Having an addiction does not only destroy one’s physical health, but may make one more prone to psychological disorders like schizophrenia if you have a genetic predisposition. [2] X Trustworthy Source National Institute on Drug Abuse Agency in the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services devoted to researching drug and drug abuse and educating the public Go to source Consumption of weed increases the release of serotonin in the body which is a chemical produced in the brain that gives feeling of pleasure. Unfortunately, the longer you smoke weed, the less and less serotonin gets produced, the less “pleased” you feel, and the more you’re left with additional cravings.
When did you first try marijuana and why did you do it? For how long have you been smoking and how often do you do it? What do you feel before and after smoking? (Try to especially concentrate on whether you are trying to ease negative thoughts or avoid dealing with problems by smoking. ) Were there times when you neglected your duties (to yourself, family and friends, school or work) because of smoking? Are there activities that you want to take part of or would like to excel at but haven’t done so yet because you were not feeling very motivated?
If you want to quit smoking cannabis, it is crucial to be certain of your motivators – the stronger they are, the better chances you have. Often it is easier to quit one thing by substituting it with another. In this case choose something better, and If you have cravings try chewing a piece of gum (regular or nicotine) or having a drink of water each time that urge surfaces. It can help change the often habitual act of smoking, and at the same time provides you with something healthy to do.
At the same time, don’t dwell on the past of your addiction, and focus on how much better you can be (physically and mentally), without getting high. Remember, it is a choice to smoke weed, not an automatic way of life. If you need to, say to your friends, “I can’t smoke - it makes me paranoid,” “I feel dizzy when I blaze,” or “My job has random drug tests,” whether they do or do not test. Provide a strong barrier verbally to those who “egg” you on when your excuse is simple, like “No, Im trying to quit. " In this case, accepting that you have a problem is not just it – you also need to accept that it is a problem and not a pleasure. Problems need addressing before they get any worse – which is exactly what you are doing.
Blaming others will only give you an “easy out” when things are difficult and will make you more likely to start smoking again. Even though the first step of quitting is being honest with yourself, you don’t have to complete the whole process on your own. Some techniques, especially psychological help, can aid your efforts tremendously.
An increased heart rate Lack of coordination in sensory organs Anxiety Hyperactivity Hallucinations Irritability Mood swings Lack of fertility Isolation Suicidal thoughts[6] X Research source Aggressive behavior[7] X Research source
If you have been smoking weed at least twice a day then try limiting yourself to once a day for the next week. This will help the body get used to less serotonin in a much healthier and easy way.
There might be times when you would want to break all the chains and light that thing up but then this note will help you to remember the decision that you took for your own benefit.
Picture loving cake while knowing that you should never have it again and yet constantly keeping your favorite kind on the counter, where you can always see it. It is an unnecessary trigger that will only torment you. When someone offers you weed (or other drugs), just say “I’m not in the mood” or “I’m having a good time already, thanks. " If they push you, you can choose to be honest and say, “Hey, I’m really trying to get sober. “[9] X Expert Source Natalie Feinblatt, PsyDClinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 30 July 2021.
However, it gets more challenging afterwards when you have to keep away from weed for the rest of your life. There are many factors that might trigger your use or could make it very difficult to deal with life without smoking. We’ll discuss long-term strength shortly.
When you think you have accomplished your goal of quitting, you can bond with them again; only if you think you are strong enough to not indulge yourself in the addiction again should this be considered.
Even though it is better, at least at first, to stay away from people who use marijuana, you might have some valuable relationships among those people. If that is the case, explain to them that you are not looking to change their behavior (otherwise they might feel attacked and try to talk you out of the decision). Let them know what your reasons for quitting are and ask them not to smoke or demonstrate any behavior connected to smoking when they are around you. If they’re true friends, they will do as you request.
Some people need to be restricted or threatened by authority figures in order to stay balanced. These centres keep a check that you do not start with the addiction again and even helps you get sober with the help of medical and psychological help usually through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as the most important method of treating cannabis use disorders (CUD).
What is more, these professionals have experience with people struggling to quit weed and so will be able to construct a tailor-made approach for your own personality and lifestyle. However, as there are many approaches in psychotherapy and even more therapists, it may sometimes be difficult to pick the most suitable one for your needs. That’s what we’ll discuss next.
Cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy refers to the belief that your thoughts and actions are very much interconnected; therefore, through changing your negative thoughts you can change your negative behaviors. This approach can be very useful when trying to quit smoking weed, as it will examine the thoughts that provoke your smoking and thus will work on the behavior itself. Motivational enhancement therapy. This therapy is especially useful to people who are trying to quit cannabis, alcohol or nicotine. It is based on the fact that people with such problems often realize that their actions are harming them, but are still very comfortable doing what they are doing. Its purpose is to examine your motivation for change in a very positive, non-judgmental and non-confrontational manner. In this therapy you are not told why you should change, but rather are aided to find your own arguments and reasons. The therapist helps you elicit positive statements and empower yourself, so as to strengthen your inner motivation.
In addition, your therapist will tailor the approach to your unique personality, thus improving the likelihood of you quitting even further. To choose a therapist. consult with your general practitioner. They will recommend some good options within your area. It is essential to remember to be as honest as possible with your therapist because this way you will meet him or her halfway and will aid the success of your own goal.
Smoking causes the person to have more sweet and artificial flavor cravings. 2-3 apples per day can help in fighting these urges. The crunching also keeps the mouth busy and tired. Bonus! Vegetables that are crunchy in texture help in fighting the addiction as well. Vegetables like garlic and ginger leave a taste in your mouth that makes the smoke taste worse. Chop these two into very little and chewable pieces and add them into your everyday food.
Having a glass of milk one hour before your smoking hours will make your stomach feel filled up; because of this, you will lose the desire to smoke pot. It will also leave a taste in your mouth that no one wants to mix with drugs! Cheese is very useful while quitting as it contains the taste of salt which stays in the mouth. But go easy on it if you think you are consuming more than the required amount of fat already.
Dark chocolate has always been famous in treating mood disorders and will help you deal with the phases of depression that you might get. Dried fruits and potato also help in stopping the cravings.
Lean white meat, tuna and salmon are known for quitting addictions as it leaves a taste in your mouth that will not be good if amalgamated with the weed. When it comes to carbs, go crunchy. They’re more sating and come with starch that gives you the energy to keep going with your mission.
Yoga has been known as an exercise to relax the mind and therefore helps during withdrawal as the body sometimes want to just start screaming out loud. You know the feeling. Running every day for 30 minutes is a good, healthy activity towards quitting addictions.
Am I good at handiwork? Do I like any sports? (Even if you don’t play a sport, think about the ones you enjoy watching and consider trying one of them) What do my friends like to do? You can come up with more questions that are suitable to your lifestyle and personality and therefore help yourself find something to occupy your spare time. In addition, finding a hobby will help strengthen your motivation for quitting, as you know you won’t be as driven if you smoke weed. If you take up a sport or an otherwise social hobby, you will meet new people who are not connected to your old habits. This will help you construct a new lifestyle that doesn’t involve cannabis. [20] X Expert Source Natalie Feinblatt, PsyDClinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 30 July 2021.
Nicotine medicines, patches and gums are available in stores and can be bought without prescription. Nicotine helps in making the cravings less severe and reduces feelings of irritability and headache that you might face during withdrawal. Chewing a gum after every 2 hours when you’re awake helps in minimizing the cravings. If you are using 4 mg gums, make sure you don’t chew more than 20 gums per day or if using 3 mg, then not more than 30 pieces of gum per day. A patch should be changed after every 16 or 24 hours and the dosage you need depends on your level of addiction. It can be taken off while sleeping and put right back as soon as you wake up. It does cause a little soreness on the area it was patched so it is advisable to change areas every time.
These nicotine replacements should not be used if you have not completely quit smoking as the combination comes with serious problems.
Most of these help with depression symptoms and may cause agitation, frustration and unusual behavior at times. If you think there is a negative change (more than just a normal feeling that you might be feeling temporarily) then it is best to talk to your doctor as the dosage might not be suiting you.
Talk to yourself out loud in front of the mirror and tell that image in front of you that you are a beautiful, strong person who has the strength to overcome this obstacle. And if you think you are less of a talker and more of a writer, grab a diary and start writing it all down.
One day when you will able to come over your addiction, you will read that diary and think of all the sufferings that you have overcome with your strength. That will be one beautiful moment of pure contentment for your moral later in life or upcoming crises.
