I've been smoking MJ since I was 17 in high school and now I'm 21 and trying to quit for the 4th time. It's been a week since my last smoke and the first couple days I was experiencing the common withdrawal symptoms such as abnormally sweaty armpits, depression/anxiety, insomnia, hypersomnia, decreased appetite, irritability, feeling like c**p in the mornings, abnormal vision, muscle weakness, and joint pains (lower back/neck/wrist). I've also been coughing up black stuff nonstop and my penis seems to have shrunk about 1/4th it's normal size and it's hard to keep an erection (all of this goes away after the 2nd or 3rd week or stopping MJ use). I've been through this every time I've tried to quit and this time I'm through with it. I've come up with a rehabilitation remedy for MJ quitters out there. I've noticed that drinking chamomile tea helps me with my anxiety. As with the eating problems, just take small bites at a time and chew more effectively since your throat is tense from the marijuana cessation (your body was used to being in a constant relaxed state and now it doesn't know what to do anymore). You'll have to force yourself to eat to get your daily dose of calories or you'll feel worse and it'll slow down the detox process, eating keeps your metabolism going (also drink lots and lots of water and some juices like cranberry and OJ). Exercise(preferably a long walk,hike or bike ride)/sauna/hot baths help a great deal with the insomnia and other mental symptoms and I believe it helps speed the detox process through sweating (the skin is some times called the 3rd kidney since it eliminates toxins through your pores as opposed to urination/defecation). I also do about 5-10 minutes of intense breathing exercises to clear my lungs and get as much oxygen flowing through my blood, this calms me down, kinda like a natural high and slows things down. The first two weeks will be a nightmare but it should be downhill from there. The temptation will always be there. You may relapse in a month or two but you'll have to resist. Up with hope! Down with dope!
Loading...
k ive been smokin for four years everyday im only 15 i started because someone handed me the billie i smoked it loved it n have smoked it ever since but where i live its very dry n hard ta score right now ive gone without a bong for nearly 3 days i have a loss of appetite [cant eat less i got the munchies], i cant sleep, i smoke that many ciggies, its like im pinging[speed].i have really bad memery loss i used ta go thu an once a week, id rather have me choof then anything else n when i dont have anything ya should see my mood swings the lil things that sh*t me the most l8ly, ive tried quittin once before i was headbutting doors puttin holes in the walls physco m8 now ive tried plenty of drugs like speed, xtc, ice n heapz of persciption drugs if i got no choof ill try get vallium even panadine forte any thing that will make me drowsy, but the one drug that calms me.my boyfriend had to go to rehab to get off heroin n speed the 1st thing he did when he got out was have a pipe i think that you can only quit if you really put your mind to it its a hard thing to do y we start drugs in the first place tru......... ah na love me drugs and dont wanna quit but i hate the***** withdrawals tru
by brit
**edited by moderator**
by brit
**edited by moderator**
Loading...
wow......first of all, thanks for sharing everyone, and lets ALL keep the forum going. Be sure to share updates too guys (and gals)!!
going into my junior year at college about 3 years ago, i fell in love with mary jane... and boy she hooked me with the quickness. It seems like couple of years is a short time compare to a lot of ppl on the forum. But let me tell you... it did NOT take long to reach the daily wake-n-bake stage. So for those who still believe pot is not addictive, totally harmless, or if youre one of those i-could-quit-anytime-i-want ppl, if you're not superman then FU for trying to have others believe that kinda BS.
here's my story...
I grew up in a educated and cultured family. my family is the first generation in the US, throughout their lives, they have fought very hard and have come a LONG way to have what we have today... the AMERICAN dream. So to continue what they have started and to live up this great life, i promised myself to never let 'em down and never take anything for granted. (trust me... if you were born in that little sh*t hole shack from that very 3rd world country and ending up with your own private suite in a multi-million dollar home at this age, you'll feel the same. ) Yes, i kept my words, i got into a great college that everyone is proud of, and have been fully involved in the family business since high school. That is, until i was
introduced to weed...
i guess like everyone... it all started with curiosity, and hearing things like "weed aint drug", "all natural baby!", "everyone does it", "it gives you inspiration", "it gives you creativity", "even doctors smoke pot" blah blah blah... i can give you an endless amount of "good" things i heard about weed and with it's wide availability and exposure (especially where i live) to the point i no longer catergorize it as a drug. So what harm could it do right? i see ppl smoking pot at almost every house party i went to during high school and college, and they all seem fine. and one day... i finally said f**k it, it's probably just like drinkin some beers, let's give it a shot. then the bong came to me...
first time... felt a little strange, but in a good way. Next party... decided to try it again, "juuuuust to see if it was the same feeling" Oh hey! "i think i'm getting the hang of it" Again, and again and again. Before i knew it, i was telling myself what i've been missing out all these years! It's f*****g miracle plant! i was flying.
within a couple of months, i started picking up like all the regulars. and if i was gonna smoke it, might as well smoke the best sh*t right!? so i spent good money on good weed everytime. Not long, I started to smoke every morning, before meals, between classes, during classes, after classes, and eventually f**k the classes cuz i'll always pass! I thought i was having the best times of my life, everything while high seemed BETTER. Animal Planet never seemed so interesting, carne asada fries never tasted so great! and the sex... wow, just wow.
Like this, a year or so passed in a blur. My consumption of marijuana had gone up dramatically by that time just to keep up with the same high. I was always searching for better bud, had to keep a sack on me at all times. new ways of smoking formed and new devices used for better effect. Also found myself smoking during dangerous times or places like smoking a joint right in school stair case, or trying to shift into 2nd gear while sucking on that dinky pipe. Didnt matter waht my chances were, i had to get high.
Then it hit me one day, a severe panic attack from just a regular session. I've heard about these panic or anxiety attacks prior to that but i thought it'll never be me cuz it had only made me feel good so far. The feeling was so intense it frightened me to death and my view on weed changed since. I tried stopping but never thought it could only last a day and i was on that bong again. Hated to admit that i was addicted, hated to slowly to realize all the great feelings were BS, just numbness. Friends began to vanish one by one, they did not reject me, i rejected them, in shame. Somehow I still managed to graduate, with an embarassing academic records no where close to my own expectations. byebye grad school, byebye MBA. Thought 'bout looking for a stable job with my bachelor degree outside the family business, but um... drug tests are everywhere, so byebye to that too.
Worst of all, the ones that mattered the most started to shift apart from my life, my family and even my gf. Eventhough i was able to keep a secret from them this whole time but I'm sure they noticed difference in me. Without the social life i once had in college and with the fear that my loved ones will hate me if they knew, my life turned into solitude for a good period of time.
About a week and a half ago... I caught the flu. So sick i cant remember the last time i was so sick. There was no way for me to inhale any smoke but did it anyways. And I guess my body was way too weak to handle the bud, i went into panic attack again, but this time, the anxiety did not go away as the high died down. It was the same intensity of pain i felt before but it just kept on goin an goin, i had NO control over my body anymore so i just crumble up into a ball and cried and cried until passing out.
When i opened my eyes again. my bed was soaked with sweat, but to my surprise.. my mother was sitting next to me holding my hand. She had no idea, she thought i just had a really bad fever. when i looked into her worried eyes, I felt like a child again, I knew i had to quit for good this time so later on that night I watched the rest of my indica kush go down the toilet, and felt like i never made a better decision.
The depression and the breathlessness lasted for 2 whole days plus a combination of ALL the withdrawal symptoms found on this forum. With help of my family on my mind my anxiety slowly but steadily disappeared, i really saw hope and began to see a clearer path. Even though I'm still feeling most of the symptoms (my sweaty palms are literally gliding across the surface on my laptop as im typing this) But the worst parts gone, and the rest.... i can only tell myself: be strong, if you cant do it for yourself, at least do it for the ones you love.
bless all...
going into my junior year at college about 3 years ago, i fell in love with mary jane... and boy she hooked me with the quickness. It seems like couple of years is a short time compare to a lot of ppl on the forum. But let me tell you... it did NOT take long to reach the daily wake-n-bake stage. So for those who still believe pot is not addictive, totally harmless, or if youre one of those i-could-quit-anytime-i-want ppl, if you're not superman then FU for trying to have others believe that kinda BS.
here's my story...
I grew up in a educated and cultured family. my family is the first generation in the US, throughout their lives, they have fought very hard and have come a LONG way to have what we have today... the AMERICAN dream. So to continue what they have started and to live up this great life, i promised myself to never let 'em down and never take anything for granted. (trust me... if you were born in that little sh*t hole shack from that very 3rd world country and ending up with your own private suite in a multi-million dollar home at this age, you'll feel the same. ) Yes, i kept my words, i got into a great college that everyone is proud of, and have been fully involved in the family business since high school. That is, until i was
introduced to weed...
i guess like everyone... it all started with curiosity, and hearing things like "weed aint drug", "all natural baby!", "everyone does it", "it gives you inspiration", "it gives you creativity", "even doctors smoke pot" blah blah blah... i can give you an endless amount of "good" things i heard about weed and with it's wide availability and exposure (especially where i live) to the point i no longer catergorize it as a drug. So what harm could it do right? i see ppl smoking pot at almost every house party i went to during high school and college, and they all seem fine. and one day... i finally said f**k it, it's probably just like drinkin some beers, let's give it a shot. then the bong came to me...
first time... felt a little strange, but in a good way. Next party... decided to try it again, "juuuuust to see if it was the same feeling" Oh hey! "i think i'm getting the hang of it" Again, and again and again. Before i knew it, i was telling myself what i've been missing out all these years! It's f*****g miracle plant! i was flying.
within a couple of months, i started picking up like all the regulars. and if i was gonna smoke it, might as well smoke the best sh*t right!? so i spent good money on good weed everytime. Not long, I started to smoke every morning, before meals, between classes, during classes, after classes, and eventually f**k the classes cuz i'll always pass! I thought i was having the best times of my life, everything while high seemed BETTER. Animal Planet never seemed so interesting, carne asada fries never tasted so great! and the sex... wow, just wow.
Like this, a year or so passed in a blur. My consumption of marijuana had gone up dramatically by that time just to keep up with the same high. I was always searching for better bud, had to keep a sack on me at all times. new ways of smoking formed and new devices used for better effect. Also found myself smoking during dangerous times or places like smoking a joint right in school stair case, or trying to shift into 2nd gear while sucking on that dinky pipe. Didnt matter waht my chances were, i had to get high.
Then it hit me one day, a severe panic attack from just a regular session. I've heard about these panic or anxiety attacks prior to that but i thought it'll never be me cuz it had only made me feel good so far. The feeling was so intense it frightened me to death and my view on weed changed since. I tried stopping but never thought it could only last a day and i was on that bong again. Hated to admit that i was addicted, hated to slowly to realize all the great feelings were BS, just numbness. Friends began to vanish one by one, they did not reject me, i rejected them, in shame. Somehow I still managed to graduate, with an embarassing academic records no where close to my own expectations. byebye grad school, byebye MBA. Thought 'bout looking for a stable job with my bachelor degree outside the family business, but um... drug tests are everywhere, so byebye to that too.
Worst of all, the ones that mattered the most started to shift apart from my life, my family and even my gf. Eventhough i was able to keep a secret from them this whole time but I'm sure they noticed difference in me. Without the social life i once had in college and with the fear that my loved ones will hate me if they knew, my life turned into solitude for a good period of time.
About a week and a half ago... I caught the flu. So sick i cant remember the last time i was so sick. There was no way for me to inhale any smoke but did it anyways. And I guess my body was way too weak to handle the bud, i went into panic attack again, but this time, the anxiety did not go away as the high died down. It was the same intensity of pain i felt before but it just kept on goin an goin, i had NO control over my body anymore so i just crumble up into a ball and cried and cried until passing out.
When i opened my eyes again. my bed was soaked with sweat, but to my surprise.. my mother was sitting next to me holding my hand. She had no idea, she thought i just had a really bad fever. when i looked into her worried eyes, I felt like a child again, I knew i had to quit for good this time so later on that night I watched the rest of my indica kush go down the toilet, and felt like i never made a better decision.
The depression and the breathlessness lasted for 2 whole days plus a combination of ALL the withdrawal symptoms found on this forum. With help of my family on my mind my anxiety slowly but steadily disappeared, i really saw hope and began to see a clearer path. Even though I'm still feeling most of the symptoms (my sweaty palms are literally gliding across the surface on my laptop as im typing this) But the worst parts gone, and the rest.... i can only tell myself: be strong, if you cant do it for yourself, at least do it for the ones you love.
bless all...
Loading...
I smoked consistently since I was 21 and constantly since I was 23, I am now 28. In that time, I graduated college, held down a regular job and have had a luke warm social life. For the past 17 days, I have lived without weed.
It all started in college when my roommate and I decided to smoke one night out of bordom. I had only smoked twice before and had never really gotten high. That night we laughed and had such a good time, I was hooked. Within a year I was blowing off plans to stay in and smoke pot and my grades suffered. After college, smoking became a way of passing the time. I would smoke and watch old sitcoms or movies, but still have the will to get up and go to work. Although at the time I though I was hiding my habit from everyone, I realized that my friends and family must have known something was different.
Weed consumed my whole life. I chose an apartment because it had good ventalation and it was close to my dealer. I would call in sick just to smoke pot at 9 in the morning, go back to sleep, then smoke again when I got up. I lost a part-time job because of this dependence and have lost GFs. i didn't want to travel, something I alwasy loved doing, because I couldn't get high. I even pretended to be sick on Christmas so that I could stay home instead of going to my grandmothers, it turned out to be her last. I watched all my freinds become more independent while I withdrew into a shell.
On 3/6/07, my apartment lost power and when it came back on I had to reset all the fire alarms as normal. However one alarm kept beeping and upon further inspection, I realized it was the carbon monoxide detector. Well, had I been sober I would have realized that I had to press reset, instead I thought it was going off due to a gas leak and contacted the fire department. Although no one questioned my state of intoxication, I was high at the time, I felt as though I was a complete fool for over-reacting to a simple inidcator light that a five year old would have been able to decifer. If I over-reacted when nothing was happening, how would I react if I sometihng was happening. I made a fool of myself and it was then that I decided to take control of my life and quit mariquana.
I did experience withdrawel symptoms. I couldn't sleep for two weeks, in fact I still have a hard time. I have had night sweats where I have to get up and change my sheets. I lost about 5 lbs in the first week and even had bad enough flu like symptoms to keep me out of work for 3 days and have had periodic headaches.
It has been tough, no lie. I am proud of myself as I should be. I have been passing the time at the Gym, with friends, reading magazines and renewing old hobbies. I am not out of the woods yet, but each day it gets easier.
It all started in college when my roommate and I decided to smoke one night out of bordom. I had only smoked twice before and had never really gotten high. That night we laughed and had such a good time, I was hooked. Within a year I was blowing off plans to stay in and smoke pot and my grades suffered. After college, smoking became a way of passing the time. I would smoke and watch old sitcoms or movies, but still have the will to get up and go to work. Although at the time I though I was hiding my habit from everyone, I realized that my friends and family must have known something was different.
Weed consumed my whole life. I chose an apartment because it had good ventalation and it was close to my dealer. I would call in sick just to smoke pot at 9 in the morning, go back to sleep, then smoke again when I got up. I lost a part-time job because of this dependence and have lost GFs. i didn't want to travel, something I alwasy loved doing, because I couldn't get high. I even pretended to be sick on Christmas so that I could stay home instead of going to my grandmothers, it turned out to be her last. I watched all my freinds become more independent while I withdrew into a shell.
On 3/6/07, my apartment lost power and when it came back on I had to reset all the fire alarms as normal. However one alarm kept beeping and upon further inspection, I realized it was the carbon monoxide detector. Well, had I been sober I would have realized that I had to press reset, instead I thought it was going off due to a gas leak and contacted the fire department. Although no one questioned my state of intoxication, I was high at the time, I felt as though I was a complete fool for over-reacting to a simple inidcator light that a five year old would have been able to decifer. If I over-reacted when nothing was happening, how would I react if I sometihng was happening. I made a fool of myself and it was then that I decided to take control of my life and quit mariquana.
I did experience withdrawel symptoms. I couldn't sleep for two weeks, in fact I still have a hard time. I have had night sweats where I have to get up and change my sheets. I lost about 5 lbs in the first week and even had bad enough flu like symptoms to keep me out of work for 3 days and have had periodic headaches.
It has been tough, no lie. I am proud of myself as I should be. I have been passing the time at the Gym, with friends, reading magazines and renewing old hobbies. I am not out of the woods yet, but each day it gets easier.
Loading...
This site has been an incredible discovery for me. Today is day 2 after 17 years of CHRONIC smoking. I started being chronic a few years after first trying it... Weed became my lifestyle and I've been in its fog for over half of my life. I came to NEED it and I have done desperate and dangerous things to get it. Accepting who I am without it is difficult today.
I am scared of what to expect, I have experienced the "withdrawal symptoms" (mentioned on this site) for a long time (years) though this is my first attempt to quit. Back in '97 I lasted a week without smoking weed on a trip to Mexico (though I cried and lost my cool for days). I believed that I must be an emotional wreck without weed (and still fear that I am).
I started experiencing the panic attacks a few years ago and hadn't really related them to my weed consumption until now. I've been open with my health practitioners about my pot smoking and even the psychologist didn't suggest that weed contributed... I've explained sharp pains in my brain to physicians etc... worried that (genetically) I may be prone to strokes/aneurisms... I've had panic attack symptoms freaking me into believing I was having a heart attack (chest tightness, numbness in arm/fingers)... I've experienced dizziness, seeing spots, blurred sight, extreme fatigue, lack of motivation, bad PMS, irritability, anti-social behavior... (I'm crying as I write this, hiding out in my boyfriend's room).
Strangely its been 2 days and I'm not yet craving it, can't understand that part at all... have experienced restlessness, weepiness, TERRIBLE sweats, nausea, lack of appetite, don't want anyone to see me like this...
Should I try and ween myself to a joint at night for awhile and bring the levels down to a more managable point before fully quitting?
A chronic friend of mine died from a brain aneurism and I am worried about these headaches. I want to get active but every time my blood starts to pump, the pain in my brain freaks me out. I do ALOT of worrying. Reading that it has been a withdrawal symptom eases my mind somewhat but also has me fearing that it will get worse. Any advice?
I am scared of what to expect, I have experienced the "withdrawal symptoms" (mentioned on this site) for a long time (years) though this is my first attempt to quit. Back in '97 I lasted a week without smoking weed on a trip to Mexico (though I cried and lost my cool for days). I believed that I must be an emotional wreck without weed (and still fear that I am).
I started experiencing the panic attacks a few years ago and hadn't really related them to my weed consumption until now. I've been open with my health practitioners about my pot smoking and even the psychologist didn't suggest that weed contributed... I've explained sharp pains in my brain to physicians etc... worried that (genetically) I may be prone to strokes/aneurisms... I've had panic attack symptoms freaking me into believing I was having a heart attack (chest tightness, numbness in arm/fingers)... I've experienced dizziness, seeing spots, blurred sight, extreme fatigue, lack of motivation, bad PMS, irritability, anti-social behavior... (I'm crying as I write this, hiding out in my boyfriend's room).
Strangely its been 2 days and I'm not yet craving it, can't understand that part at all... have experienced restlessness, weepiness, TERRIBLE sweats, nausea, lack of appetite, don't want anyone to see me like this...
Should I try and ween myself to a joint at night for awhile and bring the levels down to a more managable point before fully quitting?
A chronic friend of mine died from a brain aneurism and I am worried about these headaches. I want to get active but every time my blood starts to pump, the pain in my brain freaks me out. I do ALOT of worrying. Reading that it has been a withdrawal symptom eases my mind somewhat but also has me fearing that it will get worse. Any advice?
Loading...
Do men have emotional breakdowns too?
Loading...
After 13 years of daily marijuana use, average 3 - 4 a day, I decided to quit. It wasn't the cost as I received it free. Very good quality hash oil was the blend I preferred.
Symptoms - Week 1 - Irritability, difficult to get to sleep and stay asleep.
Symptoms - Week 2 - Dizziness laying down as well as moving around. At times I have to use a wall so I don't fall down.
Symptoms - Week 3 - I'm not there yet but its got to get better than week 2 or I might get out the jar again... Not! I have went this far and as they say, there is no going back.
Symptoms - Week 1 - Irritability, difficult to get to sleep and stay asleep.
Symptoms - Week 2 - Dizziness laying down as well as moving around. At times I have to use a wall so I don't fall down.
Symptoms - Week 3 - I'm not there yet but its got to get better than week 2 or I might get out the jar again... Not! I have went this far and as they say, there is no going back.
Loading...
I am a 32yr old female, and I am currently suffering from marijuana withdrawal pretty severely. I always thought it was nonaddictive, but now being forced to quit have stomach pain, nausea, insomia, no appetite, bowel problems (that's all I'm saying there), i pace endlessly, can't concentrate, sweat profusely (and really stink, I might add), and have had nonstop fever and chills. I also feel very "off" and disconnected, extremely irritable and blow up in anger over every little thing. The aggression and anger surprised me as i've always been very easy going even prior to ever using marijuana. I feel like I have the flu only worse.
I didn't even think it was addictive. I laughed at that and even WROTE RESEARCH PAPERS mocking the idea. I didn't think it at all possible to suffer withdrawal and didn't think it would be an issue, but am now shocked by how physically horrible I feel and how much I am obsessed with nothing but marijuana. I have smoked for almost 10 years with somewhere between 6 or 7 of the last years smoking daily. Any other time I quit for short periods, I did not experience any symptoms, but the other times I quit were along time ago before I'd began smoking heavily and daily. Even before quitting this time, I began to feel a bit like a junkie in all the ways people describe it with other drugs but then only shrugged it off as ridiculousness at the comparison. By the time I quit (just a handful of days ago), I had gradually gotten to where I was smoking EIGHT TIMES MORE in a day than a casual smoker could consume without passing out.
Now after quitting, I realize I had completely withdrawn and spent the majority of my time home alone, obsessed with being and staying high and continually seeking out weed to be able to remain high. If I did go out, it revolved around being with people who got high or at least featured a way I could get high while out. I showered less, quit brushing and cutting my hair, cleaned the house very little, and my ambition towards striving for my goals and aspirations that I used to be so ambitious about were beginning to fall to the wayside. And not to mention the large amount of money flying out the window at hyperspeed.
I want to add that I still believe it can be used responsibly in moderation and that it is much less physically and socially damaging than alcohol or even cigarettes. It should not be illegal or criminalized given the true facts of the substance. But again -the key is using responsibly in moderation.
Though no one is going to ever convulse and die due to marijuana withdrawal, for the first time I know firsthand that you can go through a true, physical withdrawal. Anyone that says otherwise hasn't smoked enough long enough to realize, and by the time that happens they will find out personally for themselves (or end up lifetime users). It seems it takes many years of heavy chronic use to experience it, and not all seem to experience it as severely, but it is very real.
I have talked to a couple of chronic, long-term smokers about my experience, and they reluctantly admit truth regarding withdrawal symptoms. I think they publicly still like to state it is completely harmless or at least so much less harmless than other drugs so as to justify their continued overuse.
I have only been marijuana free for four days, but it is hell. I can only hope the withdrawal is as short-lived as most sources say it is, but reading many personal experiences I'm guessing not..
Anyone who wants to talk about quitting or dealing with withdrawal can email me at ****** None of the smokers I know are interested in quitting with me. It would be nice to coverse with a few who understand and are going through the same.
**edited by moderator ** e-mails not allowed **
I didn't even think it was addictive. I laughed at that and even WROTE RESEARCH PAPERS mocking the idea. I didn't think it at all possible to suffer withdrawal and didn't think it would be an issue, but am now shocked by how physically horrible I feel and how much I am obsessed with nothing but marijuana. I have smoked for almost 10 years with somewhere between 6 or 7 of the last years smoking daily. Any other time I quit for short periods, I did not experience any symptoms, but the other times I quit were along time ago before I'd began smoking heavily and daily. Even before quitting this time, I began to feel a bit like a junkie in all the ways people describe it with other drugs but then only shrugged it off as ridiculousness at the comparison. By the time I quit (just a handful of days ago), I had gradually gotten to where I was smoking EIGHT TIMES MORE in a day than a casual smoker could consume without passing out.
Now after quitting, I realize I had completely withdrawn and spent the majority of my time home alone, obsessed with being and staying high and continually seeking out weed to be able to remain high. If I did go out, it revolved around being with people who got high or at least featured a way I could get high while out. I showered less, quit brushing and cutting my hair, cleaned the house very little, and my ambition towards striving for my goals and aspirations that I used to be so ambitious about were beginning to fall to the wayside. And not to mention the large amount of money flying out the window at hyperspeed.
I want to add that I still believe it can be used responsibly in moderation and that it is much less physically and socially damaging than alcohol or even cigarettes. It should not be illegal or criminalized given the true facts of the substance. But again -the key is using responsibly in moderation.
Though no one is going to ever convulse and die due to marijuana withdrawal, for the first time I know firsthand that you can go through a true, physical withdrawal. Anyone that says otherwise hasn't smoked enough long enough to realize, and by the time that happens they will find out personally for themselves (or end up lifetime users). It seems it takes many years of heavy chronic use to experience it, and not all seem to experience it as severely, but it is very real.
I have talked to a couple of chronic, long-term smokers about my experience, and they reluctantly admit truth regarding withdrawal symptoms. I think they publicly still like to state it is completely harmless or at least so much less harmless than other drugs so as to justify their continued overuse.
I have only been marijuana free for four days, but it is hell. I can only hope the withdrawal is as short-lived as most sources say it is, but reading many personal experiences I'm guessing not..
Anyone who wants to talk about quitting or dealing with withdrawal can email me at ****** None of the smokers I know are interested in quitting with me. It would be nice to coverse with a few who understand and are going through the same.
**edited by moderator ** e-mails not allowed **
Loading...
its been abut almost 3 month since i quit dope
i was wondering if this normal? ?
i was wondering if this normal? ?
Loading...
first id like to thank everyone for sharing their stories, you all have been a big help. im 28 years old and have been smoking marijuana daily since i was 16. ive been addicted to other substances in the past (alcohol, cocaine, adderal, nicotine) and have been clean of all of those for over 5 years. i might add that quitting those was actually surprisingly easy for me. i have tried numerous times to quit marijuana and rarely make it more than a week. im currently on day 5 of being clean. i have experienced most of the withdrawal symptoms people have spoke of but the one that is the most painful for me are the nightmares. these occur almost nightly and usually right before i wake in the morning. i have always been a lucid dreamer and generally enjoy my dreams. the ones i have now are horrible, they almost always involve violence or extreme emotional anquish. also they seem to stretch on for hours and hours, when in fact they are usually only 60-90min. when i wake in the morning i am an emotional wreck, either raging with anger or in tears, for no clear reason.
i have been dealing with the other withdrawal issues fairly well i must admit. my strategy now is to always be busy, i work out at the gym for at least 2 hours and again before bed. i basically try to phyiscally exhaust myself until my body has no choice but to sleep.
i live in the US and do not have health insurance otherwise i would speak to a doctor about this. i was diagnosed with ADD as a child and i also suspect that i suffer from bi polar disorder. if anyone knows any tricks to deal with these nightmares you just might save whats left of my pathetic little life. thanks again to the posters and to steadyhealth.com for providing a place to ask for help for those of us who cannot afford any other options.
-pete
i have been dealing with the other withdrawal issues fairly well i must admit. my strategy now is to always be busy, i work out at the gym for at least 2 hours and again before bed. i basically try to phyiscally exhaust myself until my body has no choice but to sleep.
i live in the US and do not have health insurance otherwise i would speak to a doctor about this. i was diagnosed with ADD as a child and i also suspect that i suffer from bi polar disorder. if anyone knows any tricks to deal with these nightmares you just might save whats left of my pathetic little life. thanks again to the posters and to steadyhealth.com for providing a place to ask for help for those of us who cannot afford any other options.
-pete
Loading...
Alright, my friends. I'll briefly tell you my experience, and I'll give you my very best suggestions.
I smoked marijuana for 5 years straight. From 2 grams to 5 grams a day most days. I tapered off of it as it began to give my anxiety, worsen my depression, and the worst side effect - tachycardia! The tach attack I had was so bad (I know tachycardia and related heart fibrillations are common with long term marijuana use or even just anxiety in combination with marijuana) that I was very convinced I was going to die. This prompted my to quit and furthermore, change my lifestyle.
So, here's the deal, my friend. Withdrawal from marijuana is no joke. It's not all psychological, and indeed can be dissabilitating. I experienced bad night sweats, vivid dreams, insomnia, shakes, pains in my side, restless legs and overall restlessness. And some nasty detox sweats.
Here's what I did to get by:
Firstly, I got rid of all my smoking apperati (you probably know that trick) and gave away my remaining marijuana and hashish. The insomnia is something that almost nothing can over power. Don't use alcohol or even bother with sleep medication for that matter. Take a week or two off work if you really can't sleep and keeps yourself busy reading and such. After a few days I felt tired but still couldn't get my body to settle down. This is wear excercise comes in. Excercise (and lots of it) do you a world of good for marijuana withdrawal. It combats so many symptoms at once, you won't believe it. Just don't slack on it, you really must push yourself. I find excercise helped greatly with insomnia, sweats (get's it all out without getting random or night sweats), restlessness, sore muscles, shaking hands and almost all the psychological symptoms (especially irritability, depression, negative outlook and boredom). It's important to note the excercise inhibits many of, and more, of the 5-HT receptors that marijauan and other substances do. You'll feel more productive on top of feeling a huge mood lift. Now for pains, headaches, restless legs and insomnia (in combination with excercise earlier in the day) I take a little (100-200mg) of Valerian once in the afternoon and a good 800-1200mg an hour before bed. 5-HTP can help with this, but be careful with that stuff because they bottle often recommend taking 100mg-300mg a day. Taking 25-50mg is plenty, trust me. Too much 5-HTP can make you more restless and give you that tachycardia I dispise so much. Drink anti-oxidants like tea, pure cranberry juice, pamagranen juice or even a glass of red wine. Don't over due the wine or the sweats will become worse. But lots of anti-oxidants may makes you sweat a little more as well, but this is good (your body is detoxing - 60% of THC secretes through sweat glands). Just don't drink too much alcohol, or you'll be constantly detoxing (meaning so much sweat it's not funny). Also cutting out fat from your diet, or as much as possible, will really help with stomach pains. Eat raw fruits and vegetables, lots of filtered water and you should do fine. I know that pineapple and grapefruit help breakdown foods and speed up metabolism (great tip for a diet -- eat either of these fruits after or with a meal, especially breakfast, and you'll burn that fat better than ever). They should help with stomach pains and cramps.
That's about all I have for the majour physical side effects. I experienced almost all of them that I read up. I hope my research here will help you all, it sure helped me get past the thick of it faster than I thought (been only a month and I feel fanatastic).
Some more suggestions I have, and these go for anyone experiencing anxiety, depression, irriability or similar symptoms from marijuana, other substances, mental disorder and/or environmental stress:
Meditate regularly. Eat healthy and excercise (as mentioned). Tallk to others about your issues (blogging is a great start). Help others with their issues as often as possible. Play with your pets, kids, family members. Engage yourself in community activities, charity or just keep yourself busy with others. Respect and love others and the environment around you (you'll receive the same respect in turn). Smile, it's contagious. Practice Buddhism, religion, philosophy as you see fit. And kick back, life's not as serious as everyone would have you think. The little things are the biggest things in life. Enjoy that warm shower, nice cup or tea or embrassing hug like it never has to end.
Peace be with you all.
**edited by moderator**emails not allowed**
I smoked marijuana for 5 years straight. From 2 grams to 5 grams a day most days. I tapered off of it as it began to give my anxiety, worsen my depression, and the worst side effect - tachycardia! The tach attack I had was so bad (I know tachycardia and related heart fibrillations are common with long term marijuana use or even just anxiety in combination with marijuana) that I was very convinced I was going to die. This prompted my to quit and furthermore, change my lifestyle.
So, here's the deal, my friend. Withdrawal from marijuana is no joke. It's not all psychological, and indeed can be dissabilitating. I experienced bad night sweats, vivid dreams, insomnia, shakes, pains in my side, restless legs and overall restlessness. And some nasty detox sweats.
Here's what I did to get by:
Firstly, I got rid of all my smoking apperati (you probably know that trick) and gave away my remaining marijuana and hashish. The insomnia is something that almost nothing can over power. Don't use alcohol or even bother with sleep medication for that matter. Take a week or two off work if you really can't sleep and keeps yourself busy reading and such. After a few days I felt tired but still couldn't get my body to settle down. This is wear excercise comes in. Excercise (and lots of it) do you a world of good for marijuana withdrawal. It combats so many symptoms at once, you won't believe it. Just don't slack on it, you really must push yourself. I find excercise helped greatly with insomnia, sweats (get's it all out without getting random or night sweats), restlessness, sore muscles, shaking hands and almost all the psychological symptoms (especially irritability, depression, negative outlook and boredom). It's important to note the excercise inhibits many of, and more, of the 5-HT receptors that marijauan and other substances do. You'll feel more productive on top of feeling a huge mood lift. Now for pains, headaches, restless legs and insomnia (in combination with excercise earlier in the day) I take a little (100-200mg) of Valerian once in the afternoon and a good 800-1200mg an hour before bed. 5-HTP can help with this, but be careful with that stuff because they bottle often recommend taking 100mg-300mg a day. Taking 25-50mg is plenty, trust me. Too much 5-HTP can make you more restless and give you that tachycardia I dispise so much. Drink anti-oxidants like tea, pure cranberry juice, pamagranen juice or even a glass of red wine. Don't over due the wine or the sweats will become worse. But lots of anti-oxidants may makes you sweat a little more as well, but this is good (your body is detoxing - 60% of THC secretes through sweat glands). Just don't drink too much alcohol, or you'll be constantly detoxing (meaning so much sweat it's not funny). Also cutting out fat from your diet, or as much as possible, will really help with stomach pains. Eat raw fruits and vegetables, lots of filtered water and you should do fine. I know that pineapple and grapefruit help breakdown foods and speed up metabolism (great tip for a diet -- eat either of these fruits after or with a meal, especially breakfast, and you'll burn that fat better than ever). They should help with stomach pains and cramps.
That's about all I have for the majour physical side effects. I experienced almost all of them that I read up. I hope my research here will help you all, it sure helped me get past the thick of it faster than I thought (been only a month and I feel fanatastic).
Some more suggestions I have, and these go for anyone experiencing anxiety, depression, irriability or similar symptoms from marijuana, other substances, mental disorder and/or environmental stress:
Meditate regularly. Eat healthy and excercise (as mentioned). Tallk to others about your issues (blogging is a great start). Help others with their issues as often as possible. Play with your pets, kids, family members. Engage yourself in community activities, charity or just keep yourself busy with others. Respect and love others and the environment around you (you'll receive the same respect in turn). Smile, it's contagious. Practice Buddhism, religion, philosophy as you see fit. And kick back, life's not as serious as everyone would have you think. The little things are the biggest things in life. Enjoy that warm shower, nice cup or tea or embrassing hug like it never has to end.
Peace be with you all.
**edited by moderator**emails not allowed**
Loading...
Oh, and Kella, men certainly are capable of having breakdowns as well. I've only recently overcome terrible depression, anxiety, ect. And am still "over" emotional at times. We are all the same, reguardless of gender.
The best remedy is someone to talk to. I make my email public for a reason, anyone here can feel free to unleash the furry upon me, or share what they must. It's part of healing. And I know all about healing.
Grab a warm cup of tea, your kitten, or whatever comforts you and talk to someone that's willing to listen.
The best remedy is someone to talk to. I make my email public for a reason, anyone here can feel free to unleash the furry upon me, or share what they must. It's part of healing. And I know all about healing.
Grab a warm cup of tea, your kitten, or whatever comforts you and talk to someone that's willing to listen.
Loading...
Oh, I'm so silly. This is for Pete.. Valerian root is great for insomnia but can intensify dreams. Therefore, if you have nightmares it may not be the greatest idea. Although, if you willing to risk augmenting them to improve them give a low amount a try a few hours before bed. For me, I find that Valerian root makes me more lucid and in control of my dreams. I often find myself feeling as if I can either control a bad and scary situation, or that I just plain know it is a dream (which sometimes turns the nightmare into a comedy. "Aliens after me? Ha, as if they'll get at me from inside a dream").
But like I said, only if you want to risk augmenting the nightmares. It may dampen your dreams as well, making them less frieghtening and memorable. Kava is fairly good for the too. Hard to percure in Canada, if you're a Canadian like myself. It's sold everywhere in the states though (silly Health Canada %-) )
But like I said, only if you want to risk augmenting the nightmares. It may dampen your dreams as well, making them less frieghtening and memorable. Kava is fairly good for the too. Hard to percure in Canada, if you're a Canadian like myself. It's sold everywhere in the states though (silly Health Canada %-) )
Loading...
Hi everyone. Thanks so much for all your stories. This is saving me right now...as I struggle to stay away from the bong.
This is my third day not smoking. I've been smoking for about 4 years, nightly. I've quit several times, even for months at a time, but have NEVER felt like such c**p doing it.
I have every single withdrawal symptom mentioned by everyone here: extreme sweatiness, depression, dizziness, especially when I stand up, weakness, muscle aches, nightmares etc. However, the stomach thing is a little different: I feel full and bloated but I want to eat. I'm actually afraid of gaining weight, which is not great because I use to have an eating disorder and I like the healthy weight I'm at now and don't want to become paranoid about this issue again. I love to exercise, but I can't do what was suggested above, because since I've quit smoking, I've had NO energy. I really really can't move. I tried to run like usual and I can hardly make it through half of my route. My weight lifting is exhausting...and my muscles hurt afterwards for the first time in years. I don't know what to do about this. I really really want to go for my usual run! Anyone have this problem?
I'm not really having trouble sleeping. I've always had trouble sleeping (one of the principal reasons I smoke weed at night), but now I just feel like sleeping all the time.
I hope that all you who are quitting succeed. I really want to keep trying. I can't do this for the rest of my life!
M
This is my third day not smoking. I've been smoking for about 4 years, nightly. I've quit several times, even for months at a time, but have NEVER felt like such c**p doing it.
I have every single withdrawal symptom mentioned by everyone here: extreme sweatiness, depression, dizziness, especially when I stand up, weakness, muscle aches, nightmares etc. However, the stomach thing is a little different: I feel full and bloated but I want to eat. I'm actually afraid of gaining weight, which is not great because I use to have an eating disorder and I like the healthy weight I'm at now and don't want to become paranoid about this issue again. I love to exercise, but I can't do what was suggested above, because since I've quit smoking, I've had NO energy. I really really can't move. I tried to run like usual and I can hardly make it through half of my route. My weight lifting is exhausting...and my muscles hurt afterwards for the first time in years. I don't know what to do about this. I really really want to go for my usual run! Anyone have this problem?
I'm not really having trouble sleeping. I've always had trouble sleeping (one of the principal reasons I smoke weed at night), but now I just feel like sleeping all the time.
I hope that all you who are quitting succeed. I really want to keep trying. I can't do this for the rest of my life!
M
Loading...
Hey charlie. In response to your question. I do still recommend as much excercise as possible, but yes, I feel it's much more laboured then when I did smoke. I even got high (particullarly on hashish) when I biked long distance. I feel as if I can bike a little more than half of what I could last year. I'm still at the beginning of the season, but it's harder to be motivated for sure.
When I feel like excercising but don't have the energy I find a good healthy meal 30 minutes to an hour before hand helps. Grapefruit is awesome for speeding up metabolism. I suffered from eating disorders as well, when I was fairly young. I don't know if you're male or female, but I'm a male, and for that reason, for me, it was all the more embarrassing. And I was only 15 or 16 when this was an issue. Now-a-days I don't worry about gaining weight too much, but I'd like not to. I know that reguardless of how much excercise you get eating within an hour of waking up in the morning really gets your metabolism going. Try that. Also get some protein in you right away (I enjoy eggs in the morning, sometimes even tofu even though it's seems strange early in the day). Eat high protein, low fat and low carb meals ASAP when you wake. Follow it up with a little bit of fruit. Pine Apple and Grapefruit are the best that I know of. They break down food in your stomatch faster and speed up metabolism. Tomatoes are great too. If you're really worried about metabolism and want some energy I really suggest eating a whole grapefruit after every meal (except maybe dinner) and eat fruits high in anti-oxidants. Tomatoes, grapefruit, pine apple, mellons, apples (great for fibre) and pamagranates are excellent. Also, eating a fair sized breakfast and then snacking every hour of the day on fruits and veggies is always better than having three larger meals. Try to eat at least seven times a day, at least every two hours and have a light last meal two hours before bed (never eat within an hour of bed. Although, I'm constantly guilty of this). Don't forget to get enough protien by some means, eggs really are great. So is tofu. Chicken and fish is cool if you eat meat, red meat is best saved for rewarding yourself. Pork is never really a great idea (neither is most red meat though). And lastly, get 24 grams of fibre a day. That is no easy task. Most people get 12g or so. I really recommend All Bran to avoid eating @ss loads of carbs. All Bran Buds in yogurt are a favourite of mine after an egg or two in the morning, followed up by the all mighty grape fruit (a couple grams of fibre are present in most fruit, like the GF). Apples have 5-9 grams of fibre in each. I really suggest eating a bowl of all bran and at least an apple somewhere as a snack. Without fibre, you won't get that food out of you. And remember, no matter how inconvenient it sounds, you should really go to the washroom (and you know what I mean here) an average of 1.5 times a day. Twice is best.
Food really effects your energy levels. You will feel like c**p when you eat c**p. Hence the saying "you are what you eat."
Anyway, my friend. Best of luck to you. Keep posting if you need any more advice.
When I feel like excercising but don't have the energy I find a good healthy meal 30 minutes to an hour before hand helps. Grapefruit is awesome for speeding up metabolism. I suffered from eating disorders as well, when I was fairly young. I don't know if you're male or female, but I'm a male, and for that reason, for me, it was all the more embarrassing. And I was only 15 or 16 when this was an issue. Now-a-days I don't worry about gaining weight too much, but I'd like not to. I know that reguardless of how much excercise you get eating within an hour of waking up in the morning really gets your metabolism going. Try that. Also get some protein in you right away (I enjoy eggs in the morning, sometimes even tofu even though it's seems strange early in the day). Eat high protein, low fat and low carb meals ASAP when you wake. Follow it up with a little bit of fruit. Pine Apple and Grapefruit are the best that I know of. They break down food in your stomatch faster and speed up metabolism. Tomatoes are great too. If you're really worried about metabolism and want some energy I really suggest eating a whole grapefruit after every meal (except maybe dinner) and eat fruits high in anti-oxidants. Tomatoes, grapefruit, pine apple, mellons, apples (great for fibre) and pamagranates are excellent. Also, eating a fair sized breakfast and then snacking every hour of the day on fruits and veggies is always better than having three larger meals. Try to eat at least seven times a day, at least every two hours and have a light last meal two hours before bed (never eat within an hour of bed. Although, I'm constantly guilty of this). Don't forget to get enough protien by some means, eggs really are great. So is tofu. Chicken and fish is cool if you eat meat, red meat is best saved for rewarding yourself. Pork is never really a great idea (neither is most red meat though). And lastly, get 24 grams of fibre a day. That is no easy task. Most people get 12g or so. I really recommend All Bran to avoid eating @ss loads of carbs. All Bran Buds in yogurt are a favourite of mine after an egg or two in the morning, followed up by the all mighty grape fruit (a couple grams of fibre are present in most fruit, like the GF). Apples have 5-9 grams of fibre in each. I really suggest eating a bowl of all bran and at least an apple somewhere as a snack. Without fibre, you won't get that food out of you. And remember, no matter how inconvenient it sounds, you should really go to the washroom (and you know what I mean here) an average of 1.5 times a day. Twice is best.
Food really effects your energy levels. You will feel like c**p when you eat c**p. Hence the saying "you are what you eat."
Anyway, my friend. Best of luck to you. Keep posting if you need any more advice.
Loading...