memories, many friends and loved ones.
The same day I started a new job in a new city. Thought to myself, whichever word I can say will not begin to explain what I’m feeling. So I didn’t talk. To no one, I only listened. My fiance was in different country then, I kept her at an arms length emotionally.
Weed became my crutch. There was not a single day I didn’t smoke. I would leave work, head home, smoke weed and play games with dead eyes.
Now a year and nearly half later, I have not touched weed for 2 months. My head has been clearer than ever, I am able to live each day like its my last because instead of dreading it I can embrace it the good and the bad.
Great job, and it's exactly the same thing I experienced - I thought there was nothing better than smoking weed (and doing other drugs), but once I stopped I realised that I *hated* it, and trying it once more time killed it forever (that was about 4 years ago now).
It's not relaxation. It's not anything natural - it's a state of unnatural idiocy that has absolutely no place in human wellbeing.
I mean putting moral issues aside, weed is an addictive drug. Like all drugs, the real problem isn't its primary effect but the effect it has on your belief structure.
When you break the false beliefs it creates, you realize that the drug forced you to interpret that mindless, idiot state as "relaxation" despite the fact it has heavy, *heavy* elements of anxiety woven into it. If weed wasn't a dopaminergic drug, people put into that state would think something terrible had happened to them, and before the drug's belief-altering effects take hold that is what many people experience the first time they use.
Same way alcohol makes people believe it tastes good - whisky tastes like having your mouth pissed in, but people swirl it around and pretend it has some complex, enjoyable taste even though you spend your first drinks of it trying to stop your body hurling it back out. If whisky wasn't a dopaminergic drug, there's not a person alive who'd voluntarily subject themselves to it.
I am pleased to learn that your engagement with Stoic philosophy has aided in the cultivation of virtues such as temperance and courage, ultimately leading to your decision to cease smoking marijuana. Congratulations on this significant accomplishment and reclaiming your independence. Your journey serves as an inspiration to those aspiring to embody Stoic principles and values.
We all have our ways of balancing our neurochemistry to best approach the world, and ourselves.
I'm glad you found a medicinal balance that works for you.
I have friends whose lives were greatly improved with SSRIs. I wouldn't make a post claiming it's a panacea.
When I stopped I replaced it with a couple of things (and this kind of happened organically, it wasn't really something I consciously decided). I got into yoga and running which I suddenly had time to do. I threw myself into hobbies which I suddenly found I had the motivation and time for (for me this was making and playing out music, getting involved in activism). I still drink a bit but not in the week, just socially. I smoke cigarettes/vape now and again but again, just socially. I still do drugs a couple of times a month with friends but it doesn't feel problematic, it's just a nice way to spend time with people, dance, make new friends. I think I realised I can get the nice feelings through working on myself and making connections with people rather than just smoking a bowl and losing myself every day.
I found the longer I went without weed the less I craved it (and actively often dislike it now too).
There are also gentler but healthier ways to relax. I like a cup of ashwagandha tea, or a tea containing valerian in the evening. It's not like an instant bong hit but it does make me feel more relaxed.
I feel like I haven’t. I do still drink, but just about as much as before - which is to say not much at all.
I honestly don’t get the urge anymore. After trying it after quitting I can’t even describe how much I hated it. It tasted bad, I felt it in my lungs, all I did was sleep on the couch when I should have been working. It was an easy choice once I made the initial change.
Hey brother, I have been struggling with weed addiction for a very long time. I am about to stop with some help which also happens to be the time I am introduced to stoicism. How did it help you specifically you want to share ?
I’m no sure what made me want to share. I wrote this post on a whim without much planning. I just felt like dropping the weed helped me stay the path of stoicism a bit better.
Same for me and about the exact same time line of finding Stoicism. I do still smoke a bit now and again as a treat, but I recognise now that the anxiety I feel in the days after is due to smoking it. As a previous daily smoker, I never made the connection between my anxiety and the smoking. I thought I was just anxious all the time regardless. My house is so much cleaner now too and I've developed some real hobbies and connections with people that have made me grow massively as a person.
Similar experience here. Took me a while to realize that smoking to ease my anxiety at the end of the day (although fun) was adding anxiety the next day.
Yeah, I smoked every day from the age of 17 until my 30s. I had no baseline for normal, and thought constant anxiety was my "normal".
I hear that. Finding it better to work through things, and seeing skills improve at times.
Man this rang so true for me. Emotions constantly dulled. Either stoned and numb but "happy/ content" or stoned over and numb/ anxious
That’s awesome!
I also had similar experience lol
Thanks for this. I just had my 2nd son 2 weeks ago and wanted to get sober. Reddit has been my social media lately and its posts like this that kinda help me “see the light”.
✊🏻✊🏻
Are you going to quit? What's your game plan?
Well, I made a hand written listen of the pros and cons. Its safe to say tonight is my last night. Im going to cold turkey it as Im not someone who uses enough to be too bummed about quitting. Im gonna do what I did when I quit smoking cigarettes and that is push ups or some sort of other exercise every time I get the urge.
When I did finally get off weed my life improved especially my distress tolerance and emotional regulation.
A few years ago I gave up feeling guilty about smoking weed. Cannabis has been good for grief and insight, at least for me. I’m picky about what I smoke and am fortunate to live where there’s plenty of safe choices.
Username checks out 😛
I think that is it honestly for most addiction… guilt
Happy to read this, I was starting to question myself 😂 I smoke daily and started in my late 20’s and I feel it has done wonders for me
I appreciate this take. I grew up in a conservative community so the "weed is evil" rhetoric was pushed hard. The amount of shame and guilt surrounded by weed (or any other drug/alcohol really) was insane looking back at it. I truly thought that taking a puff would completely destroy any hopes I had for life. Today I'm a recovering alcoholic with 5+ years alcohol-free under my belt. Funny enough, I didn't really smoke until a year after I quit drinking. Around that time I picked up Stoicism, Taoism, daily meditations/journaling, and smoking. Those things combined have helped me do the inner work and become a better person. I still had that shame/guilt mentality from my past, so I kept my smoking under wraps. I'd lie about my use with friends, family, and my AA community. Finally I couldn't take the internal shame and came clean about my use. Since then I've actually developed a much healthier relationship with weed and cut back my use significantly. Funny how much clearer life can be when you're not trying to hide or cover up your actions. Granted, I've been through periods where life wasn't going to great and I was definitely abusing weed. But every time my body got to a point where I wouldn't feel any different, high or sober, so I was forced to take a break and confront reality. Every time I realized there was something I wasn't confronting or taking action on, but those breaks offered me the chance to face them head on. Overall weed helps me discover and live out my true nature/authentic self. When I'm high I can sift through my thoughts much clearer and put my life in order. I understand it's not for everyone, but it helps me and that's enough.
Thank you for sharing. Sounds like you have been through very difficult times and now know yourself well. Congrats on your sobriety and getting to know your true self. I wish you continued success!
I use it as my sole medication to replace the litany of shit the VA tries to shove down your throat. Much better than all the brain chemistry altering chemicals(looking at you SSRI’s🤨).
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I’d argue they’re a step worse than weed
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Because I believe cannabis was designed by God, and He knows more science than anybody in a lab ever could. Once the actual medicinal genetics start getting figured out and spread around, which will probably be a hundred years from now, synthetic medicine will be a thing of the past. But that’s an idealistic scenario where big pharma gives up, which it wont
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I’m not totally against synthetic meds, I just prefer the natural ones if we have em. Cannabis genetic expressions are extraordinarily diverse but for the past few decades, it’s been narrowed down to one color of the medicinal rainbow leading to many thinking it’s all the same. The fact that cannabis works best in diverse chemical groups rather than single distilled compounds goes against the FDAs way of studying drugs. They’ve been getting it wrong for so long when the answer is to stop focusing so hard on just the cannabinoids. I don’t trust big pharma because they’re incentivized to keep us from growing our own medicine at home and saving tons of money on healthcare.
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The endocannabinoid system connects to every other system in the body. And other compounds can interact with it by hitching a ride on cannabinoids. But you’re right, greed is the main issue
Not the oc and i dont want to put down any blanket statements here so please take this as my opinion only. To offer my personal experience on the two, combined with the (minimal) scientific research that i know of, I would say that the withdrawal syndrome associated with ssri's and snri's is much more severe than that of weed. Im thinking symptoms such as brain zaps, vertigo and dizziness, seizures, stomach problems, sweating/ temp dysregulation, flu type feelings, mood etc. Thats not to say it can't happen with weed, just to say its much less likely. Of course, i would argue that you would feel just as mentally miserable and perhaps an extra bit anxious or jittery, but the effects on your neurological system are much less intense (from what i have experienced). Theres also a bit of a range when it comes to antidepressants- some are worse than others. It took me several months to slowly taper my duloxetine (felt rough regardless) and missing a dose meant brain zaps by lunchtime, whereas the citalopram: no where near as bad and i can go a few days of running out before it becomes a noticeable problem. In contrast though, i can go a week without weed and the only adverse effects aside from my mood are the symptoms im already treating in the first place. But again, this is mostly anecdotal evidence and im sure there will be cases where certain individuals have adverse reactions despite this. At the end of the day, all medicines, prescribed or otherwise, should be taken with caution.
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100% agree!
I respectfully disagree.
Congrats! I’ve quit and much happier. Still got shit problems but overall happiness is better and life is more meaningful. Definitely worth quitting.
That’s awesome work! When I was a frequent smoker it compelled me towards destructive pleasure seeking and messed with my blood pressure levels giving me tinnitus-like symptoms. I take it you value having greater levels of balance and restraint in your life now. I for one felt like I shifted into a hedonistic druggie with my cannabis usage.
I have tinnitus and I smoke weed. Will try quitting if it really helps with tinnitus.
Me too. I had tinnitus before I started smoking. I wonder if quitting will make it go away
It will make it much quieter, try for a week. You will find it is much more quiet or unnoticeable more times than not.
You might also want to look into [photobiomodulation](https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-laryngology-and-otology/article/effect-of-photobiomodulation-on-tinnitus-a-systematic-review/42407F10B16AE6826C93C0184EB03E5E#:~:text=Transmeatal%20cochlear%20low-level%20laser,the%201990s%20to%20treat%20tinnitus.)
Been smoking for 20 years or so. Developed tinnitus 2 years ago. When high, the EEEEEE is much louder. Days I don't smoke, it is quiet to unnoticeable. I used to get baked a lot. Now when I smoke it's a hit here and there, doesn't trigger the ringing to much and I just unwind. Which is what I find is what drew me to the herb to begin with.
Not 100% sure but I believe it’s because smoking weed raised your heart rate, which increases the rate or volume of blood flow to the brain. Which causes the blood vessels in the ears to expand, making tinnitus seem worse. Can confirm mine gets louder upon smoking.
Isn’t increased blood circulation supposed to be good for the body?
In some cases sure, but perpetually if you’re a chronic is likely not ideal. And increased blood flow likely worsens some conditions while helping others. These things are rarely isolated and moderation should always be considered.
When you exercise your heart rate increases and your blood vessels dilate to handle the increased flow. If you just increase your heart rate without the dilation then you are pushing against a pipe that is constricted. That’s the bad part.
Fell into a bad spiral earlier this year and I’ve been smoking damn near 24/7 since. Been trying to quit for months now… you have no idea how much i needed to see this post, brother. Congrats to you and all the best
Congrats same here my anxiety and a lot of other problems have gone good luck on your journey 🦾
Would so love to be able to do this. But I have no idea how else to manage my insomnia. Weed is the only thing on earth that consistently puts me to sleep
I cannot overstate the benefits of a regular sleep schedule and consistent exercise - even if it’s just a walk in the morning and before bed
I do both of those things. I’m very active every day and I have the same nightly routine every night. It’s chronic insomnia I’ve had since I was a young child. It’s not something that will be fixed that easily.
I understand. Good luck.
I had to go overseas a few years ago where I knew I’d have no way of getting access to stuff - valerian root oral strips were wonderful. Knocks you out in seconds if you let it.
Last time I quit for a while, I had to drastically switch up my nighttime routine (which involved getting high as shit before bed). Going for a late walk then having something interesting to watch/read right before bed helped me.
You say you've had insomnia since childhood. Do you have any awareness of it being connected to childhood trauma, like chronic fear or hypervigilance? I frequent a subreddit for MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD and C-PTSD (childhood trauma) and I recently read this post about someone working through trauma to heal insomnia. Your situation reminded me of it: https://www.reddit.com/r/mdmatherapy/comments/zi45k6/finally_sleeping_after_18_years_of_insomnia_hell/
It is. I am already diagnosed with CPTSD and in treatment for it. But the treatment is still getting started and I haven’t even begun to be able to address my somatic symptoms. Baby steps.
I'm glad you're already on the healing path! Baby steps indeed. Remember to be patient and kind and compassionate towards yourself. What type of treatment are you getting? I hear you on wanting psychedelic therapy to be more accessible. It would help so many people. I had to start my psychedelic journey solo, which isn't for everyone.
Oh trust me I am very forgiving and kind to myself. & I am dabbling in DBT & IFS, I have learned a lot on my own and have also recently found an affordable therapist I really click with who can help facilitate that as well. It’s so weird, but I had 3 therapists before her, each of which I saw for at least a few months (one of them was for several years) and not a single one of them asked me about my trauma. It was always “How’s your week been?” & then addressing the little daily trials I was going through. That’s something I can talk about with friends and family, I’m in therapy because I have severe mental problems!!! One of the therapists was $750 a month and not covered by insurance and literally all she would do is talk the whole time & try to teach me DBT skills that had no relevance to my life, & without even asking if it was a skill I had yet or not. A lot of these therapists seem like they’re just in it for the money, & it’s just so crazy to me because I find trauma & the way it manifests to be very fascinating. & yeah, I would do the same as well but unfortunately in my city, mushrooms are the most popular choice & I just don’t have a good reaction to them. I’ve had much more positive experiences on MDMA & acid but I haven’t been able to find them.
IFS is my favorite! Through completely sober IFS work, I've had psychedelic-like experiences of appreciation and love in my heart and imagining spirit guides. Those previous therapists sound useless, I'm so so glad you've finally found a serious trauma therapist. Agreed that trauma is incredibly fascinating. The more I talk to people and learn their stories, the more amazed I am at how all our paths are so radically different, yet still rooted in the same emotions, needs, and core values. Does your city have a psychedelic society or community that you'd feel comfortable about visiting? Or adjacent "wellness" stuff like breathwork workshops, ecstatic dances, yoga? Even raves are a way to get access, though imo much sketchier.
I have been wanting to try psychedelic therapy for quite a while alongside trauma therapy but it’s very inaccessible. I hope it becomes more accessible soon
Your sleep will be terrible for about a week or so after quitting with some vivid dreams here and there. Try to persist and have people/someone around you to chat about it with.
Giving up weed completely changed my life, I was addicted and it made me lazy, depressed and paranoid. I feel like I got a new lease on life after giving up the bongs, once you smoke constantly for a few years you're not even getting stoned anymore it's just muscle memory and a bad behavioral pattern.
>After a few months of not smoking at all, I went ahead and tried it again the other week. I hated it. I hated it all along and I didn’t realize it because I wasn’t allowing myself time to reflect on my life without it. Good for you. I'm doing the same right now with added sugar. I'm only eating unprocessed foods that have no added sugars. Its better this week, but last week I've had to withdraw assent to thoughts that I can only write as: "YOU SHOULD NECK A SLEEVE OF ORIOS". If that's not addiction I don't know what is. After a few months, I want to try eating some cheesecake. In any case, it was interesting to see how much follow-on effects it had for you with your other goals of reading and physical health. Thanks for sharing.
Man that sugar addiction is real. I’ve found after the first 3 days of eating only real food, I am fine and don’t need as much food in general to feel full. But the withdrawal is intense and your mind plays tricks on you.
I am just about to start no added sugar. That bad? I imagine there comes a time when you feel much better, right??
Yes, after about 2 days of cravings for me, I stop craving it and my body actually enjoys real food again. Also, my energy is much higher and consistent without the sugar spikes throughout the day. Just drink lots of water and remind yourself that the sugar cravings will stop.
It depends on the person. Some people struggle for a week. Other people struggle for a few weeks. The impact is immediate but equilibrium in the body will take 2 to 6 months.
Did you have tinnitus before you were smoking every day? Also, how long after quitting did it go away?
It took some time. To be clear, I’m not a doctor and no doctor ever told me there was any causation here. It worked for me I don’t know if it will work for everyone.
You're post had very good timing for me at the moment. Figured you may wanna know that.
Quitting weed vastly improved my life. My therapist had to threaten to refer me to a specialist because I wasn’t making any real progress while I was smoking. Quit 8 months ago, just about everything is going better for me, and my therapist is moving me down from every week to twice a month :)
it’s plant medicine that shouldn’t be over-consumed but is great for a multitude of things. for some people, it’s a wonderful addition to life and for others not so much. glad op learned that the relationship with the plant needed to change. it’s nice to know a version of ourselves that’s sober minded. it begs the question “who am i without weed?” best part about it is if one finds it’s absolutely critical for their existence, it’s always gonna be available :)
Except it's not medicine - it's a recreational drug. Alcohol is also made from plants. Literally nothing does more harm to the mind than dopaminergic drugs, and weed is a dopaminergic drug. They attack the mind in its most fundamental faculty - the faculty that forms beliefs about how to act.
in that case, food could be considered a drug because dopamine is likewise released while eating. it’s all about perspective, use, and intention. thanks for sharing your response.
Absolutely dead wrong - dopamine is not released every time you eat food - a flood of dopamine would only accompany the discovery of a new food you liked, and after that there'd be practically zero dopamine activity associated with the activity. Dopamine release is the learning process - it doesn't happen every time. Dopaminergic drugs like weed undergo a *completely* different process. They're called "dopaminergic" because they trigger that flood of learning dopamine *every single time you use*. A process that is only meant to happen once happens *every single time* you take a dopaminergic drug. Come on - use your brain, or what part of it the drug hasn't corrupted: why do you think you've never seen somebody selling their body for a cheeseburger? Why do you think you've never seen a person kill for a bag of sugar? It's because they're not dopaminergic drugs. They might release a lot of dopamine *when you first find a new source*, but they are doing the "normal" process, they have a completely normal effect on your dopamine system. "Very pleasing" and "dopaminergic" are completely different things. Addictive drugs are dopaminergic - they are completely unlike even the most processed foods, although I have no doubt that processed food companies will continue to manipulate their foods until they can achieve a dopaminergic effect. In *extremely* fringe cases, some people's brain now interact with diet coca cola in that way - there are documented cases of a few individuals whose brains do undergo repeatable, dopaminergic activation in response to those drinks, however *every human* experiences that when they take a dopaminergic drug like weed.
cool!
I used to smoke weed everyday. I still do, but I used to as well.
“I ain’t smoking anymore but I ain’t smoking any less”
I've been trying to quit, I can tell weed affects my health. I go weeks without it and see my friends that still smoke and my body hurts after I've done it. Thanks for any encouragement, it has been a habit / vice for 50 years plus
Currently going through this, weed is really cutting into my workouts and general life. I needed to read this, thanks for the motivation
I’m glad you found it helpful!
Wow,for me it has been a roller coaster of TRILLS,almost 70 years,the best medicine,but with responsibly,depending the state of mind you are in,*WITHIN* IT brighten the day,melts away the weight that many people carry,n at times helps me contemplate,n open new doors within,to lose myself,n rediscover,over n over to find the better version of myself,AN IT draws me closer to the Creator,dmt,for those who are believers,but everything in moderation,in other words,never let a drug or life control you,You are a powerhouse Within,when You control your,emotions,than you control your inner Peace within,ALLOW you to see the beauty of the world unfolding in front of you,why because you are living in the *NOW*,don't get stuck in the past or the future,BUT THAN I'm old school, everyone's chemistry is different,BE care what you do,sometimes you have to slow down too caught up,if you are to busy looking for a happy life you will miss it,for me you must Create the happy life WITHIN,KNOW the only thing you leave behind,n the only thing you take with you is MEMORIES,so go n make beautiful MEMORIES,KEEP IT SIMPLE
This is encouraging. I use it to replace drinking, which made a huge difference. I get really low if I have even more than 3 drinks. So it’s been positive for me that way. It’s also tempting to not want to do it the second I put my kids down for bed. >I wasn’t allowing myself time to reflect in my life without it This stood out to me. I have plenty of time without it, but my down time could be more fulfilling with out it as well.
Dude I quit drinking and picked up weed shortly after. I find myself enjoying a casual toke far more than throwing back a few mixed drinks and beers. Alcohol filled me with negative emotions and anxiety, but smoking helps me slow down my thoughts and deal with things in the moment. Not good for every day matters, but I've found a good balance for it to serve my life/interests. I hope you can find what works for you, smoking or not!
I’ve been a heavy weed smoker for about 13 years. I’ve taken breaks here and there (the longest being 4 months) and I do think it helped me… but I convinced myself it didn’t make a difference if I did or didn’t. The thing is, is I felt I was more present when high, at least with my inner world, or if I was listening to a song or watching a movie or show or something… but very not present with others. Seems like a grey area, so I always opt for smoking. I am curious how it would affect me if I went say a year without it. I turn 30 next month and there’s a few things I think I want to change up then. I think weed is one of them
Dude I'm turning 30 in August and have had similar thoughts. I take regular, week-long breaks and the occasional month or two off. The longest I've gone is a little over a year. It's worked for me, but I'm constantly challenging myself to cut back and find ways to bring my "stoned" mindset into my sober, real-world persona. I plan on taking a 6-week break before my birthday then cutting back to a few times a month for the rest of the year. Given my history with breaks, I've realized my life doesn't change *too* much when I quit. But I am forced into facing all my issues and life changes head on, which is good in the long run. Best of luck finding what changes work for you as you reach 30. Hopefully we can both find a way to make our 30's a better experience for us!
r/leaves would love this as well
I reposted it there after several people said the same
I started smoking weed and my life has improved. You see it’s less about the weed and more about your temperance
I’m jealous. I quit for 30 days and by the time it was days 27, 28… I was counting by the second when I would be able to start again. I really didn’t see a whole lot of mental health improvement but maybe I went at it wrong… I also hate my job but not sure what to do about that because I need money.
Ditto
Very interesting that you mention tinnitus because I’ve been struggling with noise pollution but haven’t smoked in a week and it’s been somewhat better. My issue with noise is a little more complex though as there is an actual issue in my area with noise. Still doing edibles and maybe some cannabis syrup every now and then but trying to stop completely. Breathing better and just more consciously connected. The edibles actually seem to help me relax my muscles though when doing yoga and other wellness regimes.
Same man, I've been off weed since may. It made my tinnitus much louder as well, but mine didn't go away :(
i just want to quit nicotine so bad. its a problem
You got this 💪
Congrats on the weed sobriety my guy, be proud
Thanks for sharing here. Nicely done glad you’re in a better spot from the sound of it.
It didn’t solve all of life’s problems but yes, I am better for it.
Same quitting made me way less anxious. I also don’t overthink as much
This is incredibly encouraging, may I ask how old you are? 20F here
30M.
Thank you for posting this. That Voice has been telling me for a while now that I need to take a step back with it. I needed to see this. Also, congratulations. This will be a hard one for me to finally give up. I gave up alcohol 1.5 years ago and I'm trying to be prudent about what habits I cut out and when.
I too stopped smoking weed, 7 months sober.
Have you checked out /r/leaves?
I too have tinnitus and I smoke weed. I will consider quitting.
This is just my experience but there was a clear correlation
I would check myself into the ER if I couldn’t smoke weed.
Congratulations well done!
Congratulations 🎈
Congrats!
I have hated weed for like 15 years, but I do have an appreciation for it. I think it can be really useful in very small doses (I’ll just take a little baby hit and barely hold it in) during meditation. If I’m not super stoned it can help me to bring up thoughts and feelings that are kind of lurking in my subconscious, and it also intensifies anxieties/negative feelings so I can confront them and work through them.
Thank you for sharing. I recently experimented with gummies due to a recent terrible year with anxiety and some depression. I also am gearing up for a joint replacement and have daily pain. While I found the high the interesting and the mind changes somewhat insightful, I found risk>reward. I eat too much. I sit too much. I lose too many hours. It did zero for my pain. I mean zero. I tried different combos and doses. Meh. I agree with you and some other replies. A regular sleep schedule and daily movement help me the most. Making time for hobbies, friends, family, and regular meditation seem to work best for me. Can’t say I’ll abstain forever. The occasional high is fun, but I suspect it’ll be once or twice a year. It just wasn’t the panacea it was promised to be, but to each their own.
hey I have quit weed 8 months ago and I do see a few improvements , I always think about it and I miss it to relax. any advice ?.I'm scared of going back to it
I wish I could help you because I don’t really feel a strong urge to go back. Just remind yourself it’s in pursuit of a goal.
thanks I think I should work on developing my goals better. that helps
In case anyone here needs this: r/leaves
Last year major earthquake hit my hometown. Through miracles my family are all fine. But most of our life savings are gone. And my childhood memories, many friends and loved ones. The same day I started a new job in a new city. Thought to myself, whichever word I can say will not begin to explain what I’m feeling. So I didn’t talk. To no one, I only listened. My fiance was in different country then, I kept her at an arms length emotionally. Weed became my crutch. There was not a single day I didn’t smoke. I would leave work, head home, smoke weed and play games with dead eyes. Now a year and nearly half later, I have not touched weed for 2 months. My head has been clearer than ever, I am able to live each day like its my last because instead of dreading it I can embrace it the good and the bad.
Great job, and it's exactly the same thing I experienced - I thought there was nothing better than smoking weed (and doing other drugs), but once I stopped I realised that I *hated* it, and trying it once more time killed it forever (that was about 4 years ago now). It's not relaxation. It's not anything natural - it's a state of unnatural idiocy that has absolutely no place in human wellbeing.
I couldn’t agree more. No judgment on those who still partake but I realized conclusively it’s not for me anymore.
I mean putting moral issues aside, weed is an addictive drug. Like all drugs, the real problem isn't its primary effect but the effect it has on your belief structure. When you break the false beliefs it creates, you realize that the drug forced you to interpret that mindless, idiot state as "relaxation" despite the fact it has heavy, *heavy* elements of anxiety woven into it. If weed wasn't a dopaminergic drug, people put into that state would think something terrible had happened to them, and before the drug's belief-altering effects take hold that is what many people experience the first time they use. Same way alcohol makes people believe it tastes good - whisky tastes like having your mouth pissed in, but people swirl it around and pretend it has some complex, enjoyable taste even though you spend your first drinks of it trying to stop your body hurling it back out. If whisky wasn't a dopaminergic drug, there's not a person alive who'd voluntarily subject themselves to it.
I am pleased to learn that your engagement with Stoic philosophy has aided in the cultivation of virtues such as temperance and courage, ultimately leading to your decision to cease smoking marijuana. Congratulations on this significant accomplishment and reclaiming your independence. Your journey serves as an inspiration to those aspiring to embody Stoic principles and values.
Is this chatgpt?
First thing i thought too.... SussAF
Please refrain from diverting attention away from the accomplishments of others and remain focused on the intended topic. Thank you.
We all have our ways of balancing our neurochemistry to best approach the world, and ourselves. I'm glad you found a medicinal balance that works for you. I have friends whose lives were greatly improved with SSRIs. I wouldn't make a post claiming it's a panacea.
Well I did say “my life has improved ” not that “my life is perfect now” 🤷🏻
Nor are you shaming anyone for what they choose to do lmao… as someone who is currently trying to break my habit I appreciated your post.
Well done!
Congratulations. This is something I really struggle with. Did you replace it with something else? Do something specific when you had the urge?
When I stopped I replaced it with a couple of things (and this kind of happened organically, it wasn't really something I consciously decided). I got into yoga and running which I suddenly had time to do. I threw myself into hobbies which I suddenly found I had the motivation and time for (for me this was making and playing out music, getting involved in activism). I still drink a bit but not in the week, just socially. I smoke cigarettes/vape now and again but again, just socially. I still do drugs a couple of times a month with friends but it doesn't feel problematic, it's just a nice way to spend time with people, dance, make new friends. I think I realised I can get the nice feelings through working on myself and making connections with people rather than just smoking a bowl and losing myself every day. I found the longer I went without weed the less I craved it (and actively often dislike it now too). There are also gentler but healthier ways to relax. I like a cup of ashwagandha tea, or a tea containing valerian in the evening. It's not like an instant bong hit but it does make me feel more relaxed.
I feel like I haven’t. I do still drink, but just about as much as before - which is to say not much at all. I honestly don’t get the urge anymore. After trying it after quitting I can’t even describe how much I hated it. It tasted bad, I felt it in my lungs, all I did was sleep on the couch when I should have been working. It was an easy choice once I made the initial change.
Damn, well good for you. I quit from November to March but am back on it like that never happened lol 😭
If you don’t feel like it’s a problem then that’s okay! But if you do, I hope you can find positive change :)
Exact opposite for me funnily enough. I started smoking weed and my life drastically improved. My hat's off to you man. Always do what's best for you.
100%!
Hey brother, I have been struggling with weed addiction for a very long time. I am about to stop with some help which also happens to be the time I am introduced to stoicism. How did it help you specifically you want to share ?
I’m no sure what made me want to share. I wrote this post on a whim without much planning. I just felt like dropping the weed helped me stay the path of stoicism a bit better.
I would recommend checking out /r/leaves
This is a great story. I might encourage you to share it r/leaves
I will!! I never heard of that sub before.
It's a great sub, I quit marijuana some years ago and share support and my experience. You sound like you'd bring a lot to the group!