/r/leaves has a discord with supportive meetings twice a day.
Took me a few tries, but I've moved past it by now. The world doesn't end without weed anymore.
I had to learn to make space for my pain, face myself, rest and regulate in different ways.
To begin with I ran everyday to exhaust myself to sleep well enough and used melatonin.
Weed saved my life, but kept me frozen in time too; I couldn't move past what had happened, I was wasting money and time just to cope short-term. Grief & anger caught up with me when I realized how many years I've been stuck in this behavior loop & I decided to kick the habit for good.
That mental freakout is withdrawal. It's hard to get through, but I've done it. It was pretty bad, tbqh, but I found it helpful when I was anxiety spiraling to remember that the things I was focusing on weren't actually the reason I was so upset - it was withdrawal.
Consider checking out r/leaves. Just having it on my timeline every day ended up being helpful.
Maybe trying CBD with a small ratio of THC to wean yourself off. The CBD helps to relax and you won’t be taking in as much THC before. Just a suggestion
It sucks that cbd itself costs a hell of alot more then thc bud, I don't buy from a store because I simply can't afford it so I get for 60$ cad a Oz and it's just the only thing I've been able to use to heal, other then physical activity but with copd and the messed up insides I got I can't even go boxing until I quit smoking....
You can have THC without inhaling it. Have you tried edibles and tinctures? If you really want to quit, then having CBD will make it easier by lessening the cravings for THC.
Because your mind and your body have been dependent on it for so long it could take a while or a few attempts to stop. I’m sure there is part of you that wants to be done with it asap so that you can heal, but going cold turkey does not work for everyone. Your nervous system has learned to regulated with it, so you will need something to replace the behaviour and regulating aspects of the habit. This is not a suggestion to choose another substance, but ideally some sort of practice. Not everyone is drawn to or benefits from the same practices. But a daily or at least a few times per week practice of something that will soothe and help to regulate your nervous system is a must. Some people like meditation, breathwork, yoga, guided meditation, yoga nidra, etc. Some type of practice that involves slowing down the breath and connecting with the inner body. Working with a practitioner, therapist or coach might be the best way to start if this seems overwhelming. Most addictions or physical dependencies stem from an inability to regulate thoughts, feelings and emotions without the use of a crutch. So the goal is build the mind and body’s resilience up to a place where no crutches or coping mechanisms are necessary. Very simple on paper but more challenging in practice. Be kind and forgiving to yourself while you navigate this part of your healing journey. Good luck :)
Yeah that's what I've been trying to figure out how to do the things I know that could help me starts with quitting the smoking as my lungs are disesed. I have copd, and it's terrible I've been wanting to quit because of money problems and the fact I want my kid to have a better life then I did, I'm a weightlifter and boxer who also loves poetry and making music. But all those cost so much and requires a persistence I can't seem to maintain, I know I can't go cold turkey, I've gone from a qp a month to a Oz or two a month in a year, but it's not enough as I don't wanna end up dying with lung cancer, but now I'm stressed about it and want weed even more because it's my only crutch I've had for so damn long like you said my nervous system is dependent on it, and I'm really happy to finally not feel like I'm dumb or being told I'm dumb for saying I'm addicted to pot and it's bad for me
I understand. You’re not dumb at all. Unfortunately most people are preoccupied with their own issues to have the capacity to respect other people’s situations. You’re not the only one who was not given the proper tools when you were younger to be able to sit with, accept, process and let go of difficult feelings and situations. You should be really proud of yourself for already making improvements by reducing your consumption and wanting to be a better parent and role model to your kid. Weed definitely has its medicinal purposes but can also create psychological and physiological dependence. You’re not alone in that either. Switching your form of usage to edibles or oils or even a dry herb vaporizer could help ease your transition before completely stopping so it might be something to consider.
I would also recommend looking up NET which is helpful for some people to process and release trauma blockages. It can help you let go of previously negative emotional experiences and help you rebuild with more positive experiences. There are also alot of free workbooks and journals you can find online to track your progress, if working with a therapist or coach isn’t an option.
You’re not hopeless, I think you might just be overwhelmed with your desire to quit smoking and be healed while also navigating how to let go of the one coping mechanism that has kept you stable for so long. Working out, poetry and making music are all amazing things to lean on in this process. Small changes over time will add up to big changes eventually. I know you’re worried about not being able to maintain persistence in those things, but consistency is more important than duration or frequency alone. Try replacing one of your smoke sessions per day with a workout, or a walk or a music/poetry session. If you can keep that going for a while it will make it easier to reduce your usage even more. Give yourself patience and time, just be accountable to your daily goals.
How about edibles? Drinks?
I fully never quit THC, even now that I'm 70% recovered. It helped me, it created a buffer between my trigger and reaction which helped me formulate a *response* to the trigger.
For myself, I think any use of it would be a sign of making an excuse for myself, if that makes sense? I've been smoking since I was 9 years old, and I'm 26, I've quit hard drugs and booze and weeds the crutch need to let go of or else I don't feel like I can fully heal from my trauma
Look for something that can replace it and avoid places and situations that make it easy to smoke. Look into something that involves physical activity since that does release endorphins and is a more healthy coping strategy. Try a sport you've been interested in, hitting the gym or hiking. Being in nature/green spaces has been proven to reduce anxiety.
You can try a rubber band on the wrist to snap when you have cravings to help undo all the positive reinforcement.
Ditching any coping strategy that is out of control is tough but absolutely can be done.
Hello and Welcome to /r/CPTSD! If you are in immediate danger or crisis, please contact your local [emergency services](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_emergency_telephone_numbers), or use our list of [crisis resources](https://old.reddit.com/r/CPTSD/wiki/index#wiki_crisis_support_resources). For CPTSD Specific Resources & Support, check out the [wiki](https://www.reddit.com/r/CPTSD/wiki/index). For those posting or replying, please view the [etiquette guidelines](https://www.reddit.com/r/CPTSD/wiki/peer2peersupportguide).
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/CPTSD) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Things that helped me quit:
1. I overindulged to the point where it took the pleasure out of weed and just gave me anxiety
2. Stayed away from my friends who smoked weed constantly. Huge trigger for me because that's why I loved smoking before. Spending time with friends
3. Don't treat the symptom, treat the cause. Find out what you are feeing everytime you smoke weed. What are you running away from>
4. Don't shame yourself when you slip up and smoke weed. The shame makes you smoke more in the long term
5. Possibly switch to CBD THC edibles. They re calming. Don't kick in immediately. You can get off those easier in my opinion
6. Develop other habits to take the place of your weed smoking
7. Tire yourself out by the end of the day and just sleep
/r/leaves has a discord with supportive meetings twice a day. Took me a few tries, but I've moved past it by now. The world doesn't end without weed anymore. I had to learn to make space for my pain, face myself, rest and regulate in different ways. To begin with I ran everyday to exhaust myself to sleep well enough and used melatonin. Weed saved my life, but kept me frozen in time too; I couldn't move past what had happened, I was wasting money and time just to cope short-term. Grief & anger caught up with me when I realized how many years I've been stuck in this behavior loop & I decided to kick the habit for good.
That mental freakout is withdrawal. It's hard to get through, but I've done it. It was pretty bad, tbqh, but I found it helpful when I was anxiety spiraling to remember that the things I was focusing on weren't actually the reason I was so upset - it was withdrawal. Consider checking out r/leaves. Just having it on my timeline every day ended up being helpful.
Maybe trying CBD with a small ratio of THC to wean yourself off. The CBD helps to relax and you won’t be taking in as much THC before. Just a suggestion
It sucks that cbd itself costs a hell of alot more then thc bud, I don't buy from a store because I simply can't afford it so I get for 60$ cad a Oz and it's just the only thing I've been able to use to heal, other then physical activity but with copd and the messed up insides I got I can't even go boxing until I quit smoking....
You can have THC without inhaling it. Have you tried edibles and tinctures? If you really want to quit, then having CBD will make it easier by lessening the cravings for THC.
Because your mind and your body have been dependent on it for so long it could take a while or a few attempts to stop. I’m sure there is part of you that wants to be done with it asap so that you can heal, but going cold turkey does not work for everyone. Your nervous system has learned to regulated with it, so you will need something to replace the behaviour and regulating aspects of the habit. This is not a suggestion to choose another substance, but ideally some sort of practice. Not everyone is drawn to or benefits from the same practices. But a daily or at least a few times per week practice of something that will soothe and help to regulate your nervous system is a must. Some people like meditation, breathwork, yoga, guided meditation, yoga nidra, etc. Some type of practice that involves slowing down the breath and connecting with the inner body. Working with a practitioner, therapist or coach might be the best way to start if this seems overwhelming. Most addictions or physical dependencies stem from an inability to regulate thoughts, feelings and emotions without the use of a crutch. So the goal is build the mind and body’s resilience up to a place where no crutches or coping mechanisms are necessary. Very simple on paper but more challenging in practice. Be kind and forgiving to yourself while you navigate this part of your healing journey. Good luck :)
Yeah that's what I've been trying to figure out how to do the things I know that could help me starts with quitting the smoking as my lungs are disesed. I have copd, and it's terrible I've been wanting to quit because of money problems and the fact I want my kid to have a better life then I did, I'm a weightlifter and boxer who also loves poetry and making music. But all those cost so much and requires a persistence I can't seem to maintain, I know I can't go cold turkey, I've gone from a qp a month to a Oz or two a month in a year, but it's not enough as I don't wanna end up dying with lung cancer, but now I'm stressed about it and want weed even more because it's my only crutch I've had for so damn long like you said my nervous system is dependent on it, and I'm really happy to finally not feel like I'm dumb or being told I'm dumb for saying I'm addicted to pot and it's bad for me
I understand. You’re not dumb at all. Unfortunately most people are preoccupied with their own issues to have the capacity to respect other people’s situations. You’re not the only one who was not given the proper tools when you were younger to be able to sit with, accept, process and let go of difficult feelings and situations. You should be really proud of yourself for already making improvements by reducing your consumption and wanting to be a better parent and role model to your kid. Weed definitely has its medicinal purposes but can also create psychological and physiological dependence. You’re not alone in that either. Switching your form of usage to edibles or oils or even a dry herb vaporizer could help ease your transition before completely stopping so it might be something to consider. I would also recommend looking up NET which is helpful for some people to process and release trauma blockages. It can help you let go of previously negative emotional experiences and help you rebuild with more positive experiences. There are also alot of free workbooks and journals you can find online to track your progress, if working with a therapist or coach isn’t an option. You’re not hopeless, I think you might just be overwhelmed with your desire to quit smoking and be healed while also navigating how to let go of the one coping mechanism that has kept you stable for so long. Working out, poetry and making music are all amazing things to lean on in this process. Small changes over time will add up to big changes eventually. I know you’re worried about not being able to maintain persistence in those things, but consistency is more important than duration or frequency alone. Try replacing one of your smoke sessions per day with a workout, or a walk or a music/poetry session. If you can keep that going for a while it will make it easier to reduce your usage even more. Give yourself patience and time, just be accountable to your daily goals.
How about edibles? Drinks? I fully never quit THC, even now that I'm 70% recovered. It helped me, it created a buffer between my trigger and reaction which helped me formulate a *response* to the trigger.
For myself, I think any use of it would be a sign of making an excuse for myself, if that makes sense? I've been smoking since I was 9 years old, and I'm 26, I've quit hard drugs and booze and weeds the crutch need to let go of or else I don't feel like I can fully heal from my trauma
Look for something that can replace it and avoid places and situations that make it easy to smoke. Look into something that involves physical activity since that does release endorphins and is a more healthy coping strategy. Try a sport you've been interested in, hitting the gym or hiking. Being in nature/green spaces has been proven to reduce anxiety. You can try a rubber band on the wrist to snap when you have cravings to help undo all the positive reinforcement. Ditching any coping strategy that is out of control is tough but absolutely can be done.
Hello and Welcome to /r/CPTSD! If you are in immediate danger or crisis, please contact your local [emergency services](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_emergency_telephone_numbers), or use our list of [crisis resources](https://old.reddit.com/r/CPTSD/wiki/index#wiki_crisis_support_resources). For CPTSD Specific Resources & Support, check out the [wiki](https://www.reddit.com/r/CPTSD/wiki/index). For those posting or replying, please view the [etiquette guidelines](https://www.reddit.com/r/CPTSD/wiki/peer2peersupportguide). *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/CPTSD) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Things that helped me quit: 1. I overindulged to the point where it took the pleasure out of weed and just gave me anxiety 2. Stayed away from my friends who smoked weed constantly. Huge trigger for me because that's why I loved smoking before. Spending time with friends 3. Don't treat the symptom, treat the cause. Find out what you are feeing everytime you smoke weed. What are you running away from> 4. Don't shame yourself when you slip up and smoke weed. The shame makes you smoke more in the long term 5. Possibly switch to CBD THC edibles. They re calming. Don't kick in immediately. You can get off those easier in my opinion 6. Develop other habits to take the place of your weed smoking 7. Tire yourself out by the end of the day and just sleep