Time to quit

[AntyNet]

Well, today starts day one of quitting smoking pot. I have used marijuana for the last 3 years to help me control my hyperactivity. Its worked Ok to a point. It usually slows me down enough to sit still, and helps me remember to eat (often when I don't smoke, I forget to eat). It also helps me sleep. But its just gotten to the point where it doesn't help me all to much anymore.

I wouldn't say that I am addicted to marijuana in any way. I know quitting is not going to be a problem. What I think WILL be a problem is the fact that I am pretty sure my hyperactivity will increase to an almost intolerable rate, and I am sure my sleep patters will suffer also.

My doctor's apointment is 2 weeks from today, and I decided if I am going to get help, I'd better go about it the right way. I figured being clean would probably help, since I don't want anything to "mask" the problems I have, and overall I just think its better.

-Anty

[paulbf]

Good deal. You know it'll take a few weeks to clear out of your system.

[jaimegerise]

Best of luck to ya, Anty! You can do it!

[FtLaudWolf]

Anty, I'm in South Florida too, and in recovery from drug abuse. Let me know when you decide you want support.

[Ian]

AntyNet you'll likely look back and be glad you started down this path. How was it that you came to this decision? I'm happy for you at any rate. I'm not opposed to grass use but it's of no use to me in regards to my ADHD as I've recently proved to myself.

I hadn't smoked anything for many years but thought that the treatment of these symptoms is so varied between people that I'd try the grass. It was counter productive to say the least. The Dexedrine that I take is so much better.

I wish you luck. Luck of course is good but support is good too. I hope you can keep us posted. If you need to dig into this a little deeper or need to spout about the process please feel free. Glad to have you join the fun house.
ian

[AntyNet]

Well, I'm not to sure how/why I decided to quit. But I tell you what, my boyfriend is wishing I didn't. Last night I was bouncing off the walls, constantly picking at my hands (when nervous/anxious, I pick at the skin near my fingernails....my "nail biting" alternative), looking around constantly, not paying attention to what he was saying, ect. He told me he never realized how much grass actually DID calm me down.

Its hard....really hard. I don't feel like I NEED to smoke....I feel like I NEED to calm down. I also had a horrible time falling asleep last night, and ended up sleeping much later then I normally do, with a lot of problems getting out of bed.

I have no actual withdrawls from it, and honestly I don't really miss it to much (yet?). I just miss feeling not so crazy and hyperactive.

-Anty

[Ian]

It will no doubt take time for things to settle into a routine that resembles "clean". Pot is a complex collection of active ingredients. Don't forget to breath..

[AntyNet]

Just an update to you all.....

Its been 12 days, and I have gone from smoking 6-7 times daily to having smoked once in 12 days.

I have had this horrible cough for the last 5 days or so (I remember this happening the last time I quit, which lasted 37 days), and that is kind of annoying. Also, I am noticing that I usually forget to eat, until someone screams at me "EAT!" or until I get dizzy and say to myself "Oh I should eat, since I haven't all day!"

My hyperactivity has jumped up to about twice what it has been. I fidget much more, and I have a VERY hard time focusing on things....Especially when I am being talked to. I've been told that since I quit, I seem much more "distracted" and off in my "own world". Also, my anxiety around strangers/large crowds has gotten worse. Now I feel like I want to avoid resturants if there are a lot of people. I have this odd "fear" of people I don't know.

BUT - I don't "crave" it, and I am not having a hard time at all with quitting. So, I guess that's good!

Wednesday I finally go to my Dr. for my first apointment. Wednesday can't come soon enough!

-Anty

[charlie]

AntyNet,
We're all pulling for you and sending you encouraging thoughts... YOU CAN DO IT!

[Ian]

It'll be a while before the dust settles. Hope you get another day in today.
ian

[AntyNet]

Thanks for all the kind words....

I'm just takin it one day at a time

-Anty

[Gregster]

Pot has very effective anti-anxiety properties, at least for me, and it sounds like perhaps you have been self-medicating with pot to treat anxiety, or at least to keep it at bay. I've been in your shoes too - and I guess I still am - I've quit several times before, but have fallen back into the habit, although now that I am being treated for ADHD, I smoke considerably less than I used to. The combination of improved impulse control from stimulants and the fact that I have a lot more hope than I used take the credit for my reduced rate of smoking. I also think that the stimulants are helping me in social situations, so that I am not as "socially anxious" and so don't feel the need (OK, I don't feel the need AS MUCH) to smoke before placing myself in social situations. We often use drugs like pot and alcohol to placate fear - and fears of a social nature are often the strongest (most people are more afraid of public speaking than of death, so what does that tell you!). I know that I have a touch of social anxiety disorder and your discription of your feelings about crowds and strangers may be indicitive of it too. You may want to discuss that possibility with your doctor if you think it could be part of the problem. You should be proud of yourself that you are making changes that will benefit your health and wellbeing.
Regards,
Greg

[Vero]

Hey - Congrats on quitting. I smoked pot for almost 10 years. I didn't think I'd ever quit. When I started Strattera my doc told me I couldn't smoke on Strattera b/c it would render the meds ineffective. So, in the spirit of giving the meds a fair shot I quit and started the meds the next day. I probably should've waited awhile but to my surprise after that I didn't want to smoke pot. I was 8 months weed-free. I had a little relapse - went to Woodstock and in the spirit of Woodstock.... well I caved. But back on the wagon and I still don't feel the cravings I always had. Actually when I smoked at Woodstock it didn't really do much for me. So, it gets easier with meds - are you taking anything yet????